By Wil Comstock
MCAU Contributing Writer
Gospel Brunch at City Winery
Sept. 13 (Saturday)
I always enjoy the Gospel Brunch; delicious chicken and waffles and a chance to see some new talent and a few old favorites.
Surprise guests, The McCrary Sisters, opened the brunch with a stirring rendition of “Amazing Grace.” It was set to the melody of “House of the Rising Sun.” Each sister took a verse, with Ann reaching deep down inside and crying out to God like I have never heard her before. Amen!
Artists of note were:
Uwade who is from West Africana and living in Charleston. Her sweet vocals and persona endeared her to the audience.
Courtney Marie Andrews who sounded a lot like an early Joni Mitchell with her lilting vocals and folk fingerpicking.
Jay Buchanan, who along with his band, put on quite a three-song show. His soaring vocals and magnetic stage presence made a fan out of everyone.
Tigers co-owner David Macias told us there would be a set change before the last guest came out. Sarah Potenza was the only person on the program who had not performed, so I rightly assumed it would be her. She usually has just her husband on guitar as backup. But out came the drums, bass, electric guitar and a baby grand, along with the talented Sista Strings on cello and violin. As the strings began, Sarah made her grand entrance in a sequined gown and sumptuously uttered the first line to “Nessun Dorma” from Puccini’s “Turandot.” (For those of you who are old enough, think of Areatha Franklin filling in for Pavarotti on the Grammy’s in 1998.) A stunning performance! She ended with a gospel choir backing her up on “Hallelujah Amen.” I’ve followed Sarah for 12 years and have been waiting for this moment; to have a company recognize her talent and give her the support she needs. Hallelujah and Amen.
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