A spiritual type of joy will permeate The Venue at Horseshoe Casino in Hammond.
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The “Festival of Praise” is set for 2 and 8 p.m. shows Saturday, featuring Grammy Award-winning Fred Hammond.
Donnie McClurkin also is scheduled to perform at the shows, which give Hammond and company a chance to spread their message at a casino that draws many people from Chicago.
Hammond is a powerhouse when it comes to inspirational music. He snared a Grammy Award in a contemporary-gospel category for his album “Free to Worship.” The Dove Awards have also honored him. Another of Hammond’s notable albums is “Love Unstoppable,” released in 2009.
He began to build the foundation for his career by playing bass guitar for the gospel group the Winans. Hammond fueled his fame with stints in Commissioned and Radical For Christ.
He has enjoyed sales of millions of albums as a solo act and as a member of noteworthy gospel groups. Hammond indicated that validation of his artistry by the record-buying public is particularly satisfying for him.
“I’m not an awards person,” he said in a phone interview this month. “I stopped a long time ago needing the affirmation of awards.” Hammond said he prefers “the platinum and gold plaques” which signify both record-selling prowess and fan appreciation.
“People went to the store; they took their hard-earned money — those are the ones I really appreciate the most,” said the singer, who also is a songwriter and music producer.
Hammond will lead a stellar lineup at buoyant Hammond performances featuring emotional and rollicking religious fare.
“It’s a party atmosphere; it’s an intimate worship atmosphere,” the Grammy winner noted.”It’s something that has not been seen in urban music that I can ever remember in all my life.”
While contemporary gospel material will be showcased, Hammond said there also is a diversity to the program that encompasses more traditional offerings.
“We cover all grounds of urban or black gospel music — all gospel music, period,” Hammond, 54, said.
Having kicked off a national trek in late September, the “Festival of Praise” shows are big in scope, according to Gwendolyn Quinn, a publicity and marketing coordinator for the tour. “It’s the biggest gospel tour of the year,” Quinn said.
Big names in gospel will radiate an atmosphere of joy, love, hope and healing, according to Quinn, noting that the tour is scheduled to hit Africa in December for an engagement in Nigeria.
The performers who will be joining Hammond on stage at The Venue include Donnie McClurkin, Jessica Reedy, Isaac Carree, Zacardi Cortez and Kim Burrell, who is a Grammy nominee known for her jazzy vocals.
“It’s not a traditional show,” Quinn assured.
Hammond explained that onstage unity helps make “Festival of Praise” unique. “It’s going to be a family-style show, which is where all the artists come out and sing together,” the Dallas resident said. “They sing each other’s songs. We’re just on the stage from beginning to end.”
Additionally, the Hammond stop is scheduled to feature humor that is delivered by comedian Marcus D. Wiley.
All shows at the Venue are 21 and older.
Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance writer.
Festival of Praise
Where: The Venue at Horseshoe Casino, 777 Casino Center Drive, Hammond
When: 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday
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Tickets: $40-$60 for 2 p.m.; $40-$70 for 8 p.m.
Information: 219-473-7000, www.caesars.com/horseshoe-hammond