This summer's annual JoyFest event was amazing! The Kings Dominion theme park near Richmond came alive in July, with music from some of the gospel industry's leading artists. Comedian Bone Hampton served as the emcee for the evening… humoring the crowd between performances. The concert started much earlier this year due to the extensive lineup. So it took a bit longer for the shade to cool down the outdoor venue. No one seemed to care, because the sold out crowd of 6,000+ barely left their seats throughout the evening.
The group 21:03 starting around 5:00. Canton Jones continued the show with the same energy. Marvin Sapp and Fred Hammond did their thing, each singing hits and classics from their repertoire. Kirk Franklin performed the last hour and 20 minutes of the show until 11pm with hits from his 15+ year career. Thankfully, the theme park kept their funnel cake line open after the concert. :o) That was a sweet finish to a spirit-filled evening.
A sold out Verizon Center was host to the 2010 How Sweet the Sound Finale in Washington, DC. Music fans witnessed one of the most spirit-filled church choir competitions of the year. The participating choirs were regional finalists selected from a 14-city U.S. tour. Grammy Award-winning gospel artists Donald Lawrence and CeCe Winans hosted the event.
Marvin Sapp, Karen-Clark Sheard, and Fred Hammond served as judges for the evening, offering some honest and often hilarious feedback. The audience was treated to special performances by BeBe & CeCe Winans and each of the judges. All the choirs had a unique presentation style… some were very energetic with choreography, while others simply stood there and sang their hearts out. It was obvious that many hours were spent rehearsing for this one night. Big shout out to the bands that played live for each of the choirs. The behind the scenes production and stage management was amazing! Everything flowed seamlessly… the choir & band transitions, stage lighting, sound, and video production. Thanks to Verizon for making this a first class production.
The winning choir was "Voices of Destiny" from Compton, CA performing the song "My Time for God's Favor (Presence of the Lord Remix)". They won $25,000, a performance at the 2011 NFL Super Bowl Gospel Celebration in Dallas, and a performance at the 2011 Stellar Awards in Nashville. During post-show interviews, choir director and pastor Michael Fisher shared a powerful testimony about how far they've come and what this win means to the members of the choir and their community. All of the choir members are between 18 and 31, and most have never travelled outside of Compton, CA. After their first flight ever, a tour of the White House earlier in the day, and a finale win… there was hardly a dry eye in the choir. Congratulations!
On the morning of October 8, 2010 the "Queen of Gospel" Albertina Walker passed away at the age of 81. She discovered and launched the careers of many gospel music greats such as Shirley Caesar and Rev. James Cleveland. I had the pleasure of meeting her one year during the Stellar Awards weekend. She was gracious enough to allow me and many others to be photographed with her.
During the GMWA gospel music convention, I had the opportunity to photograph the Caravans performing in Orlando. They sang a few of their timeless hits, including "Mary Don't You Weep" with Inez Andrews singing lead. They got so into the song that the music faded out before they finished singing. That was my first time ever hearing the group perform live, and it was certainly a treat. So much so, that I was standing with the audience and almost forgot to photograph them.
Albertina Walker will sorely be missed by all who knew her, and those who were touched by her love of God and gospel music.
The 2009 JoyFest concert kicked off at the Kings Dominion theme park on Saturday July 18th. The Kingswood Amphitheater was rockin' with a sold out audience filling the seats and the lawn. Performers included Crystal Aikin, Martha Munizzi, Tye Tribbett, Marvin Sapp and Kirk Franklin. All I can say, is if you missed this show, you missed a treat! Premier Festivals really knows how to put on a star-studded show. The gospel radio announcers of DC and Virginia did a great job promoting the event as well. Thanks to the lighting crew who kept the stage well lit and the fog machine pumping after the sun went down. Here's a sample of images captured of most artists at the Joyfest event.
Last month, Earl Bynum celebrated his birthday in the form of a gospel music event.  The concert was held at Mt. Lebanon (The Mount) in Chesapeake VA, where Earl is the minister of music. Ju Joyner, Sheliah Belle, and Brother Ray co-hosted throughout the evening. Gospel artists & groups included TaMyya J, Virginia Mass Choir, God’s Image, Naomi K. Thomas, Donald Ashley & Millennium, Antuan Barnes & Absolute Worship, As We Are, God’s Purpose, Vision, and Elevation… whew! BET’s Sunday Best Winner, Crystal Aikin, also blessed the audience with a couple of selections. Here are some moments from on and off the stage.
Earlier this year, I photographed gospel artist Naomi K. Thomas for her debut CD project. Her live CD is now available, and features some images from the session. Portraits by Benson Blake Photography are also used throughout her new website www.naomikthomas.com. Naomi's CD "Best Offering" is available online at CD Baby and iTunes.
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