9th Annual HeArt & Soul Gala and Live Art Auction set for Bradenton Saturday, Jan. 30

Gala and Live Art Auction set

BRADENTON -- The 9th Annual HeArt & Soul Gala and Live Art Auction, presented by the Manatee Education Foundation, is set for Saturday at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W.

A cocktail reception will begin at 5:30 p.m.; dinner and the live art auction will take place from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. Bay News 9's Summer Smith will serve as emcee. The auctioneer will be Dr. Larry Thompson, president of Ringling College of Art and Design.

The event promotes art in Manatee schools and encourages the talents of aspiring student artists.

Information: 941-251-4937

Winter Gospel Convention headed for Palmetto

PALMETTO -- Bill Bailey's 2016 Winter Gospel Music Convention will be held Monday-Saturday, Feb. 1-6, at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd.

More than 40 of gospel music's top artists will be appearing throughout the week, including award-winning artists Pat Boone, Booth Brothers, Hoppers, Kingdom Heirs, Greater Vision, Triumphant Quartet, Guy Penrod, Blackwood Brothers, Goodman Revival and others.

This event is recognized as the largest southern gospel concert event in the nation during the winter.

This year's event also marks Bill Bailey's 30th anniversary promoting southern gospel concerts throughout the Southeast. Information: 941-756-6942.

-- Herald staff reports

This story was originally published January 25, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "9th Annual HeArt & Soul Gala and Live Art Auction set for Bradenton Saturday, Jan. 30 ."