By Staff
Approximately two dozen additional performers plan to support The Old Rugged Cross Foundation's (ORCF) presentation of a special Sept. 16 concert, "Sandi Patty, a Piano and You…"
Most of the additional performers are from Michiana.
Patty, the Grammy- and Dove Award-winning Christian recording artist, is scheduled to perform at 8:30 p.m. in the Howard Performing Arts Center on the Andrews University campus, in Berrien Springs.
The concert benefits restoration of The Original Old Rugged Cross Church in Pokagon, between Dowagiac and Niles.
Justin Jeffery, of Berrien Springs, will help set the mood. He will perform classical and sacred piano selections in the Howard Performing Arts Center lobby as concert attendees gather.
Jeffery graduated from Andrews University in 2004, with a bachelor of music degree (in piano performance).
He has played the piano since he was a small child. He also plays the trombone and percussion instruments.
Jeffery is employed as a graphic designer in Andrews University's enrollment management department.
"I am looking forward to enjoying Ms. Patty's concert after my pre-concert contribution," he said. Jeffery often accompanies Andrews University student and faculty musicians and frequently performs with the "Cardinal Number," a local jazz quartet.
A community choir directed by David Carew, director of choral activities at Southwestern Michigan College (SMC) in Dowagiac, will perform six concert selections with Patty.
Those selections include "Crown Him With Many Crowns," "How Great Thou Art" and a praise medley.
The choir's base is the 12-member "Dogwood Chorale," which Carew directs. Other Michiana educators and businesspeople with extensive performance experience will join the chorale for the Sept. 16 event.
"Many of our singers grew up listening to Sandi Patty," Carew said. "They are very excited to have an opportunity to sing on stage with her. We are truly honored to be a part of this experience." Carew will begin his second year at SMC this fall. He and his wife, Debbie, and their son Jacob live in Buchanan.
Steven Potts, of Indianapolis, will be Patty's musical director and concert accompanist. Potts has influenced the Christian music arena for many years, serving as a church staff member and playing the piano professionally on stage and in recording studios.
A Texas native, Potts moved to Nashville in 1989 and became the staff arranger for Royal Tapestry Publishing.
He enjoyed a long career as one of Nashville's first-call players and arrangers. He has worked with many of Gospel music's greatest artists.
"Being able to accompany Sandi Patty has been one of God's greatest gifts to me," Potts said.