Donald Lawrence Emcees Verizon’s “How Sweet the Sound Tour”

Grammy winning producer Donald Lawrence recently signed on as emcee for Verizon Wireless’ national eleven-city “How Sweet the Sound” choir competition. Gospel stars Marvin Sapp and Hezekiah Walker serve as judges along with a local radio personality. The former Tri-City Singers choir leader Lawrence will open the show with his classic “The Best is Yet to Come.” Various choirs perform and the first act closes with Sapp performing his #1 smash “Never Would’ve Made It.” The second act opens with Walker (or Smokie Norful in certain cities) performing one of his many hits before the competition continues.

Lawrence, Sapp and Walker perform one song as a trio and Lawrence closes the concert with his #1 hit “The Blessing of Abraham.” A choir will be crowned winner in each city and compete for the national grand finale prize of $50,000 and the title of the best choir in America. Tickets are $5-7 at www.ticketmaster.com and more info can be found at www.howsweetthesound.com .
The Quiet Water/Zomba Label Group artist Lawrence is hard at work on his second solo CD entitled “The Law of Confession.” Backed by a ten- member group of singers calling themselves The Co. The ensemble brought verve, devotion and refinement to a dozen songs inspired by the forthcoming book of the same name by Lawrence’s pastor Bill Winston of Chicago ’s The Living Word Christian Center (where the project was also recorded before a capacity audience).

The tour will visit these cities:

• September 13: St. Louis (Scottrade Center)
• September 15: Atlanta (Philips Arena)
• September 18: Newark, N.J. (Prudential Center)
• September 20: Detroit (Joe Louis Arena)
• September 23: Philadelphia (Wachovia Center)
• September 26: Washington, D.C. (Verizon Center)
• September 29: Chicago (United Center)
• October 2: Memphis, Tenn. (FedEx Forum)
• October 6: Houston (Toyota Center)
• October 10: Oakland, Calif. (ORACLE Arena)
• October 13: Los Angeles (LA Memorial Sports Arena)
• November 8: How Sweet the Sound Finale Concert in Atlanta