So, that was my Stellar Awards weekend. I can’t tell you how many people I met– artists and industry folks alike– all of whom already knew, or now know, of GospelPundit.com.  And they’ve all agreed to check it out, promote it, or be a part of it in some amazing way.  I really appreciate the love!

Next year promises to be even better, I think, cuz it’ll be the 25th anniversary of the show.  So yeah, I’m kinda bookin’ my flight and hotel tomorrow.

That’s all, folks!

Oh, I almost forgot about the photos.  Keep it locked for the 2009 Stellar Awards Weekend Photo Gallery!!!

I think it was better than the show.  No, for real.  Ask anyone who was there and they may say the same.  MAJOR props go to Damon Williams for putting it all together and looking out for me.  I appreciate you!

I sat with Monique Walker and Asaph Ward and chatted a bit before the program started. The post party was a mini-concert showcasing Donald Lawrence’s upcoming album, The Law of Confession, Part 1, in stores on February 3rd.  He, along with a band and 9 of his phenomenal (and unparalleled) vocalists promptly took to the stage and killed.  No, wait.  They did an awesome job!

See, the theme of Donald Lawrence’s new album centers around what we say, and the impact of those things on the life of the believer.  And one of the things he pointed out was that we need to be mindful of how we use so many negative words, especially in reference to singers and music (i.e., she killed, he’s a beast, the band is bad, that’s crazy).  I know I do it ALL THE TIME… So, I’ma try to stop.

Anyway, he gave a praise and worship experience unlike any other.  His singers are some of the best on the planet, his writing and production left nothing to be desired… some of the greatest artists in gospel music were in that room and everyone was on their feet for every song, holding their jaw-dropped mouths and shaking their heads in disbelief. There was not ONE dull moment and each song floored us all!

As for the content of the songs, two words:  the TRUTH.  I cannot say enough about this project.  The songs are relevant, life-changing and refreshing.  Guys, for real… I cannot articulate the magic of that show, but I walked away feeling SO inspired and SO excited.  Dare I say, this album is not going to be easily topped this year.  YOU MUST BUY IT.

By the time he was done, he had given us 6 or 7 songs– just enough to leave us satisfied for the night, but hungry for more.  In fact, I was starving.  Definitely one of the highlights of my weekend!

Ahhh, the show.  It’s actually what we were all there for, despite the fact that it was surrounded by so many equally “stellar” events.  It was hosted by Dorinda Clark-Cole, Donnie McClurkin and Sinbad.  First, can I just say how great it was to see Sinbad again?  He is one of the funniest comedians, especially cuz he doesn’t curse in his routines.  And he didn’t disappoint at the taping, either.  His chemistry with Dorinda and Donnie was great, he was gracious… I think he should be a regular.

Anyway, my favorite performance was, hands-down, “Wait On The Lord,” by Donnie McClurkin.  This track, from his upcoming album, features Karen Clark-Sheard and they did a DYNAMITE job.  Karen soars and shines and Donnie provides the power ballad for which he’s generally known.  They had BETTER NOT edit that performance because it was unreal!

My other faves were: 21:03 singing a medley of “Cover Me” and “You,” Jonathan Nelson & Purpose singing “My Name Is Victory,” Da T.R.U.T.H. performing “Reward,” and Kirk Franklin performing a tribute/medley in honor of Rev. Timothy Wright.

Other notable performances came from Tye Tribbett & G.A., Heather Headley, and Lee Williams & The Spiritual QC’s, and uhh… Sheryl Lee Ralph’s impromptu spiritual.  Heheheheee… I’m just playin’.  It was good.

But umm… there were two expected performances that I didn’t see at the show (and I didn’t take any bathroom breaks this go ’round)… Mary Mary and Deitrick Haddon were announced to perform, but DIDN’T.  Arrrrrggghhh!

Anyway, great show, VERY quick taping (thank ya, Lawd!).  You can see a full list of the winners at GospelFlava.com cuz they already typed it up nice and pretty, they’re a great site, and there’s no point in me re-creating the wheel.  Click here.  AND they’ve posted the show’s anticipated air dates and times city-by-city.  Click here.  New York, you’re up first cuz yours airs this weekend, so don’t sleep or you’ll have to wait until it airs on the Gospel Music Channel in March.

