CeCe Winans honored with proclamation, performs to sold-out crowd

By Kathy Feist

Grammy-award winning Gospel vocalist CeCe Winans was honored with a proclamation welcoming her to our city before performing to a capacity crowd at Evangel Church, 1414 E. 103rd St., on Friday night, August 25.

Missouri State Representative DaRon McGee surprised audience members and Winans with the announcement of the decree.  It followed on the heels of a rousing performance by the Evangel Church Choir and an impressive performance by the Center High School Choir, who had only five days of practice.  With the acceptance came Winans’ performance.

Winans started off singing a couple of songs off her new album “Let Them Fall In Love.” But it wasn’t until she sang the rousing number “Hey Devil” that the audience became fully engaged. This was followed by “Why Me Lord”, normally heard in Country music circles but with Winans’ crisp, clear vocals was given explosive meaning.  “Alabaster Box” harkened back to the 90s when her friend Whitney Houston reigned on the music charts. “Never Have to Be Alone” brought the auditorium alive with movement in every direction. In this closing number she was joined by the church choir.

The concert was a benefit for Center High School, specifically for the Center Foundation and for Center Friends, a mentoring program in which Evangel Church participates. Presentations were given for each during the initial opening performances for Winans.