Yesterday at GMWA began beautifully– slow and without any obligations or commitments. I sat with my wife and some buddies in the hotel’s restaurant for breakfast. Byron Cage, Dorothy Norwood, Albertina Walker and JJ Hairston were just a few of the artists milling around the area.
Shortly after my meal, I got a text message asking if I could sit on a panel discussing internet radio before an audience of radio announcers, aspiring artists and industry execs. I agreed and, at the panel, was able to share my knowledge about what I do in new media and the need for a stronger internet radio presence among gospel announcers. I didn’t get booed off the panel, so I guess I sounded pretty knowledgeable. 
Shout-out to Donna Creer for thinking of me. I had a blast.
I only had an hour to eat before the long-anticipated Gospel Festival, co-sponsored by Macy’s. I grabbed a bite before getting ready for the concert, hosted by Yolanda Adams, featuring Karen Clark-Sheard, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Byron Cage, Smokie Norful, Dottie Peoples, Jonathan Nelson & Purpose, Karima Kibble, Ami Rushes, Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers, Dorothy Norwood, JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise, the GMWA Mass Choir and MORE.
The concert lasted for nearly 5 hours, but it was good. The sound system was a bit rough (it was in a convention center… y’know, with the cement walls and high ceilings), so sounds kinda bounced back and forth.
Highlights of the show: Yolanda Adams’ impromptu performance of “The Battle Is The Lord’s” with the GMWA Mass Choir– she proved that she’s STILL at the top of her game; Karen Clark-Sheard opened her set with the throwback “Balm In Gilead” before launching into two new tracks, both of which she DEMOLISHED on vocals; Dorinda Clark-Cole was in GREAT voice as she sang “Take It Back”; Byron Cage’s new single, “Faithful To Believe,” is awesome and sure to be a favorite; JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise are doing a great job with their new single, “Resting On His Promise,” but they also do a GREAT job revisiting their hit song “Incredible God, Incredible Praise” (tenor David McClure ad libs on the vamp like you’d NEVER believe… he had one of the greatest voices of the entire night… no exaggeration); GMWA Mass Choir was directed by Chicago choirleader/artist Malcolm Williams and they performed a near PERFECT medley of classic throwback choir songs.
All in all, the concert was AWESOME. Afterwards, I went for dessert with some buddies and chatted until I could barely keep my eyes open. Ahhhhh, it was a fun week!
During the concert, Bishop Jamison announced that GMWA would RETURN to Cincinnati next year, which will be kinda cool… it was a very welcoming city. If you wanna attend next year, start planning and saving now. 
