Gospel royalty gathered with the industry’s top producers, vocalists, songwriters, and musical innovators in Las Vegas, NV. The Wilson Foundation for Performing Arts & Sciences’ Gospel Artist, Latrice Pace, was nominated for two Stellar Awards: Song of the Year and Contemporary Female Artist of the Year for her hit song “It’s Morning.” Over the weekend, Latrice soared to #9 on Media Base, #9 on Billboard, and #1 on Media Base Internet.
The weekend kicked off with a stop at The Shade Tree, where Latrice Pace performed and met with the leadership team after the Foundation donated 5,000 feminine kits. With the national campaign launching next month, starting a new partnership in a city where women can find safety, refuge, and community aligned with the mission and priorities of The Wilson Foundation for Performing Arts & Sciences.
( L-R : Jody Rice-Wagner, Latrice Pace, Linda C. Perez)
In a place where soulful tunes and melodies filled the air, the day was far from over as Latrice Pace took on the role of co-host at the Opening Act 5th Annual Artist Showcase. This event featured over ten artists, musical groups, and gifted voices from across the country, all coming together to share their talents in celebration of Stellar Awards Weekend. This showcase brought together remarkable voices from around the world and honored the legendary Dr. Bobby Jones and Gospel Artist & Pastor JJ Hairston. Held at the Christian Embassy Worship Center, Pace led with grace, captivating the audience with her presence and charisma.
On Friday, July 19th, Latrice Pace was invited to sing at the Stellar Awards Official Nominee Dinner hosted by Kierra Sheard Kelley. She performed her hit song “It’s Morning” as a co-act with Gospel Artist Lucinda Moore, who sang “Lord, I Hear You.” During the dinner, numerous awards were given, ranging from Radio Announcer of the Year to Praise & Worship Song of the Year. Surrounded by many of her peers who had voted her to the top, Pace received high praise for her chart-topping song.
On Saturday, the highlight was the 39th Annual Stellar Awards, the Main Show. The Blue Carpet was rolled out to welcome stars, nominees, honorees, guests, hosts, and sponsors. The Artist-In-Residence shared her journey, from her passion for writing EXODUS: The Journey to Obedience Vol. 2, through a season of grief and now into a season of “It’s Morning.” With national, gospel, and inspirational media outlets in attendance, Pace discussed the mission of WFPAS and her upcoming performances and appearances.
Following the Blue Carpet event, the award show was held at the Orleans Arena, where celebrities were honored. The night began with the “Song of the Year” category, with Tye Tribbett receiving the James Cleveland Award, followed by performances from artists such as Tamela Mann, Chandler Moore, Jovonta Patton, Erica Campbell, and many more.
To close out the weekend, Latrice Pace performed at the Urban Soul Cafe Grown Folks Gospel Brunch, hosted by Founder Carlos Hale, Ray Vernon II, Jai, Reyna Day, and DJ Team Lil Will. Inspired by the energy in the room, Pace captivated the audience with a freestyle gospel melodic rap before singing her Stellar-nominated song “It’s Morning.”
Held at the Pretty Soul Kitchen, the event featured performances by Adia Andrews, Da Truth, Break Miles, John Houston Smith, Titus Showers Sr., Brittney Wright, and Michael Flowers, with a special guest appearance by Jonathan McReynolds.
Be sure to watch the 39th Annual Stellar Awards, it airs on August 3rd, at 8/7 CST on BET.
As an Artist-In-Residence, Pace’s role supports the foundation by developing and executing initiatives that embed the arts into dynamic and innovative projects that strengthen and promote recovery, health, and well-being of individuals and communities.
About The Wilson Foundation for Performing Arts & Sciences:
The Wilson Foundation for the Performing Arts and Sciences (WFPAS) is 501(c)(3) organization that serves as a resource for strengthening participation and practice of the arts and sciences in the United States. Our aim is to cultivate the development of emerging and existing talent to sustain the resiliency and well-being of the American people. We are purposed to improve individual and program outcomes in underserved communities through strategic engagements that fuel the creative process and artistic and scientific ability to influence and elevate the quality of American life. The Wilson Foundation recognizes and celebrates the legacy of the Harlem School of the Arts in NYC, the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, and the John F. Kennedy Center, serving as a conduit for collaboration and innovation in arts learning, professional development, and community engagement.
Featured Image Credit: Alston Media Group
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