The Soar Awards, gospel music’s 2nd largest award show, to return to the Coronado in Rockford

By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The Soar Awards, which has grown to gospel music’s second-largest award show during its seven-year run, is returning to the Coronado Performing Arts Center for a second consecutive year.

This year’s event will take place Monday, March 4, and it will be recorded for a national television network, said Justin Djuane Francis, the founder and CEO of Soar Radio, which puts on the awards. Francis said he won’t announce the TV partner until the day of the event, but it will air during Black Music Month in June.

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The Soar Awards is different from other programs that focus on one-year achievements such as best artist or best album. Instead, it pays homage to a handful of performers each year for their impact on gospel music.

This year Marvin Sapp, Ricky Dillard, Travis Greene and Kim Burrell will be celebrated. (More on them at the end of the article for those unfamiliar with gospel music.)

“What we like to do is we like to salute artists,” Francis said. “Our award show is different in that it is more tribute based”

Tributes are made through songs and speeches, including some surprise appearances both pre-recorded and in-person. When the Soar Awards honored Rockford’s Michelle Williams, a gospel singer and member of the massive R&B group Destiny’s Child, Beyonce sent a video tribute. Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson delivered a surprise performance one year, calling just a day before the show to get on stage, Francis said.

“While you know who is on the lineup for the evening, you just don’t know what’s in store,” said John Groh, president and CEO of the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “It is truly fantastic that an event of this caliber goes before us as a community and builds our reputation, builds our brand domestically and internationally.”

Featured performers this year include award-winning singer Jekalyn Carr, Maranda Curtis, Anita Wilson, Brian Courtney Wilson, and more than a dozen others.

“It gives a great platform for both the independent, the up and coming, as well as the mainstream and major artists,” Francis said. “It bridges the gap.”

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The Soar Awards started in 2016 at the Tebala Event Center with just a few hundred people. It has now amassed more than 3 billion streams online and posts sellout or near-sellout crowds, Francis said. This is the third time it will be held at the Coronado, and the second straight year.

“I’m not really sure if our community understands or fully appreciates this event and how fortunate we are that this event is here in Rockford and has stayed in Rockford,” Mayor Tom McNamara said. “It’s nationally recognized. It’s internationally recognized.”

Rebecca Francis, vice president of the Soar Awards, said the event is accessible whether you’re a lifelong fan of gospel or listening for the first time.

The red-carpet event has the glitz of other award shows, and this year will be a chance for you to truly dress to impress with it being nationally televised, Rebecca Francis said.

“Everybody asks what is the dress code?” she said. “The dress code is slay.”

Get ready to go | Soar Awards

Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford

When: 7 p.m. Monday, March 4 (pre-show begins at 5:30 p.m.)

Tickets: Go to Ticketmaster.com; balcony seats are $25 today before prices go up

About the honorees

Marvin Sapp | Soar Icon Award

Marvin Sapp is a multiplatinum-selling gospel artist with 13 Grammy nominations, 24 Stellar Awards, two Soul Train Music Awards, two BET awards, four Dove Awards and numerous other accolades.

Ricky Dillard | Soar Legend Award

Ricky Dillard, known as “the Choir Master,” is a multiple Grammy and Dove award nominee who has been a force in gospel music since his debut album “Promise” in 1990. Dillard started his career as a house musician before transitioning to Christian songs and gospel.

Kim Burrell | Soar Industry Impact Award

Kim Burrell is recognized for her powerful voice and widespread influence on gospel music. The singer, songwriter and pastor from Houston, Texas, has collaborated with numerous mainstream secular artists, including “I see a Victory” with Pharrell Williams for the soundtrack to the 2016 film “Hidden Figures.”

Travis Greene | Soar Luminary Award

Travis Green is a Grammy-nominated gospel singer and songwriter as well as a pastor. He has won 11 Stellar Awards and two Billboard Music Awards.

This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas