Tag: NC Events

2017 ‘Wilson Idol’ set for Sept. 9 with McDonald Sisters as guest judges



Summerville Promotion and Production Company and Tall One Outreach Ministries take great pride in presenting the 2017 “Wilson Idol” Talent Show.  The competition is set for September 9, 2017, at Fike High School, 500 Harrison Drive, Wilson, NC.  

This year, ten hopefuls will vy for the title of “Wilson Idol.”  Special guest judges are gospel powerhouses, The McDonald Sisters.

“Wilson Idol” is an annual event that showcases the musical, dance, and spoken word talents of Wilson’s emerging and unsung artists.  The participants compete for cash prizes, an opportunity to perform for gospel’s queen Pastor Shirley Caesar, and a part in the stage production of the award-winning gospel play, “Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child,” a gospel drama written and produced by Dr. Mildred Summerville. This year’s show is expanding to feature two non-competitive categories, “Babes Have Talent, Too” (ages 3-9) and “Seniors Have Talent, Too” (ages 65 and up).

Tall One Outreach Ministries will also honor Pastor Victor Baine, Phyllis Vick, Dr. Mural Lanier, Bishop Gregory Blow, Tracy Gordon, Esther Gordon, Leonard Slagle, and  Dr. Raymond Summerville with The Tall One Champion’s Award.  Tall One’s Champion’s Award Program honors individuals for their hard work, perseverance, and meritorious contributions to their communities. The chosen honorees have affected their communities through various educational initiatives such as the performing arts, community services, education, and outreach ministries. 

Doors for the “Wilson Idol” show open at 4 PM and the event is scheduled to begin promptly at 5 PM.  Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.  For ticket information and other inquiries, contact Dr. Mildred Summerville at 252-230-2689 or email [email protected].


– From a press release

Sensational Nightingales to be inducted into NC Music Hall of Fame

The Sensational Nightingales are among seven artists to be inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame for 2017.

The Gales have been on the gospel highway for more than seven decades and are treasured both nationally and abroad.  “It’s Gonna Rain,” “Prodigal Son,” and “At the Meeting” remain among their most requested songs.

The
induction ceremony is set for October 19, 2017, at the Kannapolis Performing Arts Center in
Kannapolis, NC.  Other 2017 inductees are R&B singer/songwriter Anthony Hamilton, country singer/musician Bucky Covington, blues singer/guitarist Etta Baker, country songwriter/musician Jim Lauderdale, R&B songwriter/musician Richard Lewis Spencer, and bluegrass band The Steep Canyon Rangers.

James Dixon celebrates 41st birthday with free musical – April 1

James Dixon, former drummer for the Sensational Nightingales and current lead singer of James Dixon and Company, invites you to his 41st birthday musical.  This year, James is bringing together family, friends, and a host of talent–all of whom are gospel music lovers–for a celebration that won’t soon be forgotten.  The service is free and open to the public.  No April foolin’ here.  Check out the flyer for details. 

2016 'Wilson Idol' on tap for Sept. 24 with Shawn Mclemore as special guest judge

On September 24, 2016, “Wilson Idol” will provide an evening of entertainment at Fike High School, 500 Harrison Drive, Wilson, NC.  Doors open at 4 PM and the event is scheduled to begin promptly at 5 PM.  Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

“Wilson Idol,” produced by The Summerville Promotion and Production Company along with Tall One Outreach Ministries, showcases the musical, dance, and spoken word talents of Wilson’s unsung acts.  This year, more than 20 hopefuls will vy for the title of “Wilson Idol.”  Special guest and judge is recording artist Shawn McLemore, whose credits include the Billboard charting CD, Wait on Him and more recently, “I Believe,” on which he is featured with James Fortune and Zacardi Cortez.

In addition to media coverage and a cash prize, the evening’s top performer will have an opportunity to perform for gospel’s queen Pastor Shirley Caesar and will be given a part in the stage production of the award-winning gospel play, “Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child,” a gospel drama written and produced by Dr. Mildred Summerville.  This year’s winner will also earn an opportunity to record with Dr. James Robertson.

Correlated with last year’s competition was the launch of the Tall One’s Champion Award program.  The Tall One’s Champion Award program honors individuals for their hard work, perseverance, and meritorious contributions to their communities. The chosen honorees have impacted their communities through various initiatives such as performing arts, community services, education, and outreach ministries.  This year, Tall One Outreach Ministries pays tribute to Bishop Aaron McNair, Dr. Brooksie Harrington, Prophet Calvin Suggs, Pastor Ricky Daughtridge, Evangelist Veronica Morgan, Marjie Slagle, and Roy Edmundson.

For ticket information and other inquiries, contact Dr. Mildred Summerville at 252-230-2689 or email [email protected].

