Sandi Patty Farewell Tour Coming to Loma Linda

LOMA LINDA>> Gospel music’s all-time most-awarded female recording artist is coming to Loma Linda for a concert Sunday, Feb. 19. Sandi Patty’s appearance at Loma Linda University Church is the only scheduled Inland Empire stop on her national farewell tour, “Forever Grateful,” according to Dr. Bob Soderblom, coordinator for the performance. Concert tickets are now available online or by a toll-free telephone call to the farewell tour producers, Soderblom says. “I grew up in southern California and Arizona, so taking my tour to this area is near and dear to my heart,” Patty, the five-time Grammy winner, declares. Other California concerts on the history-making tour are in the San Diego and Sacramento areas, then returning through the southern states to a final farewell concert in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on March 14. Sandi Patty’s career as a singer, author and pianist has included professional associations with other gospel music leaders including Larnelle Harris and Bill Gaither. In addition to her Grammy awards and nominations, she has been recognized with more than 40 Dove awards and nominations by the Gospel Music Association (GMA). She was named the GMA’s Female Vocalist of the Year 11 consecutive times. Scheduled to appear with her in Loma Linda are Veritas, a five-member male acappella vocal group, and members of Patty’s musical family. Tickets for the Loma Linda concert, at 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, are $25 for general admission and $18.50 for seniors. “Premium” seating, at $45, includes early entry and a question-answer session with Patty, Soderblom explains. A small number of “Platinum” tickets are available at $100 each. The platinum tickets include the premium features plus a backstage greeting visit, photo opportunity and gift CD, he said. A group order for 10 or more general admission guests receives a discounted rate of $18.50 each plus one “bonus” ticket for a total of 11. Added fees may apply to all ticket orders. No tickets will be sold at the door or locally except through the tour website at www.premierproductions.com, or by a toll-free phone call to 1-855-484-1991. Local hosts of the concert are the University Church, at 11125 Campus St., Loma Linda, and Calimesa Community Concerts. National sponsors of the Forever Grateful tour are the charity group Food for the Hungry, along with Premier Productions, described as the largest producer of Christian events in the United States. Concertgoers will have access to free parking in a covered structure opposite the church, Soderblom notes. “Earliest ticket orders have the best assurance of finding their preferred category available,” he advises. A dedicated telephone line provides free recorded concert information and directions at (909) 795-4960.