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.

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.

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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

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

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.

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

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

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

Out of the Box Mime

The Anointed Morton Singers

VA Mass Choir – Director, Earl Bynum

Virginia Mass Choir

Virginia Mass Choir