– From a press release

Vickie Winans to perform concert, comedy in Roxboro, NC – August 13

This Saturday, August 13, Vickie Winans brings her “Bling, Sing, Laugh Til You Scream” concert to Roxboro, NC, where she will perform some of her well-known hits, serve up her brand of comedy, and showcase her line of self-made jewelry. 

Winans tells GMF’s Libra Boyd, “Baby, we’re gonna laugh, we might cry a little bit,
we’re gonna worship, we’re gonna dance, and when it’s all over, we’re
gonna get us a chicken sandwich and go to the crib!”  Read the full interview here: Vickie Winans: Blinging, Singing, Laughing, and Giving Today’s Music Talent a Chance.

The event will also feature a fashion show production by Mr. Carlyle, founder of Durham, NC Fashion Week; music by Indebted Praise; and the local talents of area youth.  Vendors will also be on-site. 

Proceeds from the concert will benefit Bridging the Gap.  According to its visionary, Kelly Rogers, Bridging the Gap’s purpose is to bring ministries together, unite generations “to work as one in the Kingdom,” and to “bring [people] from the ages of 16 to 35 who have strayed from the church back to God.” 
_____________

EVENT DETAILS
What:  Live in Concert: National Recording Artist Vickie Winans
When:  August 13, 2016 at 5 PM (doors open at 4 PM)
Cost:  Tickets – $20 (complimentary for pastors and their spouses)
Where:  Stories Creek Elementary School, 1333 Stories Creek School Road  Roxboro, NC  27574

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Kelly Rogers at 919-426-2891.

Kingdom Encounter Family Conference to feature Eddie James, Maranda Willis

The Covenant Triangle’s Kingdom Encounter Family Conference will present an amazing “REACH” experience at a Triple E.E.E. Block Party at NC Central University’s Library Bowl on Thursday, July 28, at 6 PM, featuring the amazing gift of Eddie James & Dream Life Ministries. The New Covenant Christian Church’s Triple E.E.E. theme is indicative of the season of “Excellence in Evangelism without Excuse,” so come expecting an outpouring of God’s glory and vision manifestation!

Dream Life Ministries is a team of 40 young people who were saved off the streets of Atlanta, GA by the power of God through the evangelism/outreach ministry of Eddie James. They lead worship with Eddie and give their testimonies intermittently throughout the experience. Prophetess Kathy Lindsay of New Covenant Christian Church of the Triangle said in a message to GMF, “We are believing our God for 100+ souls to be saved, prodigal sons/daughters to ‘come to themselves,’ fathers and sons to reconcile, and this Joshua generation to be drawn back to our heavenly Father through the power of God!” 

On Saturday, July 30, at New Covenant (3308 Durham Chapel-Hill Blvd. in Durham), the Kingdom Encounter Family Conference continues with a benefit concert featuring Maranda C. Willis (“Nobody Like You Lord”), along with guest artist Vernon Gordon and others.  Melissa Wade and Dr. Angelia Riggsbee, Founder/CEO of Healing After Domestic Violence (H.A.D.), are the special guest co-hosts.  All proceeds will support H.A.D. families for back-to-school supplies.  If you can’t make the concert, you are asked to share the love of God through giving at www.newcovenantchristian.org and note your donation is for either H.A.D. or to support evangelism efforts to reach the lost for Christ through Triple E.E.E. event. 

John Thorpe and Truth, Chosen Live DVD Recording Recap

John Thorpe and Truth
John Thorpe and Truth | Photo Credit: Libra Boyd

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

A modest crowd of roughly 250 traditional gospel enthusiasts gathered at Roxboro’s Kirby Theater Saturday night (July 16) for the live DVD recordings of John Thorpe and Truth of Rougemont, NC, and Chosen of Wilkesboro, NC.  Radio announcer David Ramsey and Bishop D.T. “Dynamite” Johnson served as emcees for the evening.

The one-hour late start caused restlessness among some in the audience, but they appeared to be instantly refreshed by the live music performances of area artists Chozen Phaze II and saxophonist James Brown, who opened the concert.

Once John Thorpe and Truth took to the stage—about 55 minutes after the late start—they wasted no time moving through the first of two five-song sets, beginning with “I Don’t Mind,” followed by the bluesy “Child of God.”  Both numbers are from an album recorded with his siblings, John Thorpe and Family Live with Dr. Bobby Jones, and are fan favorites. Still, it was the perennial hymn “Old Rugged Cross” that shifted the somewhat constrained atmosphere into extended worship.  Thorpe brought out his son Jonathan (of James Hall & Worship and Praise) to share the lead.  Jonathan’s velvet tenor was a stark contrast to his dad’s gritty baritone, but the duet was nonetheless palatable.  The worship that ensued cued a reprise before the group finished out its opening set with downhome hand-clapper, “Do What the Lord Say Do.”

