“Sometimes they just need somebody to recognize that they’re doing a good job—the small things that make a difference,” said National Gospel artist the Rev. Shadrach Robinson.
Robinson rehearsed with his band Tuesday in preparation for an upcoming Father’s Day concert entitled “Present-day Men of Honor” will highlight fathers and men in the St. Louis community who have made a difference in the lives of their families and communities.
The concert beginning at 7:30 p.m. will be held June 13 at St. Louis University’s II Monastero, 3050 Olive St. Tickets are still being sold.
A Father’s Day contest was held in conjunction with the concert. Through social media, the public nominated and voted for someone who they believed to be a “man of honor.” Three winners will be selected and announced at the concert. The grand prize includes a men’s designer two-piece suit ensemble courtesy of K&G fashions, two tickets to a St. Louis Cardinals home game, and a $50.00 gift card. Each nominee will receive a gift at the concert.
The concert will feature performances by: Cedric Shannon Rives, William “Rainey” Rainer Jr., Jessie Prather, and Gregg “Happy Guitar” Haynes with a special appearance by award winning step team, Gentleman of Vision.
Father’s Day is recognized, but it is not celebrated at the same level as
Mother’s Day, Shadrach said. He thought of his father, the late Cleophus Robinson Sr., who was a man devoted to his family and church, he said. Men like his father are rare nowadays; he said.
His father was known internationally as a Gospel artist.
“He recognized what I had—even before I became aware of it,” he said.
Shadrach will promote the release of his third album ‘Grace Instead’ by playing select songs from his album at the concert.
The title was inspired by a sermon he heard about the difference between God’s justice and His mercy.
“He didn’t give me what I deserved,” Shadrach said. “He gave me ‘grace instead.’”
He independently released his third album after parting ways with his former label. The first song off the album entitled “Why?” explains how Shadrach tried to go through life on his own and discovered he could not make it without God, he said.
“To go through what I’ve gone through and understand how God has brought me through all of that makes me more devoted and committed to my family and to the church family where I serve,” Shadrach said.
For eight years, Shadrach has led Friendship Missionary Baptist Church at 5597 Etzel Ave. In his role, he has come to realize that fathers today are facing many challenges, he said.
Shadrach, who grew up in a two-parent household, believes absent fathers have led to a breakdown in the home and that a lot of children lack that solid foundation, he said. Men must step up to the plate if there are to save their families and communities, he said. Shadrach said his father gave him a foundation by setting clear boundaries. Shadrach said he owes much to his father.
“I really didn’t see all of this at the time,” Shadrach said. “When I lived at home, I was frustrated and mad. But, he gave me some structure.”
For more information contact: Leslie Thompson at 314-378-5111 or
ctmusic06gmail.com
Follow this reporter: @BridjesONeil
