Songs to Invoke Christmas

Episode 18

Christmas is here. Be thankful. Be present. Give until it hurts. Love the season. Be that idea. You need not limit yourself to any single tradition, to the distinction of any particular religion, nor to the strictures of any outwardly imposed ideal.

Guest Performers

Janice Dempsey

Recording Artist and Multi-Platinum Songwriter

Photo Credit: Shefik

Music

Janice Dempsey has appeared on countless albums as a featured and background vocalist, writer, arranger, and producer in various genres, including Stevie Wonder, Daryl Hall, Smokey Robinson, Mick Jagger, Chaka Khan, Melba Moore, Freddie Jackson, and SWV.

Biography Events Profiles

Laurence Juber

2-Time Grammy Award Winner and Lead Guitarist, Paul McCartney & Wings (1978 - 1981)

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Music

Laurence Juber is often considered most famous for playing lead guitar in Paul McCartney & Wings from 1978 to 1981, with whom he won a Grammy Award. Juber has since had a distinguished career as a solo fingerstyle guitarist and studio musician.

Biography Events Profiles

Neal Bennington

Founder and Creative Director, Broadway Sings for Pride

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Theatre

Neal Bennington founded Broadway Sings for Pride, in response to tragic suicides within the LGBTQ+ community. The live concert series has received support from Carol Channing, Neil Patrick Harris, Bernadette Peters, Channing Tatum, and many others.

Biography Events Profiles

Preview Performers

Carl Clay

Founder and Executive Producer, Black Spectrum Theatre Company

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Theatre

Recognized and awarded as a multi-discipline force, Carl Clay has produced over 350 plays, trained over 2000 actors, and has written and directed 25 films aimed at urban youth. He has produced over 40 jazz concerts.

Biography Events Profiles

Charisse Arrington

Recording Artist and Brilliance Coach

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Music

Charisse Arrington is a R&B singer who was signed to MCA Records in the 1990s. Her biggest success was with the single "Down With This" which peaked in the top twenty of the Billboard Dance singles chart and top five of the Billboard Dance breakout chart.

Biography Events Profiles

Douglas Baldeo

Actor, Singer, and Dancer

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Theatre

Twelve-year-old Douglas Baldeo was a principal cast member of the award-winning Broadway Musical, "Kinky Boots". Following his run in "Kinky Boots", he was cast as a vacation swing for "Motown the Musical" on tour.

Biography Events Profiles

Laurneá

Grammy Award Winner

Photo Credit: Shefik

Music

Prior to her debut solo project in 1997, Laurneá was a member of three groups in the 1990s: Bobby McFarrin's a capella group Voicestra, British group Loose Ends, and later in the Grammy-winning group Arrested Development.

Biography Events Profiles

Trisco Pearson

Member, Force M.D.'s

Photo Credit: Shefik

Music

Force M.D.'s is an American R&B vocal group that was formed in 1981 in Staten Island, New York. Later, Trisco Pearson joined the group.

Biography Events Profiles

Last Updated: July 6, 2021

About "Shefik presents Invocation"

Aptly titled "Shefik presents Invocation", the nationally syndicated radio show is a mesmerizing and thought-provoking journey through musical discovery and appreciation that spans the decades. The show is currently broadcast on over 20 terrestrial radio stations and frequencies throughout the United States. Each one-hour episode, executive-produced and hosted by media personality Shefik, highlights one relatable focal point (chosen by Shefik), along with an accompanying playlist of songs (curated by Shefik), encompassing a unique thematic concept that invigorates the audience with creative impact. Top recording artists, actors, business executives, politicians, community leaders, and other special guests are invited to offer their own commentary on the weekly topic, as a supplement to Shefik's engaging mindset. The radio show's online hub at invocation.co serves as a conduit for discussion of the show, while featuring related videos and auxiliary content. The journey continues right here and everywhere.

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The Journey Continues

Freddie Jackson: Once I Love You for Just One Night

2-Time Grammy Award Nominee

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February 6, 2018 Peace

Freddie Jackson is an American soul singer. Among his well-known hits are "Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake)", "Have You Ever Loved Somebody", "Jam Tonight", "Do Me Again", and "You Are My Lady".

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Gordon Chambers: Don't Judge Yourself in Life by Your Setbacks

Grammy Award Winning Singer-Songwriter and Record Producer

April 3, 2017 Perseverance

Gordon Chambers is an American singer-songwriter and record producer who has written songs for more than 75 recording artists including Angie Stone, Yolanda Adams, The Isley Brothers, Brandy, Trey Songz, Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, and Usher.

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Paul Laurence: This Song Was Written Literally Within 5 Minutes

Recording Artist and Multi-Platinum Music Producer

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July 24, 2018 Sentimentality

Paul Laurence is an American multi-platinum songwriter, producer, and keyboardist. He had several number one R&B hits, including Freddie Jackson's "Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake)", "Jam Tonight", "Tasty Love", "Hey Lover", and "Do Me Again".

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Matthew Decker: I Really Like to Paint a Picture With My Music in the Listener's Mind

Recording Artist

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September 10, 2016 Imagery

Matthew Decker is a recording artist from New York. He started his own label Matteo Mafia Records in 2012. His music is very different from today's popular music, with a vintage 1960s style aesthetic, combined with modern day pop, hip-hop, and trap.

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LaChandra: Love Is Always Very Special

Recording Artist and Owner, Posh by LaChandra

June 5, 2017 Love

Lachandra is a recording artist and owner of the beauty salon Posh by Lachandra, located in New York City. In the late 1980s, Lachandra released the song "Just Started", produced by the house music group Blaze.

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Songs to Invoke Christmas

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About "Shefik presents Invocation"

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