The Capital Area Performers (CAP) has come together to pay homage to a legendary gospel singer of yesterday by the name of Mahalia Jackson. “A Tribute to Mahalia” is a soul-stirring production arranged and directed by Vanessa Cunningham Sanders, and will be performed at J. W. Sexton High School, 102 S. McPherson, Lansing on Dec. 30, 2005 and Jan. 6,7 & 8, 2006. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the box office.

The CAP is comprised of some of Lansing’s community talent with the goal of bringing African-American theatrical history and stories to the greater Lansing area. They are dedicated to sharing their various crafts while performing in front of a live audience. Community theatre in Lansing is definitely alive and well and the CAP have been practicing diligently to bring you a quality performance.

Please come out and relive the beautiful legacy of Mahalia Jackson, who was a staunch supporter of Rev. Martin L. King, Jr.’s, Civil Rights movement. Furthermore, she never hesitated to share her talent for his cause.

Ms. Jackson’s unique gospel style helped to change the way religious music was sung in churches, concerts, conventions, etc. Sanders, a gifted musician and soloist in her own right, was born into one of Lansing’s finest musical families. You might be familiar with two of her brothers, jazz Saxophonist Tim Cunningham and blues performer Freddie Cunningham, known in the greater Lansing area as “Root Doctor.” For more information, call 517-372-0828 or email caplansing@aol.com.