Virginia Gospel Announcers Guild Celebrates 7 Anniversary
Gospel recording artist Dottie Peoples, John “Tiger Tom” Mitchell and Wanda Vaughn of the Emotions
Richmond, VA – For the seventh consecutive year, the Virginia Gospel Announcers Guild Gospel Music Workshop of America Affiliate celebrated their 7 anniversary. Under the leadership of Ed Stephens, Jr., this year the celebration took place in Richmond , VA on Friday, September 18 and continued through Saturday, September 19, 2009.
The format for the weekend mimicked the style of the national layout for the National Gospel Announcers Guild under the leadership of Al “The Bishop” Hobbs .” However this year’s anniversary catered more to the community with a special tribute, along with special recognition for several others.
Kicking off at the host church, 2 Baptist Church , 1400 Idlewood with a Gospel Musical Showcase, the lineup gave new and established artists an opportunity to showcase their many talented gifts from God.
Opening up the program was Barbara Williams with Praise & Worship, followed by Peggy Perkins Smith with greetings and Pastor Timothy Kervin with prayer.
Co-hosting the evening were various members from the VA Gospel Announcers Guild, including, Shaun Lindsey, Jamilla Joy, T.J., Elder Raymond Lindsey, Harriett Roberson, Chucky Brooks , Bruce Waller and The Belle.
Damon Little, Greg Drumwright and Michelle Kirven
Special guests for the evening included Mervin Mayo & Change, James Street, Elder Lindsey & Friends in Worship, Shy Da Gifted, Tracy Jones, Greg Kelly, Terry Dexter, God’s Permission, and Damon Little, who lit up the audience with a single from his soon to be release CD, with lyrics that made everyone stand to their feet.
The special featured guest for the evening was Wanda Vaughn of the Emotions who had spent much of her day doing interviews around Richmond , VA with the Stephens. With stops at WCLM 1450 AM, 1540-AM Rejoice and several others, just about everyone in Richmond knew Vaughn had landed in the Commonwealth of VA., more so after her Friday night performance which showcased her vocal ranged, letting everyone know “She’s still got it.”
Following the Friday night showcase was a skating party from 12noon to 3am with special guests Andre Jones, Hope Askew, Tasha Woods and several others.
Moderator and Facilitators for Educational Segment The Belle with Bishop Sam Williams, Jamilla Joy, Dennis Coles,
Peggy Perkins Smith reads Proclamation for Tiger Tom Mitchell during luncheon and Mayor Dwight Jones
Saturday morning started off with an Educational Workshop Segment at Richmond ’s Omni Hotel. Serving as the moderator was The Belle. Guest facilitators included, Bishop Sam Williams, Dennis Coles and Jamilla Joy. With just two hours and thirty minutes to share information, this panel discussed; Shrinking sales in the music industry, The flat playing field and the important roll of independent artists, How to make money in the industry, The roll of radio in 2009 and beyond, how to do business on social networks and The Belle broke down just what Gospel Music Heritage Month means for the Gospel community and industry.
This was truly a lively workshop as Dennis Coles shared some detailed information on what it takes to chart an artist. Also when Bishop Sam Williams stretched the minds of many on where to look for money opportunities beyond the normal and Jamilla Joy demonstrated the powers of the net as she was streaming live for I Shout for Joy.com. With The Belle filling in the gaps with much additional information, very few stones of information were left unturned.
Attorney Henry Otis Brown presents award to Tiger Tom Mitchell, Ed Stephens, Jr., and Doc Christian make presentation to
Tiger Tim Mitchell and Maggie Ingram and the Ingramettes sing during the luncheon.
Directly following the workshop was the Broadcasters Lifetime Achievement Awards Luncheon honoring John “Tiger Tom” Mitchell, the voice of the former WANT 990 AM radio station in Richmond, VA and the mentor to many now in the field of broadcast journalism. Stephens, visionary for the luncheon said he discussed the idea with Preston Brown, the VA GAG Business Manager. They both thought having a luncheon in Tiger Tom’s honor was more than fitting and everyone who knew Tiger Tom, agreed.
