Jonathan Butler Live In Pasadena Assemblymember Chris Holden To Serve As Honorary Host

March 20, 2014 - PRLog -- Stephen B. Steward, concert producer and long time Altadena residents, Leroy and Anna Toliver, founders of LOV Olive Branches, CDC presents for one night only South African native, grammy-nominated jazz and gospel singer, Jonathan Butler in Concert at thehistoric landmark Ambassador Auditorium in Pasadena, CA on Saturday, April 12, 2014.  Assemblymember Chris Holden to serve as Honorary Host of this noteworthy event.

Jonathan has proven he is a definitely powerful when it comes to writing breezy acoustic guitar melodies.  His secular trademark hit like “Sarah Sarah” and “Lies” or songs from his worship CDs (“Falling In Love With Jesus”), his soaring, gritting but beautiful voice transports listeners to deeper realms both emotionally and spiritually.

Butler is light years away from the three bedroom shack he shared with his parents, 12 siblings and 13 nieces and nephews while growing up during the Apartheid era.  Racial segregation and poverty during Apartheid has been the subject of many of his records.  Forever famous locally as both a teen superstar and as the first black artist to have a song played on a radio station, and he’s toured the globe with Kirk Whalum, Dave Koz and Ruby Turner.

“We are thrilled to bring this amazing jazz and gospel artist to our community” says, Leroy Toliver.  The shows will feature Jonathan in a unique setting providing intimate behind the music stories about his hit songs and also classic gems, performing all the songs you have grown to love. The audience will be treated to a special evening where Jonathan will tell stories about his music, writing experiences and memories growing up in South Africa and eventually settling in Los Angeles.

Gospel Icon, Andraé Crouch will make a special guest appearance.  Affectionately called The Father of Modern Gospel, Crouch’s songs include favorites such as “My Tribute (To God Be the Glory),”“Take Me Back,”“Soon And Very Soon,” and the newly-minted classic, “Let The Church Say Amen.” His work has been on display on the big and small screens including The Color Purple’s “Maybe God’s Trying To Tell You Something” and the theme song to the sitcom, Amen.  Singlehandedly, Crouch has changed the genre of Gospel music.

Pasadena’s own, Stephen B. Steward will debut on the same stage.  Steward is an award-winning gospel singer, songwriter, and producer whose contemporary worship stylings have seen him touted as one of the genre’s top rising acts.

Tickets for the concerts are available now and can be purchased on www.stephenbsteward.com/tickets.  The ticket prices are General Admission $25, Children 12 and under $10.  Hospitality packages are also available and can be purchased for $50.

About Jonathan Butler

Jonathan began touring at the age of seven when he joined a traveling stage show, and was later signed up to perform on a string of hit recordings, turning him into a local teen idol. In 1978 he found the inspiration and encouragement to begin expressing himself as a composer and songwriter when he joined Cape Town's best known jazz/rock outfit, Pacific Express. Two albums were recorded with the Express personnel, and some Pacific Express songs were later released on the1988 7th Avenue album. All three releases were issued by Mountain Records.

Butler was signed to Jive Records in 1977, and in the early 1980s he moved to the United Kingdom where he remained for seventeen years. His international breakthrough came in 1987 with his Grammy nominated hit single, "Lies" and his cover version of the Staple Singers song "If You're Ready (Come Go with Me)", which he performed with Ruby Turner. Butler maintained a loyal following in the 1980s and 1990s, in South Africa, the United States and Europe.

About Andraé Crouch

Andraé Edward Crouch is an award-winning gospel musician, recording artist, songwriter, arranger, and producer. He continues to be a key figure in the Christian Music movement starting in the 1960s and until the present. He has won nine GRAMMY® awards (http://www.grammy.com/), six GMA Dove awards (http://www.doveawards.com/) and received an Oscar (http://www.oscars.org/) nomination, two Image Awards (http://www.naacpimageawards.net/), the NAACP Award and a Presidential Award in 2013. Andrae was inducted into the Gospel Music Association’s Gospel Music Hall of Fame (http://www.gmahalloffame.org/site/year-of-1998/) in 1998. Called the “the father of the modern gospel,”  he, more than anyone, expanded gospel music to include elements of R&B and modern popular styles during the 70s and 80s.  His current album titled The Journey was released in the Spring of 2011 and continues to encourage hearts around the world. Pastor Andrae's life has come full circle, from traveling and evangelizing to over 72 countries of the world to now serving as Pastor of the New Christ Memorial Church along with his twin sister Pastor Sandra Crouch in San Fernando, California. The church was founded by their parents and continues to make a mark in the community. Pastor Andrae is passionate and determined to leave a legacy for the youth to follow.

About Stephen B. Steward

Stephen B. Steward is an award-winning gospel singer, songwriter, and producer whose contemporary worship stylings have seen him touted as one of the genre’s top rising acts.  Readying his debut album ‘Enter Your Gates’ for a Spring 2014 release, kicked off with the Andraé Crouch-assisted ‘With My Whole Heart’, the collaboration with the Grammy winning gospel legend not only landed him a hit on the Billboard Top Gospel Singles Chart, but also helped him nab three 2013 Prayze Factor People’s Choice awards and the grand champion award. The critical acclaim for Stephen B. Steward continues to pour in as he can now celebrate the addition of three 2014 Rhythm of Gospel Award nominations to his decorated resume.  The nominations include “Worship/Praise Artist of the Year”, “Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year”, and “Songwriter of the Year”. The online voting system is open to voters from November 1, 2013 to March 1, 2014. You can cast your votes for Stephen B. Steward in categories 21, 31, and 35 at http://www.therhythmofgospelawards.com/VOTING.html

About LOV Olive Branches CDC

LOV Olive Branches was founded in 1999 by long time Altadena residents, Pastor Emeritus Leroy and Anna Toliver.   Although retired, both have been foster parents for more than 15 years.  On this journey their mission has been to graft in and give life to as many broken branches (children and families) as possible.  In 2008, LOV Olive Branches CDC was established as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and now serves the Greater Pasadena area through 4 main programs, Youth Music Education, Mentorship, Life Skills / Financial Literacy, and the Teil Foundation.  For More Information, please visit www.lovolivebranchescdc.com or call (626) 723-3223.