Legendary Quartet Launches California Tour in Calimesa Sept 30

ALL>> Ticket sales are under way for a Sept. 30 concert with special interest for Inland Empire fans of traditional Southern Gospel quartet singing. The Freedom Quartet, a Tennesee-based concert and recording group with deep southern-gospel musical roots, is kicking off its nine-city fall California tour that night with an appearance in Calimesa.   The concert will be at the Calimesa Seventh-day Adventist Church, 391 Myrtlewood Dr., Calimesa, announces Calimesa Community Concert Series coordinator Dr. Bob Soderblom. The event begins at 7:30, with advance ticket sales available only from online vendor iTickets.com, he says. The agency serves purchasers at its Web site or by telephone at (800) 965-9324. Credit cards are accepted. Freedom Quartet members have been singing gospel music individually for a combined total of over 100 years. Along with individual nominations for favorite tenor, lead vocalist, bass, and male vocalist of the year, the quartet was collectively voted “Favorite New Traditional Male Quartet” by readers of Singing News Magazine. They record on the “Inspire” label for Chapel Valley Records, with the latest available recording titled “Hymns of Faith & Freedom.” Comprising the quartet are John Rulapaugh, tenor; Burman Porter, bass; lead singer Dale Shipley; and Scott Mullins, baritone. Tickets are all for reserved seating by section, Soderblom notes, priced at $15 each for rows one through 10 and $10 for rows 11 to 16.  There is free parking at the church, and doors will open at 7 p.m. for the 7:30 concert. Calimesa Community Concerts has been sponsoring family-friendly music events in the Yucaipa Valley and nearby communities for 31 years.