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Starting in the
year 2001 and continuing to the present, Ray Sidney and Firm Soundation has
ministered to audiences of different nationalities, cultures, races, and
religious beliefs. They have the unique opportunity and privilege of ministering
in song through "Sunday Gospel Brunches". Initially, they ministered 3 out 4
Sundays in each month at BB Kings Blues Club in Universal City for their Gospel
Brunch. But now they can be seen on a regular basis at the House of Blues,
which has locations all over America. Their lively, spirit-filled presentation
touches all who open their hearts to receive. They have even received attention
on CNN.com in an article describing how “Sin and Salvation collide in Las Vegas”
during the House of Blues Sunday Gospel Brunch at the Mandalay Bay Hotel.
As
leader, Ray Sidney expertly maneuvers the song selections to meet the
needs of the audience. He also has a wonderful sense of humor, causing
the crowd to burst into unexpected laughter. As stated on CNN.com,
he finds the “Amen Corner” in the crowd and even though he keeps the
Bible verse quoting to a minimum, it is clear that it’s all about
praising Jesus. In addition to leading this spectacular praise, he is
well on his way, establishing a Gospel ministry in Japan, traveling at
least twice a year to direct Gospel Music seminars. Group leader,
Ray Sidney has a love for people and ministry. He volunteers the
group to sing every Thanksgiving to minister to the homeless and
under-privileged who are bused in to the House of Blues. In addition,
he volunteers his time to direct a children’s choir in Watts and an
International Choir in Long Beach where most of the members are
college students at Long Beach State University.
The
level of talent represented in the group is evident when you look at
some of the major artisits they have been blessed to share the
stage with as a group and on an individual basis: Stevie Wonder,
Aretha Franklin, Andrea Bocelli, Michael Buble, Keith Richards, Nora
Jones, Lou Graham, Donald Lawrence, Kim Burrell, Carmen, Ted and
Sherry, Tonex, Michael Sembello, Kenny Loggins, and Richard
Carpenter. In 2009 some members were blessed to travel to Europe with
their musical messages, visiting Slovenia and Belgrade. They also
recorded back ground vocals on the song, "Let it go" written by
singer, writer, and actor Jacky Cheung from Hong Kong.
This
group could also be considered “A Family Affair” as 2 members are
brother and sister: Ray Sidney and Susan Sidney-Massengale and one
neice, Maree Reed with the remaining members being dear friends: Sandy
Adams, Stephan Gibu, Ivan Hicks, Dave Clark, Alexandra Taylor, Eric
O’Neal, and Sunnie Paxson. The love they have for one another is
evident when they minister!
Check out our band information on your
top right
For booking information
and pricing, call Mark Wood Entertainment in Southern California at
949.748.6850 |
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