Houston’s own Gerra’ Gistand to perform in Spring Gospel Extravaganza at PVAMU

Houston’s own Gerra’ Gistand is the featured artist for the Spring Gospel Extravaganza to be held at Prairie View A&M University on April 6, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the Opal Johnson Smith Auditorium. The concert is free!

This year’s gospel show will focus primarily on young performers who are making a mark on the scene and praising God with their time and talent. Campus performers and area choirs are expected to perform on the show.

Among the invited performers is Gerra Gistand of Houston . This pint size singing and acting sensation, has commanded the spotlight since she could stand, so says her proud mother, Vanessa L. Gistand. “Gerrá knew what to do even at the tender age of two. You could say that she was born to sing.”

“Gerrá sang in the key of G at age three; had them applauding for more at the age of four; sang for millions at age five; created a spiritual remix at age six; and shares a taste of Heaven at only seven,” says Gistand. She excels in violin, piano and drama classes and hones her acting skills by participating in children’s forensic competitions on state and national levels.

In January of 2008, Gerra’ won the MLK Oratory competition--surpassing more than 200 children--only to be disqualified when the judges discovered that at 8 years old, she was too young to enter! She took it as a champion and went on to compete in the Tom Joiner Oratorical Contest on YouTube with her open letter to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Gerrá recently appeared on ABC where she said she wants to become a professional singer and actress. She has also appeared live on Fox 26 and on CBS affiliate KHOU-TV's 4th of July Celebration respectively, where she performed God Bless America and the Star Spangled Banner. She also has a wide gospel and spiritual song list! In her stage play debut, Gerra’ appeared in James Hudson’s Great and Mighty Things and starred in Sheryl Jefferson’s soul stirring gospel drama Left Back.

Gerra is a member of Houston ’s Holman Street Baptist Church where she sings in the choir, performs with the drill team and praise dancers, serves on the usher board, and participates in the Youth Discipleship Ministry.

Sponsors for the concert include the Students In Free Enterprise team, Student Activities and Leadership and the Office of Student Affairs at the university. For concert information call 936-261-3574.