Benson's Blog » gospel music

JoyFest Concert 2009

Benson Blake Photography — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 15:35:41 +0000

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.

Earl’s Birthday Concert ’09

Benson Blake Photography — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:57:23 +0000

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.

Naomi’s “Best Offering”

Benson Blake Photography — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:08:42 +0000

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.

www.naomikthomas.com

GMWA Convention 2008

Benson Blake Photography — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 18:55:07 +0000

On Monday August 11th, I traveled to Nashville TN for gospel music’s annual GMWA Workshop Convention. The 2008 convention featured a 5-day line up of evening gospel showcases and daytime classes. For three of these days, I had the opportunity to photograph performances by artists like Trinitee 5:7, Kurt Carr, and Dorothy Norwood. Here are some photo highlights from Monday through Wednesday night at the Gaylord Opryland hotel.

View the Gallery

Ministers’ Conference ’08

Benson Blake Photography — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 20:05:54 +0000

The 2008 Hampton Ministers’ Conference and Choir Directors’/Orgainists’ Guild Workshop kicked off on Monday June 2nd on the campus of Hampton University. Preachers and church musicians from all over the country have gathered here to worship, network, and learn music and concepts that they can take back to their hometown churches. This year’s conference speaker is Bishop Charles E. Blake, presiding Bishop of Church of God in Christ Worldwide. Here are a few images from the choir soloist performance and Bishop Blake’s sermon. Enjoy!

Choir Director

IAM Magazine Cover

Benson Blake Photography — Thu, 29 May 2008 12:48:21 +0000

For the Spring 2008 issue of gospel’s IAM Magazine, two of my photos from this year’s Stellar Awards are on the cover. There’s also a two-page spread inside (pages 34-35), featuring some of my images from backstage at the awards show in Nashville. Thanks to Val and Jerry for selecting my images to be published! You can check out this issue online here. For more info about IAM Magazine, visit their website at www.iammag.com.

Picnic at the Pavilion ’08

Benson Blake Photography — Sun, 04 May 2008 17:30:38 +0000

On Saturday May 3rd, the nTelos Pavilion in Portsmouth VA was once again the venue for Star 94.1‘s annual "Picnic at the Pavilion" gospel concert. The concert lineup featured gospel artists Tye Tribbett & G.A., CeCe Winans, Norman Hutchins, Beverly Crawford, Maurette Brown-Clark, Euclid Gray, Spensha Baker, Isaiah D. Thomas, Jimmy Hicks, James Fortune & FIYA, Damon Little and Jessica Greene… whew! The show started at 3:30pm and didn’t end until about 11pm. Big thanks to Ellen’s Cuisines for catering the VIP party area, Distinguished Executive Transportation and other sponsors of this event. Also, thanks to Sheilah Belle for the write-up in the Belle Report. Here are some moments from the concert…

The VERY energetic… Tye Tribbett & G.A.

Milton Bingham Concert

Benson Blake Photography — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 12:42:45 +0000

On April 19th, Milton Bingham directed the Petersburg GMWA Choir, during a performance at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Petersburg VA. Bingham conducted a workshop with the choir prior to the concert, where he taught them several of his songs. The VA Mass Choir also sang on the program, directed by Minister Earl Bynum. This was quite a treat for all who attended… and for everyone else, here are some photos from the event.

Ed Stephens introducing the VA Mass Choir

The Virginia Mass Choir

Milton Bingham directing the Petersburg GMWA Choir

VA Mass at Calvary Church

Benson Blake Photography — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 13:08:58 +0000

Last weekend, The Virginia Mass Choir performed at Calvary Seventh Day Adventist Church in Newport News VA. This concert was well attended by members of the community, who joined together in worship. The evening started out with a performance by a saxophonist, ending with a selection by the VA Mass Choir. Here are some of the highlights…

Ms. Jane singing “Holy Ghost”

Pastor Kinlock

New Harmonies, Hopewell

Benson Blake Photography — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 20:17:21 +0000

On April 12th, The Virginia Mass Choir performed in Hopewell VA as part of the grand opening for a Smithsonian exhibit. The New Harmonies Roots music exhibit will be in Hopewell from April 12th to May 24, 2008, along with a variety of weekly lectures and concerts. The musical performances for the grand opening were held outdoors, next to the Appomattox Regional Library. Thanks to everyone in Hopewell and surrounding areas for your contribution to this event. Here are some images from the VA Mass Choir’s appearance.

Charleston to Roanoke

Benson Blake Photography — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 12:22:19 +0000

On March 15-16, I traveled with the Virginia Mass Choir to First Baptist Church in Charleston WV, then to Pilgrim Baptist Church in Roanoke VA. The choir’s weekend tour went VERY well… everything from a smooth and uneventful bus ride through the mountains, to a series of uplifting performances. Thanks to Randy and our driver Reggie at Distinguished Executive Transportation for a great job transporting the choir. Thanks to both churches for your hospitality, and the meals that were prepared for the choir.

