Tag: NC Events

North Carolina Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony to include performance by Shirley Caesar

 

(Kannapolis, NC)  The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame (NCMHOF) will hold its annual induction ceremony on October 17, 2019, at 7:15 PM.  The ceremony is presented by BankOZK and will take place at the historic GEM Theatre in downtown Kannapolis, NC, which was recently placed upon the official National Register of Historic Places.
 
Six are slated to perform live at the event: Kellie Pickler, Shirley Caesar, Mitch Easter, Elizabeth Cotten’s family, David Holt (on behalf of Merle Watson), and the Carolina Panthers PurrCussion drumline.  The event is open to the public and all ages will enjoy the ceremony. VIP and general admission tickets may be purchased online at www.NorthCarolinaMusicHallofFame.org or at the NCMHOF Museum.
 
Induction night will feature a pre-ceremony VIP reception, live performances, and the acceptance of each induction.  Those being inducted this year are Elizabeth Cotten, Mitch Easter, Big Daddy Kane, Merle Watson, and 9th Wonder.
 
For the first time, the NCMHOF will highlight two past inductees by featuring them along with the 2019 class.  Pastor Shirley Caesar and Kellie Pickler have been selected as the 2019 highlights.  Both were unable to attend their inductions in 2010 and 2016 respectively, due to unforeseen circumstances.
 
The NCMHOF partnered with Come Hear North Carolina and the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources for Governor Roy Cooper’s proclamation of 2019 as the “Year of Music” in North Carolina.  Earlier this year, the 2019 class was announced in a press conference with NCDCR Secretary, Susi Hamilton. This year’s ceremony will be filmed for live stream by the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
 
– From a press release
 

Dorinda Clark Cole to appear in Charlotte production of Summerville play 'Spare the Rod'

Spare the Rod Part 2 flyer
 
Tall One Outreach Ministries presents the award-winning gospel play, “Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child – Part 2,” written and produced by Dr. Mildred Summerville and directed by Trina Jeffrie (aka Sister Cantaloupe). The event takes place at Ovens Auditorium, 2700 East Independence Boulevard in Charlotte, NC, on August 10, 2019, at 7:30 PM. Gracing the stage are Grammy award-winning artist Dorinda Clark Cole, gospel singing sensation Shawn McLemore, Tra’Lesha Willis, Rhonda McLemore, “Queen of Gospel Comedy” Trina Jeffrie, and renowned preacher, teacher, and author Apostle Aaron McNair.
 
A must-see story, the play is alternately a moving drama and a side-splitting comedy that will be talked about in families and generations to come. These insurmountable challenges have been encountered by most families. In this gripping and engaging dramatic piece, a woman is simply known as “Grandma” serves as the pillar of her surroundings. Her son’s family is in crisis, and those within her neighborhood are drowning in chronic troubles of their own. Through it all, Grandma seeks God on behalf of those who are not spiritually inclined enough to seek Him for themselves. Even those who resent her, such as her son’s sometimes-rigid wife, Linda, ultimately end up on Grandma’s prayer list. And when the walls of the lives of those around Grandma seem to come tumbling down, they know who to turn to for guidance and sound counsel. It’s not always advice that they want to hear, but it is consistently the precise word needed to steer them in the right direction.
 
“Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child” portrays issues within the community such as family dysfunction, peer pressure, substance abuse, and other pertinent matters that are too often inadequately addressed or considered taboo altogether. Extraordinary drama, corrupt karma, a supportive pastor, and a praying grandma all come together to make “Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child” a must-see theatrical production. Infused with foot-stomping gospel music, this is soul-stirring entertainment that will warm hearts, tickle funny bones, uplift the spirits, and search the souls of all those who experience it.
 
