Singer Jevetta Steele, a solo artist and one-fifth of the Steeles (www.thesteelesmusic. com), riffs on family, her Sunday game plan and why guests are always welcome in her laundry room. Q How do you balance your time, between performing and having a life at home?
A I'm trying to come off the road for my daughter, who's been traveling with me. She needs roots really bad! But I am going to Greece in June to do "The Gospel at Colonus," 25 years after it gave me my start. [She starred in the original touring show.] And I'm booked in Dubai for New Year's Eve.
Q When you're not on the road, what's a typical Sunday like at your house?
A We get up, go to church, go out to lunch together, then everybody comes home. We might all play a board game. My favorite? Scrabble.
Q What's your least favorite home chore?
A I hate to cook. I cook all the time. But if I had to choose between a housekeeper and a cook, I'd take the cook.
Q What's your favorite spot in your house?
A A chair near the picture window. It's so beautiful outside [facing Wirth Parkway]. I can have a cup of tea and just look.
Q What room is off limits to visitors?
A I don't have one. Part of what makes a house a home is energy. We entertain a lot, and the people we have over bring good energy. If they want to bring energy to the laundry room, it's fine with me.
Q What kind of entertaining do you like to do?
A We have Christmas Eve here every year, with about 60 people. It's quite a shindig -- very spiritual, very loving. We start off with Christmas carols, then have a family prayer, then my mother has all the children sit at her feet and she tells the story of Jesus. Then we have a testimony service. Everyone says something they're thankful for. It's beautiful! Then the gift-throwing begins.
Q What's your most prized possession?
A My children [sons Kenyari and Kortland Jackson, and daughter Jasmine Dickerson].
Q What's your guilty pleasure?
A Cheese and crackers, and strawberries dipped in chocolate. Maybe a glass of wine. I'll put on some Etta James. It is heaven!
Q If you won the lottery tomorrow, how would you spend it?
A I'd use 10 percent of it to pay my tithe to church. Then I'd pay the taxes on it immediately, pay off my mother's house and car, then bank the rest. I'm happy. I have what I want.
Kim Palmer • 612-673-4784
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