Chosen
Chosen | Photo Credit: Libra Boyd

While John Thorpe and Truth recessed for a wardrobe change, Chosen began its 10-song set, which included a mix of original tunes and covers of “What He’s Done for Me” (Lisa Knowles and The Brown Singers), “Thank You” (Tim Rogers and The Fellas), “Meet Me at the Gate” (B.T. Green and the Christian Harmonettes), and “Old Landmark” (Tammy Edwards and the Edwards Sisters).  An unhurried song of assurance, “Jesus is Standing There,” especially resonated with the intimate crowd:

You feel all alone sometimes, and you don’t know what to do, but still
Jesus is standing there
I’ve got friends, they’ll turn and walk away from you, but still when they walk away
Jesus is standing there
Call Him in the morning
Call Him late at night
Oh Jesus is standing there

The song’s lead singer Marshall Parks shared with the audience afterwards, “A whole lot of folks sing songs that sound good; but I want to sing a song that says something.”  When the lead mic was passed to Quinda Parks, she emphasized that Chosen came to have church.  I was convinced.  Their sermonettes, testimonies, praise break, and the atmosphere of an old-fashion revival as they neared the end of their set were proof positive.

As the night drew to a close, John Thorpe and Truth returned to complete the final set, opening with the lively title track from their current CD, “Stay with Jesus” and ending with “Thank You,” reminiscent of soul singer Eddie Floyd’s “Knock on Wood.”

Both group’s recordings will be released as individual “live” CD and DVD projects in association with Light of Day Productions, LLC.  To pre-order, visit the artists’ websites at www.johnthorpeandtruth.com and www.chosen-ministries.com.

John Thorpe and Truth, Chosen prep for live DVD recording – July 16

John Thorpe and Truth and Chosen are gearing up for a live DVD recording set for Saturday, July 16, at the Kirby Theater in Roxboro, NC.  Doors open at 4 PM, and the recording begins at 5 PM.  Advance tickets are $10 ($15 at the door).
Tickets are available from Light of Day Productions (336-818-0880), Truth Ministries (434-429-6130), members of both groups, and at the following sites: johnthorpeandtruth.com, chosen-ministries.com.

Sensational Nightingales to give free live concert in Burlington – May 19

Mark your calendars for Thursday, May 19, 2016.  The Sensational Nightingales will appear live in concert at the Allred New Mission Baptist Church.  The service begins at 7:30 PM, and the church is located at 244 Kerr Chapel Road in Burlington, NC.

Admission is free, and a love offering will be received.

The service, hosted by James Dixon and Pastor Jimmy Richmond, also features gospel singer Evangelist Barbara Dixon.

'Wilson Idol' 2015: "And the winner is…

Photo | PVICK Studio

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

…Patrice Farmer!”


Congratulations to Patrice Farmer (pictured with Dr. Mildred Summerville), grand prize winner of the third annual “Wilson Idol” talent competition, held Saturday, September 19, at Wilson, NC’s Fike High School auditorium.  Patrice wowed the judges and captivated the audience with her vocal performance of Tamela Mann’s “I Can Only Imagine” to capture the first place honor.  The win came with a $1,000 prize and trophy, along with a part in the onstage production of the award-winning Mildred Summerville play “Spare the Rod,
Spoil the Child,” and an opportunity to perform for gospel music’s leading lady, Pastor Shirley Caesar.


As has become standard for the annual competition, participants took to the stage and delivered an evening of impressive performances that left judges splitting hairs over who would earn the grand prize as well as top spots in the youth and adult divisions.


Runners-up in the youth division were:

James Thomas Daniels (1st runner-up)
Precious Finch (2nd runner-up)
William Featherston (3rd runner-up)


In the adult division, runners-up were:

Shannon Baker (1st runner-up)
Kelsey Joyner (2nd runner-up)
Ashley Ongaro (3rd runner-up)


Each runner-up was presented a trophy for his or her exceptional performance, and each contestant received a certificate of recognition. 

“Wilson Idol“ talent competition is sponsored by Summerville Promotion
and Production Company and Tall One Outreach Ministries to give residents of Wilson, NC (ages 10 and up)
an opportunity to showcase their talents in the areas of music, dance/step, and acting.

This year, for the first time, “Wilson Idol” recognized three honorees as Tall One Outreach Ministries’
Champions.  During a pre-show, Bishop Eloise Sessoms,
Sharetta Blackwell, and Minister Michael Boone were celebrated for
standing tall in the Wilson community through excellence in leadership,
integrity, and inspiration. 

GMF congratulates Patrice, the runners-up, the Tall One Outreach Ministries’ Champions, and the show’s producer Dr. Mildred Summerville for jobs well done!