On January 24th, I attended a birthday celebration for Charmaine Swimpson, one of gospel artist Kirk Franklin’s background singers. The standing room only concert was held at Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church in Suffolk VA. The Sunday evening began with Hollywood-style red carpet interviews by Rejoice 100.9’s Brotha Ray, co-host of the radio show “On Stage With Earl Bynum”. Performers included Patrick Riddick & D’vyne Worship, Coko Clemons (formerly of SWV), TaMyya J, 7 Sons of Soul, Michael M. Smith and many others. Here are a few moments from the evening.

Brotha Ray on the Red Carpet

Charmaine w/ parents and twin brother Marvin

Alex Holt & Free Worship

Michael M. Smith

TaMyya J

Coko Clemons & her mom, Lady Tiba

7 Sons of Soul

Patrick Riddick & D’vyne Worship

Hampton Roads Magazine sponsored their annual peninsula area bridal show at the Marriott City Center in Newport News VA. Thanks to all the brides, grooms, parents and other attendees for stopping by our booth. If you haven’t had a chance to view our latest wedding products, feel free to contact us and schedule a consultation appointment.

Fashion show

Benson Blake Photography booth

Thanks to all who attended the annual Cox Employee Gala on last Saturday. I had a blast creating portraits of the employees and their guests throughout the night. Thanks to Kimberly and Tiffanie for allowing me to be a part of this occasion. Also, BIG thanks to my assistants who worked tirelessly to keep the paperwork organized and the line moving. The Virginia Beach Convention Center hosted the event, with hundreds of people in attendance. Here’s an image of the ballroom I managed to capture, just before the doors opened. The room was nicely decorated with a winter theme.

A week ago, I traveled to Houston TX to support a former choir director from my years at Tuskegee University. He’s now the director of the Texas Southern University Choir. On Sunday, their Black History Month Concert was successfully held at Houston’s Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Congratulations to the choir on one of their first big performances of the year! All of your rehearsals and hard work definitely paid off. Also, thanks to the A/V staff for video taping the concert (and for the chicken… lol).

Texas Southern University Choir in concert

Clyde Owen Jackson directing the TSU Choir

Wheeler Ave. Baptist Church, one of three standing room only Sunday services

Pastor Cosby preaching at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church

One of my photographs has been published in the February 2008 issue of Black Enterprise Magazine! The photo is of LaToya & David, who are winners of one of the magazine’s financial fitness challenges. Check out the full-page photo and article on page 80 of this month’s issue. Black Enterprise Magazine is available at most Barnes & Noble and Walmart stores.

On January 26th, the Southeast Community Day Planning Committee held a Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. banquet at the Holiday Inn in Hampton VA. Honored guests included presidents or representatives from Pomoco Auto, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Hampton NAACP, and Urban League of Hampton Roads just to name a few. Thanks to Andrew Shannon (SCLC) for coordinating this event and making sure everything ran smoothly. To the VA Mass Choir, I can’t wait for your CD to come out! As usual, you all did a GREAT job with your selections.

VA Mass Choir rehearsing before the event

Mark Rawlison (WXEZ 94.1) served as emcee for the banquet

Virginia Mass Choir performing