VA Mass Choir concert in Charleston, West Virginia

Praise dancers at First Baptist Church’s Sunday morning service

VA Mass Choir Director, Minister Earl Bynum

Paul A. Dunn, Pastor of First Baptist Church, Charleston WV

Sunday morning service in Charleston

CeCe Cotton singing at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Roanoke VA

Pastor Dwight Steele playing the organ

Naomi’s CD Cover

Benson Blake Photography — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 11:03:08 +0000

I was recently asked to photograph gospel artist Naomi Thomas for her upcoming CD release. We were able to capture lots of different looks for her CD packaging and promotional materials. Part of her session took place at our studio, and the rest on location at New Community Temple COGIC in Portsmouth VA. Here are a few of my favorites.

SCLC Tribute to MLK

Benson Blake Photography — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 13:25:22 +0000

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

Stellar Awards 2008

Benson Blake Photography — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 17:41:45 +0000

The Stellar Gospel Music Awards weekend was once again a success in Nashville, Tennessee. I had the chance to photograph some of Central South Distribution's gospel events at Gibson Showcase. Several artists performed Friday afternoon including Martha Munizzi and Norman Hutchins. Later that night was the nominee reception where all of the Stellar Award nominees were called to the stage and acknowledged. At the awards show taping, fans and artists were treated to a night of good gospel music. Performers at the taping included Kirk Franklin, The Rance Allen Group, The Clark Sisters, Fred Hammond, Beverly Crawford, DeWayne Woods, Marvin Sapp, Ricky Dillard, Smokie Norful, and others.

Stellar Awards Results (gospelflava.com)

David Mann from Tyler Perry's 'Meet the Browns' hosting Central South's gospel showcase

Martha Munizzi Performing at Central South's gospel showcase

Co-hosts Tye Tribbett & Vicki Winans share a laugh with Dr. Bobby Jones at the nominee reception

Vicki Winans and Benson after the nominee reception

The Clark Sisters, recipients of Artist of the Year, Group/Duo of the Year, CD of the Year, and Traditional Group/Duo of the Year awards

Tramaine Hawkins, winner of two Stellar Awards and the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award

Rance Allen and Kirk Franklin performing at the post-awards reception

Dorinda Clark-Cole performing at the post-awards reception

Off to The Stellar Awards

Benson Blake Photography — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 20:41:13 +0000

Stay tuned for photos from the 2008 Stellar Awards! Benson Blake Photography will be closed January 10-14 to attend the weekend’s events at Nashville’s Opryland Hotel and Grand Ole Opry. I will be providing coverage for GospelFruits.org for the 3rd year and serve as a contributing photographer to other Gospel industry media outlets. Kirk Franklin, Byron Cage & CeCe Winans will co-host the taping on Saturday, January 12, 2008.

Photos
23rd Annual Stellar Awards
(ticket info, TV listings)

Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church

Benson Blake Photography — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 10:15:34 +0000

The Virginia Mass Choir closed out their engagements for 2007 with a “Gospel Explosion” concert on November 18th. The event was held in Williamsburg at Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church and included performances by the Anointed Morton Singers, VA Mass Choir, Out of the Box Mime, and others.

Out of the Box Mime

The Anointed Morton Singers

VA Mass Choir – Director, Earl Bynum

Virginia Mass Choir

Rev. James Cleveland Tribute

Benson Blake Photography — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 07:18:07 +0000

On Sunday, October 28th, the Virginia Mass Choir hosted a tribute concert to the late Rev. James Cleveland. This event took place at the First Pentecostal United Holy Church in Norfolk and is being re-broadcast online at streamingfaith.com. Edna Tatum and Al “The Bishop” Hobbs were honored for their contributions to the Gospel music industry.

Edna Tatum

Ed Stephens (right) presenting award to Al “The Bishop” Hobbs

Al “The Bishop” Hobbs

Edna Tatum introducing “Peace Be Still”

Virginia Mass Choir

VA Gospel Announcers’ Guild Anniversary 2007

Benson Blake Photography — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 18:25:26 +0000

The Virginia Gospel Announcers’ Guild (VA-GAG) celebrated its anniversary over the weekend in Sandston, Virginia. Friday and Saturday nights were jam packed with spirit-filled performances by groups like the Petersburg GMWA chapter choir and Richmond’s own God’s Image. Special appearances were made by Bruce Parham and a surprise performance by Byron Cage.

Byron Cage

Hope Askew

Coco McMillan

Destiny Baptist Church in West Virginia

Benson Blake Photography — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 00:51:57 +0000

The Virginia Mass Choir performed last weekend at Destiny Baptist Church in Martinsburg, West Virginia. This was part of their community day, which included several other choirs from their area.

SCLC President’s Reception with Governor Kaine

Benson Blake Photography — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 23:13:05 +0000

On September 7th, The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) kicked off their annual weekend of activities with a President’s Reception. The Mariner’s Museum in Newport News hosted the event with over 100 in attendance. Among the guests was Virginia’s governor Tim Kaine. The Virginia Mass Choir followed the governor’s speech with their upbeat musical selection “Give Him the Praise”.

Andrew Shannon gives the statement of occasion

Virginia Mass Choir

Benson posing for a photo with the Governor