Two of Kentucky’s best and brightest vocalists, Tanita Gaines and Jonell Mosser, headline this edition of In Performance at the Governor’s Mansion.

Gaines, a Louisville native, began her music career as a child, singing gospel music in a children’s choir, and landed her first professional gig at the age of 16. She is an accomplished R&B and jazz singer, and this program showcases both styles—as well as her voice, which has been compared to Aretha Franklin’s. Gaines has opened for James Brown, Koko Taylor, and countless others. For In Performance, she performs with her own band.

Mosser has made a name for herself as a backup singer to artists all over the world, from Etta James and Keb’ Mo’ to Wynonna, Joe Ely, and Waylon Jennings. A Kentucky native who moved to Nashville in the 1980s, Mosser has become equally adept as a blues shouter, a rock diva, and a traditional folk and gospel singer. For In Performance, she put together a backup band of noted Nashville musicians, including Stevie Ray Vaughan’s keyboard player, Reese Wynans. Her set includes everything from blues to traditional folk and gospel, a bit of rock ’n’ roll, and her own compositions.

Seasons 2-5 were made possible
by a generous grant from Ashland Inc.