Marsha McWilson sings with Claudette King

Marsha McWilson organized the Gospel Blues Brunch, an 8-hour extravaganza, as part of the Niagara Falls Blues Festival, held in downtown Niagara Falls, NY, on September 18, 2016. Not only did she perform several times, including rousing numbers with Claudette King, the daughter of legendary bluesman B.B. King, but she also hand-picked a dozen acts to come to the stage and perform for the capacity crowd. 

The Gospel Blues Brunch started off at Noon with music from Richie Derwald, dressed in his Elvis jumpsuit. He sang classic songs like "Oh Happy Day" and "How Great Thou Art" in the style of Elvis Presley. Marsha followed with several songs including a cover of Tamela Mann's "Take Me To The King." The band Jesus Centered Music, as well as the Caribbean sounds of Oral Roberts, delighted those in attendance. The female harmony group Favva and the male harmony group Steadfast provided heavenly vocals, while Ezra Scott and his band brought some muscular funk to the proceedings. To keep things interesting, liturgical dancers from The Potter's House danced for the crowd and Cathy Townsend, from Chicago, sang "What A Difference A Day Makes" in a smooth, jazzy style. Gospel singing pioneer Jimmy Smith, Angel Vox (a sibling group from Uganda by way of The Congo), Ella Robinson and the New Beginnings Choral Ensemble, Men in White, Uncle Willie, The Beautiful Music Band, and even Marsha's son, Cameron, all performed at this day-long event. 

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