Tag: Murphy Fine Arts Center

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta /

Shirley Murdock Celebrity Interview – Ain’t No Love Like A Mother’s Love

Style + Life + Fashion had the opportunity to interview Shirley Murdock, R&B singer-songwriter and superstar.  She can also be seen performing during the upcoming event, “Ain’t No Love Like A Mother’s Love” on April 9, 2016 at the Murphy Fine Arts Center.

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Who are your inspirations? (as in other artists)

My inspiration comes from artists who sing from a deep place, able to not only tap into their emotions, but make you experience the story and make you feel something thru the songs they sing: Aretha, Gladys, Stevie, Patti, Luther, Michael Jackson, Shirley Caesar, The Clark Sisters.

How did you get started as an artist?

I was discovered by the late Roger Troutman, front man for the funk band Zapp. He heard me singing “Jesus Is Love” for a gospel crusade, on a cassette tape that my cousin Jill beg my mom for a copy to let him hear.

Like the many previous offers that I received to do R&B, I said thank you, but no thank you, because after giving my life to the Lord at 15 years old, I believed I was only suppose to sing Gospel. Roger informed me that he didn’t have any connection there, but left the door open, should I ever want to give it a try.

I basically left there asking God why are the only doors opening are R&B and not Gospel? After praying, soul searching, talking to my family, pastor and remembering that my relationship and witness was constant, regardless of the jobs I’ve held. We take our faith and light everywhere God plants us.

So, I walked by faith thru the open door and it’s been and continues to be an amazing journey!

Who are your favorite singers?

As mentioned before, Aretha, Gladys, Stevie, Patti, Luther, Michael Jackson, Shirley Caesar and The Clark Sisters are my biggest inspirations, but I have to say, I love me some Whitney Houston, Vesta and Teena Marie, Natalie Cole (Gone Too Soon) and Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Lalah Hathaway, Kelly Price and Mary J. Blige!

What do you think about when your preforming?

When I’m performing, I think about how incredibly blessed I am to be living my dream and how these wonderful people have played such an incredible role in making that happen. It’s very humbling, because there are so many artists out there to choose from. I’m grateful, because it doesn’t have to be me!!!

This make me want to give my audience my all. I’ve been given so much, now it’s my turn!

What else can we expect from you in the future?

These 30 plus years in the business has allowed me to hone my skills as a singer, writer, arranger, actor and speaker. My desire is to continue to use my gifts to bring joy and inspiration to the world. I have books to write and Master Classes to do, to share knowledge and experience with the next generation.
I think we should die empty!!
I’m currently working on a “Life Song” project that has a nice balance and blend of inspirational songs with songs about life and love!

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta /

Crystal L. Bass Returns to Baltimore – Ain’t No Love Like A Mother’s Love

Find out what happens when a mother chooses romance over family in Crystal L. Bass’ Inspirational stage play “Ain’t No Love Like A Mother’s Love.” Bass is the first female alumni to bring her hilarious and inspirational stage production to the Murphy Fine Arts Center!

Playwright and Executive Producer Crystal L. Bass gears up to share her highly anticipated stage play “Ain’t No Love Like A Mother’s Love” for a three show performance in Baltimore at The Carl J. Murphy Fine Arts Center on Friday, April 8th – 8pm, and Saturday, April 9th -3pm and 8pm featuring an all-new, star studded cast.

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Bass shared “I am so excited to perform at my alma mater! Especially since it’s an HBCU during the one-year anniversary of the passing of Freddie Gray and the Baltimore riots. This event will be a great time for everyone to come together- laugh and have a good time. It’s really important to me that we change the narrative behind what the world saw last April.”

Bass assures that this show about a Baltimore family’s struggles will deliver on the laughs, the drama and powerhouse singing. The new cast includes International R&B Superstar Shirley Murdock, Actor Cross Thompson, Grammy nominated artist, Brittney Wright, American Idol Finalist, Wayne Wilson and from HBO’s The Wire, Comedian Howard G. Joining the production for the second time, from the CW’s “The Next” Finalist, Shannon Ramsey and National Gospel Recording Artist, April Hall and rising star, Kirk Thomas, Jr.

A past attendee stated “I can’t wait to see this amazing production again! Crystal L. Bass is remarkably talented. A great playwright! I’m officially a fan!”

The hilarious urban stage play chronicles the story of a family torn by the decision made by its matriarch to pursue romantic love over her children. Filled with interesting twists and unpredictable turns Bass promises an entertaining experience the entire family can appreciate. The play is an adaptation of Bass’ top selling novel “Dark Clouds: A Charm City Family’s Struggle” and loosely based on her experiences growing up in Baltimore.

Ticket prices range from $30-$58 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online at

ticketmaster.com.

EVENT DETAILS:
STAGEPLAY: Ain’t No Love Like A Mother’s Love DATE: April 8-9, 2016
SHOWTIMES: April 8th – 8pm | April 9th – 3pm & 8pm

LOCATION:

Carl J. Murphy Fine Arts Center

2201 Argonne Dr, Baltimore, MD 21218
TICKET PRICE: Range $30-$58
Purchase tickets from ticketmaster.com OR at the Murphy Fine Arts Box Office

ABOUT AIN’T NO LOVE LIKE A MOTHER’S LOVE:

What’s a mother of three to do when she has two fully-grown children and the youngest clamoring to become a woman? Doesn’t she deserve happiness? Shouldn’t she be able to get her groove back? In “Ain’t No Love Like A Mother’s Love” mom feels it’s time to move on with her life but when she finds herself at the feet of a man with a dark side it spells disaster for the entire family. During this emotional rollercoaster ride we watch this Baltimore family fight to pull through some of life’s harshest realities as family secrets are uncovered and rescue attempts fail. But all hope is not lost. We find that nothing can fill the void of a mother’s love. In the midst of the drama this engaging stage production will have you laughing, crying and gasping at the twist and turns. One thing’s for sure, this inspirational story of redemption and forgiveness will leave theatergoers with an entirely new appreciation for family and the depths of a mother’s love. Based on the original novel by Crystal L. Bass, “Dark Clouds: A Charm City Family’s Struggle.”

ABOUT PLAYWRIGHT AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCER CRYSTAL L. BASS:

Playwright and Executive Producer, Crystal L. Bass is an American author, writer, and motivational speaker with a track record of success. Throughout her career, this Baltimore native has used her platform to uncover and illuminate issues that are important to young women, to ultimately empower and strengthen them.

A two-time author, Bass’ life’s work is rooted in the desire to raise awareness and inspire people to fulfill their true purpose. Her goal is to expand her publishing company and publish other talented writers who share her desire to inspire through their stories. Bass was honored and recognized by the Rainbow Push Coalition a Top Inspirational and Engaged Leaders of 2013.