The 2019 Charlotte production of “Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child” is sponsored by The Rock Worship Center in memory of Gabriel Michael Jacobs. Gabriel, the son of  Pastor Frank and First Lady Kimberly Jacobs, passed away
unexpectedly at the age of 12. Because Gabriel was best known for his big heart, his parents founded the Gabe’s Heart Foundation in his honor. The foundation recognizes individuals who display a giving spirit and a compassionate heart. A portion of each ticket sale for the Charlotte production will be donated to Gabe’s Heart Foundation.
 
– Excerpt from press release

Area Singer-Promoter James Dixon readies for 43rd birthday celebration musical

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

There are a couple of things you’ll always find James Dixon talking about: Duke men’s basketball and gospel music.  This year the gospel music enthusiast will celebrate his 43rd birthday with plenty of the latter. 

Dixon, formerly a drummer for the Sensational Nightingales and currently the lead singer of James Dixon and Company, invites you to celebrate with him and all his musical guests.  See the flyer below for details.  

Saturday, April 6, 2019
4 PM 
Denniston Grove Baptist Church
1031 Bethel Hill Road
Alton, VA  24520
Admission: FREE

Luther Barnes to be inducted into NC Music Hall of Fame

Pastor Luther Barnes is among seven artists to be inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame for 2018.Pastor Luther Barnes is among seven artists to be inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame for 2018.

Luther Barnes is an award-winning songwriter, producer, and singer whose discography includes projects with the Red Budd Gospel Choir, the Sunset Jubilaires, and the Restoration Worship Center Choir.  His father Bishop F.C. Barnes, of “Rough Side of the Mountain” fame, was inducted posthumously into the NC Music Hall of Fame in 2015.

The induction ceremony is set for October 18, 2018, at GEM Theatre in Kannapolis, NC.  Other 2018 inductees are pianist, composer, and media personality, John Tesh; singer and musician, Chris Daughtry; record exec, Dolphus Ramseur; R&B/soul singer-songwriter and producer, Calvin Richardson; GMA Gospel Music Hall of Famers, The Hoppers; and blues guitarist, Blind Boy Fuller.

Editor’s note: In the initial post of this story, GMF inadvertently listed Calvin Richardson as Chris Richardson.  GMF apologizes for the error. 

DunAmis Kids Gospel Awards to celebrate youths’ contributions to community, region

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

The DunAmis Gospel Awards is gearing up for its very first awards event to recognize and promote children in ministry.

Billed as “The Ultimate Kid Experience,” the DunAmis Kids Gospel Awards will honor youth from ages five through seventeen who spread the gospel throughout their community and region.  Awards will be presented in thirteen categories.  The nomination window is open until June 16 at www.dunamisgospelawards.org.

The celebration, which will include red carpet interviews and spirited live performances, is set to take place August 25, 2018, at Morning Star Baptist Church in Burlington, NC.

The DunAmis Kids Gospel Awards is founded by Bishop Terry L. Young. 

Sponsored Post: Summerville’s ‘Spare the Rod’ play comes to Carolina Theatre Sept. 29, features Le’Andria Johnson

Tall One Outreach Ministries presents the award-winning gospel stage play, “Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child – Part 2,” written and produced by Dr. Mildred Summerville and directed by Trina Jeffrie (aka Sister Cantaloupe) at the Carolina Theatre, 309 West Morgan Street, Durham, NC, on September 29, 2018, at 7:30 pm. 
 
Viewers are in for an unforgettable experience! Gracing the stage are Grammy award-winning artist Le’Andria Johnson; gospel singing sensation Shawn McLemore, who is known for his hit single “I Believe” featuring James Fortune; recording artists Dr. Pauline Plummer, Rhonda McLemore, and Queen of Gospel Comedy, Trina Jeffrie; and Apostle Aaron McNair, renown preacher, teacher, and author. The additional
supporting cast members will be selected from Durham School of the Arts and North Carolina Central University Department of Theatre and Dance. Also making an appearance is the Grammy nominated talented R&B diva Angie Stone.
 
