Mary Mary – Mitch's Muse

In a recent news release, Black Liberated Arts Center (BLAC) Inc. in Oklahoma City announced that the “Have a Mary Mary Christmas Tour” show scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011, at Frederick A. Douglass auditorium, had been cancelled due to medical concerns surrounding the pregnancy of Erica Campbell, who is due for delivery in February. The announcement is also posted on Mary Mary’s website (http://www.mary-mary.com/us/home).

The announcement issued by Mary Mary to BLAC Inc. indicated that the gospel duo had been on an unprecedented run of award shows, nomination, non-stop travel for holiday performances and a television series taping was forced to cancel their much anticipated first ever “Have a Mary Mary Christmas Tour” as Erica’s due date was approaching.

Anita Arnold, executive director of BLAC Inc., said that buyers of Mary Mary tickets should take their tickets to the place where they were purchased to claim their refund. Online purchases, mail and telephone credit card purchases will be refunded through BLAC, Inc. For more information, call (405) 524-3800 to obtain specific instructions on refunds.

BLAC Inc. extends thanks to everyone, especially, Saraa Kami, who worked hard to bring this show of excellence to the community. An announcement of BLAC Inc.’s full season of performing arts will be made in early 2012.

Black Liberated Arts Center (BLAC) Inc. presents gospel group Mary Mary on Dec. 11 at Frederick A. Douglass High School Auditorium in their first performance in Oklahoma City.

Anita G. Arnold, BLAC Inc. executive director, said the concert is part of an eight-state tour for Mary Mary. Doors will open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. The musical group “Committed” will open for Mary Mary.

Ever since siblings Erica Campbell and Tina Campbell broke through in 2000 with pioneering crossover hit “Shackles (Praise You),” the chart-topping sister act has never waived from defying convention to fulfill its mission: sending uplifting messages through music and words that are relatable to everyone.

“It’s about making music that touches both adults and young people,” says Erica. Tina adds, “It’s about spreading good news for the world but doing it in the “Mary Mary” way: banging beats and melodies, intertwined voices and messages of hope.”

Now 10 years later, having earned three Grammy Awards, two American Music Awards, an NAACP Image Award and a BET Award, the “Mary Mary” way sounds just as fresh and innovative on the duo’s sixth album, Something Big. Well-known for singles such as “God in Me,” and R&B/hip-hop crossover hit, “Walking,” the sisters strike out anew with a Christmas album that is designed to appeal everyone.

Tickets are on sale online through BLAC Inc.’s website, www.blacinc.org; at BLAC Inc.’s office at 4915 N. Lincoln Blvd. in Oklahoma City; and other locations including Capitol Square Station, Charlie’s Jazz, Rhythm and Blues Store, Hopkins Hair Care, KM66, Learning Tree Toy Store and Urban Roots.

The concert is made possible through funding from the Oklahoma Arts Council. For more information, call BLAC Inc. at (405) 524-3800.