In the end, some of Richmond ’s radio icons and personalities surfaced for the occasion including Ben Miles, Retired CEO of WANT and Retired General Manger for Power 92, Rev. Herbert Pollard, Former General Manger for WKIE, Kirby Carmichael, Chocolate Chip, Ken Crandall, Jim Jacobs, Jim Minor, Mikki Spencer, Isaac Gregory, Doc Christian, Jack Johnson, Attorney Otis Brown and many others.
Throughout the luncheon several awards were presented to Tiger Tom, including the Golden Mic Award that was presented by the luncheon Toastmaster, Ed Stephens, Jr. and Doc Christian. Additionally, it was announced that Tiger Tom would be inducted into this year’s 2009 Broadcasters Hall of Fame, which is slated to take place on Sunday, November 8 in Akron Ohio . Tiger Tom will join, The Belle who was inducted into the Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2006, Ed Stephens who was inducted in 2008 and many others across the country.
Also stopping by to salute Tiger Tom was Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones, Mike Chandler, President of Rejoice Musical Soul Food, Bishop Sam Williams, 1 Vice Chairman of the National Gospel Announcers Guild, Attorney Otis Brown who is running for the House of Delegates and many others.
Special performances were given by Maggie Ingram and the Ingramettes, Wanda Vaughn, Chapter 6, Spiritual Harmonizers, Wanda Vaughn, Shirley Bell and Greg Drumwright.
The Anniversary wrapped up with the Saturday night showcase at 2 Baptist Church . With a capacity crowd this would soon be a night to remember.
Tiffany Cheers, Bubby Fann working the crowd and Vanessa Fitzgerald and her elegance of Gospel
Special guests included Julia Candia, Tickwanya Jones, The Mighty Sincere Voices, Soul Tempo, Spiritual Harmonizers, Michell Kervin, Tiffy Cheers, Chapter 6, Vanessa Fitzgerald, Donald Ashley who was simply blessed, Bubby Fann who sounded stronger along with non-stop energy and Bruce & Cynthia Waller who were last but gave the most memorable performance for the evening.
The special featured guest for the evening was Dottie Peoples. Though a bit under the weather, Peoples didn’t miss a beat as she performed all of her top charting hits, the newest single release from her own label and a medley of crowd favorites that brought many to their feet.
Elder Lindsey & Friends of Worship, DJ X receives award from Ed Stephens, Jr., and
The Belle shows off awards and presentations from WCLM Radio, Ed Stephens, Jr., and the 2009 Anniversary Committee
Before wrapping up the evening, special awards were presented to Ed Stephens, Jr., Rufus “DJ X” Whitfield, the Committee Chair and The Belle, Event Coordinator.
Also, presenting two awards of recognition to the surprise of everyone was Attorney Henry Brown on behalf of Preston Brown and WCLM radio 1450AM. Attorney Brown said, “We have two people right here in our own city who have done much for the community. One of them travels across the country and represents the Gospel Industry and our city on various stages, venues, workshops and in a professional way. Through her Belle Report and other radio media outlets she reaches more than 1 million people in a week and we would like to present her with this award.” Easily visible, The Belle was caught off guard and extremely surprise. As the award of appreciation was being read, The Belle, was also a bit emotional, but smiled throughout the presentation, as she wiped away gently rising tears.
Chapter 6, Bruce and Cynthia Waller and the Virginia Chapter GMWA Mass Choir
The other award was presented to Ed Stephens, Jr., for his leadership with the Virginia Gospel Announcers Guild and his constant struggle to push to make the organization better each year.
With out a doubt, Stephens said and The Belle agreed, “This was the best anniversary to date, put on by the VA GAG.
A special thanks goes out to the luncheon sponsor, Verity Records, Zomba, Sony Music and to all of the other sponsors involved in this year’s anniversary and a special thanks to the church backstage crew T.J., Raymond Lindsey, Chucky Brooks , Preston Brown, Shaun Lindsey, Jamilla Joy and The Belle.
MONEY ORDER TO
Virginia Gospel Announcers Guild
to: PO Box 35400, Richmond, Virginia 23235
