Benson's Blog » Kirk Franklin

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

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)