A must-see story, the play is alternately a moving drama and a side-splitting comedy that will be talked about in families and generations to come. These insurmountable challenges have been encountered by most families. In this gripping and engaging dramatic piece, a woman is simply known as “Grandma” serves as the pillar of her surroundings. Her son’s family is in crisis, and those within her neighborhood are drowning in chronic troubles of their own. Through it all, Grandma seeks God on behalf of those who are not spiritually inclined enough to seek Him for themselves. Even those who resent her, such as her son’s sometimes rigid wife, Linda, ultimately end up on Grandma’s prayer list. And when the walls of the lives of those around Grandma seem to come tumbling down, they know who to turn to for guidance and sound counsel. It’s not always advice that they want to hear, but it is consistently the precise word needed to steer them in the right direction.
 
Using spirit-filled music and memorable characters like James, the doting son, Linda, the insensitive daughter-in-law, Tracy, the high-strung teenager, and Sister Cantaloupe, Grandma’s feisty sister, “Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child – Part 2” portrays issues within the community such as family dysfunction, peer pressure, substance abuse, and other pertinent matters that are too often inadequately addressed or considered taboo altogether.
 
Other characters in the cast bring even more drama to the script. In her God-given wisdom, Grandma confronts Tracy’s suppressed anger and bitterness, convincing her to disclose facts about a rape kept secret for years. Also, she fervently prays for her grandson, William, who has a change of heart and avert
a life of gang involvement.
 
Though compounding events take a toll on Grandma, the audience will rejoice in knowing that this elderly woman’s life was prayer-centered, purpose-inspired, and, inevitably, not at all lived in vain. Extraordinary drama, corrupt karma, a supportive pastor, and a praying grandma, all come together to make “Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child – Part 2” a must-see theatrical production! Infused with foot-stomping gospel music, this is soul-stirring entertainment that will warm hearts, tickle funny bones, uplift the spirits, and search the souls of all those who experience it.
 
– From a press release

Sponsored Post: ‘Spare the Rod’ Audition Opportunity for Local High School, College Students – May 9

AUDITIONS
 May 9, 2018
Summerville Promotion and Production Company is conducting a local college and high school search in an effort to recruit students for 5 roles in our award-winning play coming to your area. The play, “Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child” will be coming to the Carolina Theatre in Durham, NC on September 29, 2018.
 
The Production Company will host a one-day audition for all interested students on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at 7PM at Mount Calvary Word of Faith Church, 3100 Sanderford Road, Raleigh, NC.
 
 
Students participating in the auditions should be prepared with a monologue and may also be asked to conduct readings from the play script. If there are questions regarding the audition or other areas in which students may participate in this production, please send a message to [email protected] or call  (252) 230-2689. 

Winners of 2018 Rejoice Awards announced; Nancy Wilson recipient of Legend Award

By Libra Boyd
 
Awardees Nancy Wilson and Duncan Butler
Nancy Carree Wilson and Duncan Butler

Congratulations to the winners and honorees announced at the 2018 Rejoice Awards, held Saturday, April 14, at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, NC.

Pastor and singer Nancy Carree Wilson was celebrated with this year’s Legend Award.  Her résumé includes recordings with Bishop Larry Trotter & Sweet Holy Spirit and Pastor Debra Morton & the Women of Excellence Choir.  In 2004, she released her own project–recorded live at Chicago’s Sweet Holy Spirit Church–entitled, Nancy Wilson – Designed for Worship.  Additionally, Pastor Wilson, whose son Isaac Carree also enjoys success as a gospel recording artist, was a host of the long-running weekly regional television show, “Gospel Expo.”  In 1994, the songstress and media personality became pastor of Greensboro’s New Beginnings Community Outreach Church.


Singer/pianist/songwriter Duncan Butler got double trophy love Saturday afternoon.  He walked away with a pair of glass trophies for the Artist of the Year and Contemporary categories. 
 
