'Heaven on a Saturday Night' to be performed May 5

A soul-stirring gospel and folk performance will hit the stage at 7 p.m. May 5 when gospel singer Robert Robinson and singer songwriter Brother Timothy (Frantzich) perform “Heaven on a Saturday Night” at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Brainerd.

An internationally adored singer, Robinson has performed with the likes of Prince, Aretha Franklin, playing some of the country’s most prestigious music halls. Robinson may best be recognized in this area from his vocal performances with pianist Lori Line and subsequent appearances across the United States on PBS. Robinson was voted “Best Male Vocalist” by Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine, and “Minnesota’s Master Male Vocalist” by the Star Tribune. Currently, Robinson serves as executive artistic director of the Twin Cities Community Gospel Choir.

“I think music is a way of watering the dryness of an individual drought,” Robinson said in an email release. “If I’m able to do that with my music — if I’m able to do that in a church or a bar, if I can do it in a theater, if I can do it in a prison, wherever there’s an open door of people who need it and want it, then I’m willing to go there. Because I feel that people everywhere, no matter our status or color or anything, we’re all dry and dying from something.”

Robinson will be joined by Frantzich, a singer, songwriter and native Minnesotan. Frantzich has traveled extensively throughout the United States and United Kingdom and has been a guest on Garrison Keillor’s Prairie Home Companion and in thousands of pubs and churches. Frantzich released his latest CD, “My Lost and Wild Daughter,” in March which features Robinson on vocals.

“I first worked with Robert Robinson on a recording 10 years ago,” said Frantzich. “I was in the control room of a swanky studio in Minneapolis every time he sang it made my knees weak. He is a force of nature, simply amazing. Doing this concert in Brainerd is pure joy. Heaven ... On a Saturday night.”

A portion of the ticket sales will be given to New Pathways Interfaith Hospitality Network in Brainerd.

Tickets are $20 and may be purchased at Bridge of Harmony, The Crossing Arts Alliance Sales and Gift Gallery and the First Congregational UCC or calling the church at 829-2528.

For more information go to www.bluecottageagency.com.