Charles Holt performs in metro Atlanta - will return August 14

Recording Artist Charles Trey Holt was the featured guest soloist at Unity North Atlanta Church in Marietta, Ga. at the 11:15 a.m. morning service.

Performing his signature piece "I Am" from his 2007 CD and 2010 arranged "Rolling River God" about God smoothing him as he smooths stones, Holt brought tears to this reporter's eyes and a standing ovation from the congregation. His voice rang out a very powerful, sweet message.

"I always want to be an agent of change and transformation through whatever I do. I'm there to be a beneficial presence." Holt said he wants his audience to experience an encounter with the Divine Spirit through him. "Something that people can touch and grasp in some realm of their being."

Holt describes his music as inspirational and eclectic because of the many genres from which he sings, including jazz, R&B, blues, and gospel. He notes that his grandmother gave him a love for music.

On his calling card, Holt lists his professions as actor, recording artist, speaker, and author. His latest book will be published in 2012. His production company is headquartered on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, Calif.

"I have been singing at Unity churches and centers for spiritual learning all over the country since November 3, 2007. As a part of the touring circuit, I found a few in the Atlanta area and asked to be a part of the service, and performed at Unity North for the first time three years ago," Holt said.

His musical credits include performing on Broadway in "The Lion King", "Smoky Joe's Cafe", and a few other notable shows. Songs that have left indelible impressions on him include "Home" written by Charlie Smalls from "The Wiz" and "Seasons of Love" written by Jonathan Larson from the musical "Rent".

"These songs have universally positive messages, messages that can be understood beyond social and physical barriers," Holt added.

According to Wikipedia, Unity churches encompass "a religious movement within the wider New Thought movement...and promotes a way of life that leads to health, prosperity, happiness, and peace of mind." Unity also publishes the Daily Word which began in 1924 and is distributed to 600,000 subscribers in over 150 countries. It is translated into seven languages and also is published in Braille.

In addition to performing at churches, Holt has entertained around the world, spoken at a myriad of colleges and universities, for the Turkish-American Association in Ankara, Turkey, and at Rikers Island Correctional Facility.

Holt will return to Atlanta on Sunday, August 14 at the Spiritual Living Center of Atlanta (SLCA), which is under the leadership of Rev. Dr. David Ault. The performance will take place in the Woodruff Arts Center at 1280 Peachtree Street. For more information, call 404-417-0008.

Holt will also be the guest soloist at Morehouse College on Thursday, August 18 for the Parent's Parting Ceremony for parents/guardians and their sons. For more information, contact Alvin H. Darden, Dean of Freshmen, at 404-653-7804.

Tomi Johnson with Charles Holt

(Holt with reporter Tomi Johnson at Unity Church's Holy Grounds Cafe. Photo by Ilea Johnson.) For more information about Holt and to view his videos, go to his website at www.charlesholtproductions.com.

©2011 Tomi Johnson. All rights reserved.