Benson Blake Photography » Kirk Franklin

JoyFest Concert 2011

Benson Blake Photography — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 15:03:54 +0000

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.

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.

Charmaine’s Bday Concert

Benson Blake Photography — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 19:37:20 +0000

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

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