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.
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
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.
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
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.
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