Tag: NC Scene

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

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

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

Recap: ‘Dinner Concert at the Main,’ presented by Milagro Productions

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever


“No singing at the table” is an etiquette rule that definitely was not applicable at JC’s Kitchen on East Main Street Saturday evening.  The Durham restaurant hosted “Dinner Concert at the Main,” presented by Milagro Productions, and the truth is that nearly everyone sang at his or her table at some point throughout the lively four-hour event.  Stellar Award-winning radio announcer Bobby Parker served as the emcee.


Roughly 50 people packed into the eatery, occupying every section of the compact dining area, to enjoy an evening of music, mime, comedy, and home-style food.  Concerns about the broken A/C—and the pesky wasp that hung out for a while—faded swiftly once the concert got underway with mime dancer Anointed Vessel’s rousing performance.  Milagro Records’ Brandie Brown followed, debuting her uptempo contemporary single “Undefeated.”

Beth Daniels joins JSUP on "Te Bendecire" at Milagro Production's "Dinner Concert at the Main."
Beth Daniels joins JSUP on “Te Bendecire.”

Milagro’s Juan Santiago and Uninhibited Praise rendered several tunes from their repertoire, including the ensemble’s exuberant current single “Glimpse” and “Te Bendecire,” which are both featured on JSUP’s forthcoming full-length CD.  For the concert finale, Santiago invited nearly a fifth of the audience to come down and take turns riffing over the refrain of “Healing Rain,” another of the group’s requested songs.


Other performances of the evening included a pair of selections from Yolanda Mitchell—who later transformed into the comically eccentric Ms. Marzette—and a medley of worship anthems from Shelia Copeland.

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

Juan Santiago launches new label at showcase and release party featuring Kierra Sheard

(Durham, NC) – May 22, 2017 – Many in the Gospel music industry are familiar with Juan Santiago as the leader of the gifted Gospel ensemble Juan Santiago & Uninhibited Praise (JSUP). The group is known for presenting sacred music with exquisite harmonies and God-focused lyrics. Now the head of JSUP is embarking on a new venture as he launches a record label called Milagro Records. Santiago will be showcasing his label’s talented artists at his upcoming Artist Showcase & Single Release Party. The event will celebrate the start of the label as well as the release of three singles by Milagro’s artists on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at 5 PM, at Faith Assembly Christian Center located at 3120 Fayetteville St. in Durham, NC.
 
Hosted by Radio One’s Darlene McCoy, the Artist Showcase & Single Release Party will also feature GRAMMY Award Winner Kierra Sheard. Doors will open at 4 PM and the evening will include performances by Milagro Records artists Juan Santiago & Uninhibited Praise, LaBria Thompson, Frank Lewis, Jr. and Sunila Williams. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite.com or by contacting Milagro Productions at [email protected].
 
Santiago is excited about the event, his artists, and the launch of his new venture. Recognizing the fact that some record label deals are not advantageous to artists, he launched his record company because he wants to offer gospel artists the opportunity to sign with a label that truly puts the artist first. “It’s important to me that artists are treated fairly,” Juan states. “As an independent artist, I know the struggles that come with being an indie artist and I want to offer something at Milagro Records that artists would not be able to find elsewhere. My prayer is that God will use Milagro Records to open doors for artists so that His music can move forward.”
 
It’s with that heart and spirit that Juan signed three artists to Milagro. The first artist he signed was LaBria Thompson. Born in Hattiesburg, MS and raised in Marietta, GA, LaBria is a worship leader, songwriter and songstress who has sung background vocals for Gospel artist Marjane Parks. An ordained minister, LaBria just celebrated one year of healing from lupus. It’s with that testimony in mind that she is releasing her new single, “How Can I Smile.”
 
Frank Lewis, Jr., another new artist on Milagro Records, has been playing the piano since the age of nine. That talent found him playing at a number of local churches as a youth. An exceptional vocalist, he made it to the second round of FOX’s American Idol and participated on BET’s Sunday Best and NBC’s The Voice. Flaunting a soulful sound, the Dallas, TX resident is a gifted songwriter as well. His first single is entitled “Peace.” The track, co-written by the artist himself, was inspired by challenges he endured and the peace he found in the midst of it.
 
Sunila Williams is Santiago’s sister and is a new artist on his label as well. Hailing from Buffalo, NY, she has been singing most of her life. She belted out songs in the choir at Holy Temple COGIC and sang in the state choir as well. A former background singer for Kathy Burrell, sister of gospel singer and Pastor Kim Burrell, Sunila also led the song, “My Hiding Place,” on JSUP’s Naro Group Presents Juan Santiago & Uninhibited Praise, Ultimate Worship Experience. She will be dropping a new single as well entitled “My King.”
 
Juan’s own group, Juan Santiago & Uninhibited Praise, will be ministering at the event, too. Formed in 1995, the ensemble features singers from all over the east coast that initially included college students and ministry leaders. Since the group’s start, they’ve released Naro Group Presents Juan Santiago & Uninhibited Praise, Ultimate Worship Experience and are currently working on a new record. Also signed to Milagro Records, JSUP will be dropping a new single, “Glimpse” (see GMF’s review here), produced by GRAMMY and Stellar Award Nominee, Damion Murrill. 

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.