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Generations Of Glory: Karen Clark-sheard & Jekalyn Carr

Thursday, June 11, 2026 @ 8:00pm

State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

Welcome to a night that celebrates legacy, anointing, and the power of praise. Tonight is more than a concert, it’s a sacred gathering across generations, where history and destiny meet in one sound. Generations of Glory is a celebration of gospel music that has shaped hearts, healed souls, and lifted voices for decades—and continues to do so today.

On this stage, we witness the bridge between generations: the legendary trailblazer Karen Clark-Sheard, whose voice and ministry have defined excellence in gospel music, and the powerful, prophetic voice of a new generation, Jekalyn Carr, boldly carrying the flame forward.

Tonight, we don’t just listen—we worship. We don’t just applaud—we agree. So open your hearts, lift your hands, and get ready for a move of God that honors where we’ve been and declares where we’re going.

State Theatre, are you ready for Generations of Glory?

Karen Clark Sheard is a trailblazing gospel music icon whose influence spans generations. As the youngest member of the legendary Clark Sisters, she helped redefine contemporary gospel music with a powerful blend of traditional gospel roots and modern sound. Born into a musical legacy led by her mother, renowned gospel composer and choir director Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, Karen’s signature soprano voice and extraordinary vocal agility quickly set her apart.

With the Clark Sisters, Karen earned multiple Grammy® Awards and countless accolades, leaving an indelible mark on gospel history through timeless songs such as “You Brought the Sunshine,” “Is My Living in Vain,” and “Blessed & Highly Favored.” Her influence helped usher gospel music into mainstream awareness while remaining deeply rooted in ministry and faith.

Karen Clark Sheard’s solo career further cemented her status as one of gospel music’s most celebrated voices. Her debut album Finally Karen became a gospel classic, followed by chart-topping projects including 2nd Chance, The Heavens Are Telling, and All In One. She is known not only for her vocal brilliance but also for her resilience, having survived a life-threatening health crisis that strengthened her testimony and ministry.

Beyond the stage, Karen is a devoted wife, mother, pastor, and mentor. Alongside her husband, Bishop J. Drew Sheard, she serves in ministry while continuing to inspire audiences worldwide with messages of hope, healing, and unwavering faith. Revered as “The Queen of Soprano,” Karen Clark Sheard remains a living legend whose voice and ministry continue to uplift the church and the world.

Jekalyn Carr is a Grammy®-nominated, award-winning gospel recording artist, songwriter, author, and trailblazer whose powerful voice and unwavering faith have made her one of the most influential voices in contemporary gospel music. Bursting onto the scene as a teenager, Carr quickly captivated audiences worldwide with her anointed delivery, prophetic worship, and spiritually rich songwriting.

She has earned multiple Stellar Awards, Dove Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and Billboard Music Awards, along with numerous chart-topping singles, including “You Will Win,” “You’re Bigger,” “It’s Yours,” and “My Portion.” Known for blending traditional gospel roots with a modern sound, Carr’s music consistently inspires hope, healing, and perseverance.

Beyond music, Jekalyn Carr is a passionate speaker, entrepreneur, and advocate for purpose-driven living. Her ministry continues to impact lives across generations, reminding audiences that faith, courage, and obedience unlock God’s promises.




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EVENT PREVIEWS

Arden

Arden Children's Theatre presents "The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales"

(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- This spring, Arden Children's Theatre invites families into a hilariously twisted world where classic fairy tales don't go quite as expected in its next production of the 2025/26 season, The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales (The Stinky Cheese Man). Based on the beloved book by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith, adapted by John Glore, the production brings the book's fractured fairy tales to life for kids and adults alike. Directed by Steve Pacek, the production runs on the Arden’s Arcadia stage with previews starting April 8, opening night on April 18, with performances running through May 31.



Haddon

Haddon Township to Hold 4th Annual String Band Parade

(HADDON TOWNSHIP, NJ) -- The Camden County Board of Commissioners, along with Haddon Township, invites residents and visitors to the fourth annual String Band Parade down Haddon Ave, featuring the Philadelphia Mummers String Bands on Saturday, May 30, 2026 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. (note: it was rescheduled from April 25th due to the weather)



Hitchcock

Hitchcock Meets Hilarious: Bergen County Players presents "The 39 Steps"

(ORADELL, NJ) -- Fresh off being named the top live music or theater venue by 201 Magazine's "Best of Bergen" readers, Bergen County Players (BCP) invites audiences to brace themselves for a whirlwind of espionage and outrageous comedy with the Tony Award-winning The 39 Steps, which runs weekends from May 2-31, 2026. Directed by BCP life member Steve Bell, this breakneck adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock's 1935 film classic blends film noir suspense with Monty Python-style absurdity.



McCarter

McCarter Theatre Center presents "Mrs. Christie" - a new comedy-mystery by Heidi Armbruster

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre Center presents Mrs. Christie, a witty new comedy-mystery by Heidi Armbruster, from May 6–31, 2026. The production is directed by BOLD Associate Artistic Director Donya K. Washington in her McCarter directorial debut.



The

The Barn Theatre presents Monty Python's "Spamalot"

(MONTVILLE, NJ) -- The Barn Theatre presents Monty Python's Spamalot weekends from May 15 through June 6, 2026. King Arthur's legendary quest for the Holy Grail gets a hilarious twist in this uproarious musical, lovingly ripped from the 1975 classic Monty Python and the Holy Grail.






 

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