Pictures are coming soon in my 2009 Stellar Awards Weekend Photo Gallery, so stay tuned.

Now, I thought I was satisfied at this point, but I was totally unprepared for the Post Party! It’s up next!

Yeah… missed it.

I was so tired from the night before that I got a late start to brunch with some industry buddies at the Pancake Pantry.  Some gooooood pancakes, but we waited in line for almost an hour to get in that joint.  Then, we had a great convo about the industry and integrity… and I don’t mean the record label.  Suffice it to say that I left there late.  By the time I got back to the hotel, it was after 4pm and the Pre-Show was scheduled to start at 4:30.

The Pre-Show is where they give out the umpteen Stellar Awards that you don’t see given out on the air (like, the one for Recorded Music Package of the Year, which was won by Michelle Lukianovich of Zomba, who sat at the same table as me at the Nominee Dinner… holla! ).  I dunno who performed cuz… I was late.  But, we did get there in time to see DeLeon, who started performing just as we sat down.  She did a great job.

RushmoreDrive.com is gonna show the Pre-Show on its website (http://www.rushmoredrive.com/TheStellarAwards) on Saturday, January 24th, so you won’t miss a thing.  Make sure you check it out!

Finally, once the Pre-Show ended, we were ready for the show we ALL came to see… The 24th Annual Stellar Awards.

Coming Up Next!

If you find a major gospel music weekend, you’re probably gonna find an Urban Soul Cafe event.  They’re put on by Carlos Hale & Preacher Kid (aka “PK”).  This particular one was held at B.B. King’s.

The event was honoring Jacky Clark-Chisholm, whose daughter, Angel Chisholm, sang the daylights out of a tribute song.  Can we… uhh… get an album from you?

I wanna highlight TWO indie artists who performed that night and who are incredibly gifted.  I hope you’ll check ‘em out cuz they represent some GREAT music in the underground scene.  Jai is a phenomenal musical powerhouse, with tons of personality and charisma to boot.  Check out her MySpace page (better than many MAJOR recording artists) by clicking here. Then, there’s J.R., another gifted writer, singer and performer.  His MySpace page (also phenomenal) is here.  Make sure you listen to “Not A Slave” from him.  Both artists are St. Louis-based and have a refreshing sound.  Jai sounds like Missy Elliott merged into gospel and J.R. is like an Outkast meets gospel, but both are original and creative and unique and… just GREAT.  Check them out.  Plus, I met both of ‘em and they’re confident, but humble, which is great to see.  I may try to feature them at some point.

Okay, back to the show… a bunch of Zomba Gospel artists were also in the house and performed: Kirk Franklin with Da T.R.U.T.H., 21:03, Crystal Aikin and Shari Addison.

All in all, the show was fun, but crowded.  Somehow, I ended up sitting next to Kirk Franklin, which meant A LOT of fans coming over and speaking, and even more fans coming over and ACTING like they’re doing something else, but really just staring and being weird.  I left with the Zomba Gospel folks, and it was laaaaate… like 2am or something.  EXHAUSTING, but a great way to end the day!

Make sure to check back for photos in the 2009 Stellar Awards Weekend Photo Gallery!  And get ready for what happened on Saturday, the day of the show!

Back in a minute!

The food wasn’t stellar (pun intended), but I enjoyed myself.  The Nominee Dinner is just a time to acknowledge all the artists nominated.  They get certificates and what not.

The program was hosted by Darius Brooks and Angela Spivey, two Chicago-bred gospel artists who had way  too much fun.  LOL

I got to talk with Jonathan Nelson (who agreed to check out the blog) and Lexi, arguably one of the sweetest ladies in the gospel industry.  She, too, said she’d check us out after exclaiming “I’m a pundit, too!”  Yes, you certainly ARE!

A highlight of the dinner was a performance by James Fortune & FIYA, whose single, “I’ll Trust You,” has been dominating the #1 spot at radio for the past 22 weeks!

