Sandi Patty Farewell Tour Comes to Loma Linda

LOMA LINDA>> As gospel music’s most-awarded female recording artist, Sandi Patty has performed in concerts all over the world. But she speaks with real emotion about her national farewell tour, coming to Loma Linda on Thursday, Feb. 19. “It’s not so much about saying goodbye,” the five-time Grammy winner explains. “It’s one last opportunity to say thank you to the many, many people who have loved and supported me and my family over the years. It’s why we call the tour “Forever Grateful.” The concert at Loma Linda University Church is the only Inland Empire stop on Patty’s final national tour. Some tickets are still available online or by a toll-free telephone call to the farewell tour producers, according to local concert coordinator Dr. Bob Soderblom. “I grew up in southern California and Arizona, so taking my tour to this area is near to my heart,” Patty continues. “We have a full band, lots of fun video moments and my family is with me. Also a new acappella vocal group, Veritas – it’s like hearing five Josh Grobans at the same time.” From California, the Forever Grateful tour returns through 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 brought many professional honors 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, and was named that organization’s Female Vocalist of the Year 11 consecutive times. 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 Sandi Patty, Soderblom explains. A small number of “Platinum” tickets are available at $100 each. They include the premium features plus a backstage greeting visit, photo opportunity, and gift CD, he says. 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. Tickets are available from the national tour’s website www.premierproductions.com, or by a toll-free phone call to (855) 484-1991. Local hosts of the concert are the University Church, at 11125 Campus St., Loma Linda, and Calimesa Community Concerts. Sponsors of the national tour are a charity group, Food for the Hungry and 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. A dedicated local telephone line provides free recorded concert information and directions at (909) 795-4960.