'The Divas of Soul featuring Alfreda Gerald' caps Blinn's 2025-26 Performing Arts Series

Show pays tribute to legendary vocalists from Aretha Franklin to Whitney Houston

March 2, 2026

The 2025-26 Blinn College District Performing Arts Series concludes with “The Divas of Soul featuring Alfreda Gerald” on Sunday, March 22, at 4 p.m. at the Dr. W.W. O’Donnell Performing Arts Center on the Blinn College-Brenham Campus.

This electrifying concert pays tribute to some of the most powerful voices in music history, including Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Gladys Knight, Diana Ross, Celine Dion, and more. Led by internationally acclaimed vocalist Alfreda Gerald, the performance is a dynamic celebration of the female trailblazers who redefined popular music.

“Alfreda Gerald’s remarkable voice and stage presence make this a true celebration of soul, pop, and power,” said Debbi Vavra, Dean of Arts, Kinesiology, and Agriculture. “We are thrilled to close this year’s series with a show that will have our audience dancing, singing, and celebrating the incredible legacies of these iconic women.”

A classically trained soprano with roots in R&B and gospel, Gerald has performed around the world – from Royal Albert Hall to Madison Square Garden – and toured with artists such as Elton John, Celine Dion, Yanni, Chaka Khan, Cher, and Whitney Houston. She has appeared in major concert films, television shows, and commercials, and even provided the unforgettable vocals for Cartoon Network’s Space Ghost Coast to Coast theme song.

“The Divas of Soul” includes stunning renditions of:

• Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy (The Andrews Sisters)
• Unforgettable (Natalie and Nat King Cole)
• I Say a Little Prayer (Dionne Warwick)
• Respect, Natural Woman, and Think (Aretha Franklin)
• Midnight Train to Georgia and License to Kill (Gladys Knight)
• I Will Survive (Gloria Gaynor)
• Whitney Houston medley including I Wanna Dance With Somebody and I Will Always Love You
• Tina Turner medley featuring Proud Mary and What’s Love Got to Do With It
• Closing with Summertime (Leontyne Price / Porgy and Bess)

With rich vocals, emotional depth, and a powerhouse stage presence, Alfreda Gerald takes audiences on a journey through decades of music that shaped the world.

Tickets for “The Divas of Soul featuring Alfreda Gerald” are $40, and admission to a special pre-show reception is $15. Tickets are available at www.blinn.edu/boxoffice or by calling 979-830-4024.