MINNEAPOLIS — Recording artist Jovonta Patton has been first on the Billboard gospel charts 6 times, but the north Minneapolis star has never performed at First Avenue downtown.
"One of the most iconic clubs in the country," Patton said. "I always wanted to."
That changes Friday evening in what will be a first not just for Patton but a first for First Avenue.
"I am doing the first-ever gospel concert in the main room," Patton explained. "No one's done it so I'm excited."
A First Avenue spokesperson says performers like Sounds of Blackness or Killer Mike and the Midnight Revival have performed gospel music at the venue before but confirms this will be the first headlining gospel performance in the venue's more than 50-year history.
Patton is not only making history, he's making a movie. The singer says a crew plans to record Friday's show for a documentary set to release in AMC Theatres this July.
But first, some big names are set to grace the stage, including Jabari Johnson, the worship leader for Bishop T.D. Jakes' church, and Houston-based artist Melissa Bethea.
Patton also invited Minnesota-made talent to perform, including Ashli Henderson, Maya Marchelle, Chadwick "Niles" Phillips and Dance City, the north Minneapolis girls who made headlines last year for winning a national competition.
"It was to connect the generations and [their coach] is so amazing, so these young kids will now say 'I performed at First Ave, I was a part of history,'" Patton said. "There's a bit of a disconnect with the music history of Minneapolis to those of us who are out there in the field now. Between the Jimmy Jams and the Terry Lewis, it's so far in between in the time, so this is a great moment that we now get to create a new lane for artists like myself to use the same pipeline to help them be world-renowned like they are."
"First Avenue Presents Jovonta Patton, Premiere Gospel Concert at First Avenue" starts at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $25 and the show is for all ages. As of Friday afternoon, the show was nearly sold out but the remaining tickets can be purchased online or at the door.
Watch a short clip of the Friday night show here:
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