The Stellar Awards are hoping to shine brighter as they relocate to Las Vegas.
After nearly a decade, Central City Productions is announcing that the Stellar Awards would uproot from the country music capital in Nashville and move to the entertainment capital of the world—a new city, venue and brand new date of March 28, 2015.
Don Jackson, CEO and Chairman of Central City Productions, revealed that the telecast would be taped in front of a live audience at the Orleans Arena. “I am excited about moving The Stellar Awards to the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas to celebrate our 30th Anniversary in a bigger, more elegant venue,” said Jackson, founder and Executive Producer. “The 30th anniversary of The Stellar Awards will mark the longest running Black awards show in television and we wanted to commemorate this historic occasion in a first class venue that we know our gospel music stars and guests will enjoy.”
Las Vegas officials have lined up with open arms to embrace Jackson’s team with an even more stellar welcome. “As the official ambassador of Las Vegas, I look forward to welcoming The Stellar Awards and showing them how much we appreciate them choosing our destination,” said Oscar B. Goodman, former mayor and now the Chairman of the Las Vegas Host Committee.Giving You the Gospel briefly chatted with Jackson and his President and COO, Erma Davis, about the company’s decision to implement major changes as they prepare to celebrate a major milestone of 30 years.
JET: What made you change the date from January to March?
Don Jackson: “The date was moved to March to permit us to tape the show in late March and prepare it to premiere during Easter weekend, which will be the first time we have positioned the show as an Easter special. Due to the Gospel Music connotation, The Stellar Awards is more aligned with a faith-based holiday special rather than a Black History Month special.”
JET: Are you concerned about receiving any negative response?
Erma Gray: “Christ didn’t distinguish where he went to save souls. In talking to the ministers of Las Vegas, they don’t call it Sin City they call it Win City! I think that also, we have to go places to win over Christ—they won’t go to you so you have to go to them. When I’m sitting in Las Vegas it doesn’t make me any less Christian than in Chicago or anyplace else. It’s all about what’s inside of you.
JET: Was your strategy to move based on ministry or the best fit for the Stellars?
ED: “It was a strategic move and all of those factors were a part of it. When you look at a place for your production you look at all aspects of it. As we looked at Las Vegas, we thought about what people would think, so of course, we had to factor in so it’s a win-win situation for everyone. We picked the location so you don’t have to go to the casinos to get there. You can park outside and go straight into the auditorium—everything is under the same umbrella.”
For additional details including artist submissions and schedules, visit the Stellar Awards website.
In Other News:
The sound of inspiration continues in high gear this weekend in Atlanta with the 9th Annual Gospel Fest—Health and Wellness Festival. Dr. Riki Brooks announced this year the annual event will feature J Moss, Lisa McClendon, Natalie Grant, Donald Lawrence, Hezekiah Walker, Ricky Dillard and more. The festival will be held at the Cobb Galleria Centre on August 1 and August 2. The gospel fest promises to bless the entire family and elevate attendee’s spirit with gospel music concerts, healthcare workshops as well as with financial and literary empowerment workshops. There will also be special youth activities available. The legendary Vickie Winans will be presented with the Iconic Gospel Music Woman of Excellence Award during a black tie dinner, award and concert. For information visit HERE.
About Effie Rolfe
Effie Rolfe is a media consultant, personality and speaker. For years, she was the “voice of inspiration” each Sunday morning and middays on Chicago radio. She also speaks at schools, churches and workshops. Effie writes for several publications and is the author of The K(N)ots Prayer. Visit her Website effierolfe.com; like her on mseffierolfe.com and follow her via @effiedrolfe.