LAPLACE – On Thanksgiving night, the St. John Community Center will be hosting “Gospel on the Bayou,” featuring Gospel Recording Artist Vickie Winans who will be joined by former Sweet Wine musical group member Theresea Calhoun. Also appearing will be New Orleans own Nineveh Baptist Church Mass Choir.

“This is the first annual concert we are having here,” said Pastor Tony English.

Proceeds from the concert will be going towards charity.

“We are going to be giving to programs for the youth,” said English.

Benefits will go towards two scholarships for college students attending Christian colleges and two scholarships for students attending any college.

English also plans to emphasize higher education in the community as well as raising awareness about health problems afflicting African-Americans.

Headliner Vickie Winans released her first album in 1985 to high acclaim and has since been nominated for two Grammy awards. She has won a Stellar Award and the Excellence Award for Best Female Contemporary Artist.

Nineveh Baptist Church was organized in April of 1954 by the late Rev. Wilker Neal. Under his leadership the music ministry prospered for many years. Their debut CD was released on April 29, 2007 to a sold out audience at the New Orleans Airport Hilton Grand Ballroom.

“The choir has been nominated for a couple of awards in the state album of the year and single of the year,” English said.

Pastor Sam Baker is Minister of Music at Nineveh as well as director of a private music academy. In addition, he has served as Director of Bands at West Jefferson High School and John Curtis Christian School.

The Nineveh Mass Choir has toured and performed regionally from Atlanta, GA to the Carolinas, Austin, Texas and Shreveport, Louisiana.

Prices are as follows: Preferred seating $40, general admission $25, at the door $35.

Tickets can be purchased at Royal T’s; 1621 Airline Hwy., LaPlace, LA or Malikah’s Beauty Salon; 2308 3rd Street, Kenner, LA. Doors open at 5 p.m.; concert starts at 6 p.m.