As we left the dinner, I got to speak with the fellas from 21:03.  Very cool, humble and genuinely kind guys.  Refreshingly so.  No time to linger, though, cuz we had to make it to the next event!

Next stop, the Urban Soul Cafe at B.B. King’s…

For some reason, the Red Carpet event is the night before the actual Stellar Awards, but it was nice all the same.  Somebody at the check-in table tried to play me about my media credentials, but I still ended up on the Red Carpet next to Dorinda Clark-Cole and running past someone doing an interview for Gospel Music Channel.  You may see me on TV because, really… I was standing in places I was NOT supposed to be standing.  LOL.  Whatever!

Basically, the Red Carpet was a time for everyone to get photos and interviews with the nominees (which, I guess, is why it comes before the Nominee Dinner).  There were cameras clickin’ and flashes flashin’.  Fun.  Shout out to Jojo Pada (Founder/CEO/RULER of Ignition PR) for giving me some incredibly official responsibilites– I was her cameraman while she led a long-time favorite artist, DeLeon Richards, around and stuff.  (Cool trivia tidbit: At age 9, DeLeon became the youngest person ever nominated for a Grammy Award, pushing Michael Jackson out of the top spot… so there!) 

After that, I RAN up the hallway to my room, changed my clothes and sprinted right back to the ballroom for the Nominee Dinner.

Info on that in a bit!

Some streets in Nashville are confusing.  I drove RIGHT past stuff so frequently… but by the time we made it to the swank, reception-style gathering at the ASCAP offices, all was well.  Gospel industry powerhouse, Neily Dickerson, coordinated the event and it was great.  I grabbed some hors d’oeuvres and got ready for the showcase, hosted by Darlene McCoy.

First up was Darrel Petties & Strength In Praise.  They did a great job.  The choir was tight and Darrel Petties was rather engaging.  I don’t own any of his stuff, but I may have to make a quick purchase.  This one song they sang, “Down At the Cross”… good Lawd!

After that, we were blessed by Jessica Greene (multiple Stellar Awards nominee and, ultimately, winner of the Best New Artist award).  Though she’s a “new artist,” she gave it to us like a seasoned professional.  She commanded the attention of that whole room– yes, folks, put your sushi down and gather ’round.

Finally, mega-producer Tommy Sims got up with an acoustic guitar and, with Daniel Weatherspoon on keys, performed “Sinner’s Prayer,” which he wrote for Marvin Winans’ recent solo release.  An amazing performance!

Also in the house were artists Andraé Crouch, Darwin Hobbs, Isaac Caree, Kevin LeVar, David Ivey and industry folks Sheilah Belle, Teresa Hairston, and Monica Coates.  There were tons of other folks, too, but I can’t name ‘em all.  Great job, ASCAP and Neily!

No time to waste, though, cuz I had to run to the Red Carpet event.  Stay tuned!

And look for photos SOON in the 2009 Stellar Awards Weekend Photo Gallery!

Yeah, I didn’t make it, but I heard it was off the CHAIN.  Industry veterans I spoke to said it had some of the best performances they had EVER seen!

The honorees were Donald Lawrence,  Twinkie Clark, and CeCe Winans.

Among those singing tributes were Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, Karen Clark-Sheard, Kim Burrell, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Tommy Sims, Kierra Sheard… on and on and on!

Mad you missed it???  Don’t be.  I hear Gospel Music Channel will begin airing the event in the next couple of months!

My wife and I flew out on Friday and, before we could even get out of New York, Stellar Award attendees were everywhere.  I caught a glimpse of Darius Brooks (artist and former songwriter for Milton Brunson & The Tommies) and a bunch of folks from Love Fellowship Tabernacle at our gate at the airport.

Best of all, we met up with our good buddy, Damon Williams (Director of Marketing at Zomba Gospel) and waited to board.  He was even gracious enough to give me a quick promo photo (with my promo postcards) for the site!

Once we landed, it was straight to the host hotel, the Sheraton Music City Hotel.  No time to relax, though, cuz we only had a quick minute to eat before the next event.

More in a minute!