The Rejoice Awards is produced by Unwind Communications Outreach Network (UCON) and The UCON Alliance of Gospel Music Professionals to recognize the accomplishments of local and regional gospel artists, media, and legends for their contributions to gospel music and the community.  For more information about UCON, visit http://ucontalent.wixsite.com/ucon.  The complete list of awardees is as follows:


 Praise and Worship
Kendall McDowell and RAW

 Traditional
Charity Davis

 Contemporary
Duncan Butler

 Urban
Mike Teezy

 Quartet
FOCUS

 Instrumental 
Gregory Amos

 Media
Tony Welborne
WNAA 90.1 FM

 Legend
Nancy Carree Wilson

 Artist of the Year
Duncan Butler

WNCU announcer Carolyn Ryals to be honored with appreciation musical – April 8

Carolyn Pettiford-Ryals, longtime on-air personality at WNCU 90.7 FM, will be honored with an appreciation program this Sunday, April 8, 2018.  The event will take place at Durham’s Lakeview Baptist Church on 3411 Dearborn Drive.   


This year marks Ryal’s 20th as a gospel announcer on North Carolina Central University’s campus radio station.  She, along with “Country Boy” Walter Hatcher, alternate hosting duties Sunday mornings on the “Hallelujah Praise” show.


The appreciation service starts at 4 PM and will include both music and spoken word tributes.

DunAmis Gospel Awards 2017 Winners

Congratulations to all of the winners and honorees announced at the 4th annual DunAmis Gospel Awards, held Saturday, November 4, at Cornerstone Conference IPHC in Browns Summit, NC.  Recording artists Tasha Wall, Greg Drumwright, and Will Harris served as hosts for the four-hour show.
 
GMF’s own Libra Boyd (pictured), who is a musician and the longtime minister of music for New Hope Person Missionary Baptist Church in Timberlake, NC, received this year’s award for Musician of the Year-Female.  MG Music Group’s Cedric Hester aka Deacon Authority (pictured) took home the award for Holy Hip Hop Artist of the Year.  The full list of winners and honorees is below.  
 
The DunAmis Gospel Awards was conceptualized by Bishop Terry Young to honor
independent gospel artists, pastors, pastor’s wives, churches, and other local and regional talent.  GMF celebrates all of the 2017 award recipients and applauds Bishop Young and his team for an excellent production.  For more information about the DunAmis Gospel Awards, visit www.dunamisgospelawards.org.
 
 
Pastor of the Year
Bishop Ben Mittman

Female Pastor of the Year
Pastor Deborah Chambliss

First Lady of the Year
Whitnei Johnson

Church of the Year (Tie)
Christ Cathedral Church of Deliverance – Winston-Salem
East White Oak Baptist Church – Greensboro

Choir Director of the Year
Sir Jerry Sadler

Young Adult Choir of the Year
Voices of Praise

Musician of the Year (Male)
Mike Astyn

Musician of the Year (Female)
Libra Boyd

Gospel Announcer of the Year
Darlene Vinson

Quartet of the Year
George Perkins and Envision

Church Choir of the Year
Citadel of Praise – Greensboro

Soloist of the Year (Male)
Bishop Stephen Williams

Soloist of the Year (Female)
Felesha Maree

Dance/Mime Ministry of the Year
Keith Rick (Open Vessel)

Community Choir of the Year
Dionn Owen and Renaissance

Spoken Word Artist of the Year
Amorah Brown

CD/Song of the Year
Toren Mozingo

Holy Hip Hop Artist of the Year
Cedric Hester (Deacon Authority)

Worship Leader of the Year
Pastor Cassandra Elliott

A Cappella Group of the Year
The Price Family

Producer of the Year
Mischeal Goldsmith

Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree
Rev. Dr. Jerry Wilson

Trailblazer Award Honoree
Minister Corey Williams

Legends Award Honorees
Dr. Ron Bigelow
Elder Lewis Bernard Florence