Charles Jenkins headlines 41st Salute to Gospel Music concert

College of Lake County Salute to Gospel featuring Charles Jenkins Published January 07, 2026

College of Lake County’s 41st annual Salute to Gospel Music invites community members to celebrate and enjoy the uplifting sounds of gospel music. This year’s event will be held at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28 at Jesus Name Apostolic Church in Waukegan.

This year’s event is headlined by visionary artist, entrepreneur and faith leader, Charles Jenkins. Possessing a great talent for bridging spiritual leadership and music with civic impact and advocacy, Jenkins’ work is rooted in hope and celebration, aligning perfectly with Salute to Gospel’s focus.

As a celebrated gospel hitmaker, Jenkins has crafted several uplifting anthems, including “War” and “Awesome,” which have earned 23 Billboard #1 singles, nine Stellar Awards and Grammy recognition. His music has also graced global stages from President Obama’s Inaugural Ball to Jay-Z’s Made in America Festival.

Celebrating community, inspiring fellowship

Each year, the event showcases a new guest artist, featured alongside captivating performances by two crowd-pleasing choirs.

College of Lake County’s Gospel Choir, directed by Matthew Hunter, and the S2G Community Choir, co-directed by Senior Pastor Tiffany Peppers, Jesus Name Apostolic Church; Mark Cosey, former CLC gospel choir director; and Co-Senior Pastor Cory Ratliff, The Sign of the Dove Church, Waukegan. Both choirs bring together voices from across Lake County to perform during this annual celebration of gospel music.

"We're thrilled to welcome community members to this year's Salute to Gospel Music in partnership with the College of Lake County," Peppers said. "This concert offers people a chance to connect with each other and their faith through the magic of live gospel music."

Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham will be honored with the 2026 Harambee Award of Excellence for Community and Spiritual Engagement.

Salute to Gospel Music continues to be one of the College of Lake County’s most beloved community events, featuring several of gospel music’s most inspiring artists over the years, including Bishop Hezekiah Walker and the Love Fellowship Choir, The Winans, Shirley Caesar, Pastor Mike Jr., Jekalynn Carr and many more.

This premier gospel experience is a capstone Black History Month event, uniting community members through a shared appreciation for music and each other.

Other College of Lake County arts programming celebrating Black excellence include the musical theatre performance of 1619: The Journey of a People, which will take place on Jan. 23 at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts.

Salute to Gospel Music tickets go on sale 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 9.

Once on sale, you can purchase tickets:

Directions and parking information

The 41st annual Salute to Gospel Music concert will be held at:

Jesus Name Apostolic Church
208 Lake Street
Waukegan, IL 60085

Map for parking

More information

Visit the Salute to Gospel Music web page

Learn more about Salute to Gospel's special guests and ticketing information