National Gospel artist the Rev. Shadrach Robinson will present a Father’s Day concert “Present-day Men of Honor” 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 13 at St. Louis University’s II Monastero, 3050 Olive St.
The concert 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 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.
“Sometimes they just need somebody to recognize that they’re doing a good job –the small things that make a difference,” Shadrach said.
Shadrach comes from a musical family. His father was known internationally as a gospel artist.
“He recognized what I had even before I became aware of it,” he said of his father.
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. God really does not give any of us what we truly deserve because we all fall short in glory, he said.
“That’s where that title comes from,” Shadrach said. “He didn’t give me what I deserved; He gave me ‘grace instead.’”
He independently released his third album after parting ways with his former label. He said he wanted to be free to express himself and share the messages of God. The album is based upon recent past experiences that temporarily left him in a dark place, yet through God’s grace he said he began to see the light. 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. This relationship helped him to become a better father to his three adult children.
“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. 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.”
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 gift card. Each nominee will receive a gift at the concert.
For more information contact: Leslie Thompson at 314-378-5111 or ctmusic06gmail.com.
Follow this reporter: @BridjesONeil.
