Under the direction of Dr. Ella Mahmoud June 20th-21st 2003 will forever go down in history as one of the most organized gospel concerts in recent history. On Friday the 20th, as the clock neared 6 pm various artists and industry professionals began to assemble in the beautiful Hylton Hotel and Conference center in Minneapolis Minnesota. Upon arriving at the hotel we were ushered off to a conference room where all the hotel check-in procedures were already taken care of. You did not have to be a rocket scientist to realize from the start that this weekend would be unique. Some of the special guests from around the country included "Mr. Malaco" Roy & Esther Wooten, Rev. & Dr. George & Jacqueline Stewart, Attn. Joe Smalls, Min. Donnie Addison of Gloryland Gospel, Miss CJ of C&A Promotions, and others. Well into the night we spoke about the current state of the industry while also being treated by a powerful presentation by Attn. Joe Smalls of Columbia, South Carolina. He focused on the importance of Praise & Worship in quartet music and the lack of dedication to the craft that we are finding throughout the industry. The presentation was powerful, however the actual artists presence was missing.
On Saturday morning most of the artists that were not already at the hotel checked in. It was such a beautiful experience to have a central location where both artists and industry personalities could talk and break bread together. The concert festivities began around 2 pm so we literally had the morning to enjoy good conversation and relax. All the while Dr. Mahmoud's team of drivers were feverishly on the job transporting singers to the venue for sound checks and providing transportation to all in need of it. As the time for the concert approached the shuttles began to pick up pace as we all made our way to the venue.
Excitement was in the air as the praise & worship service was already under way with The Wayman AME Praise Team. Their spirited renditions of songs like "Show Me The Way" were powerful yet reverent. As audience members we were definitely treated to some first rate Mistress of Ceremony work by Dr. Thelma Buckner of St. Paul, MN., and Pat Boga of Holly Springs, MS. Their tag team effort was both entertaining and spirit filled. As you would expect the concert portion kicked of right on schedule with the Legendary Pilgrim Jubilees hitting the stage ten minutes after 3. The Jubes kicked things of with their latest opening song "Fellowship" from their "Were You There" CD. After greeting the audience they shifted into their infamous "I Love You" complete with jokes about Thoroughbred men. The Jubes closed their brief set with a rather obvious song choice "Don't Let Him Down". Cleve Graham built this song to a feverish pace and allowed Ben Chandler and Clay to really work the song to pandemonium. By the time the Jubes left the stage people were shouting all over the house and praising God for truly we never wish to let our Savior down in anything that we do.
The next group to grace the stage for a short one song praise session was yet another Chicago group Nelson Larkins & God's Possey. With a pop of the drum and some heavy bass grooves the group jumped right into a spirited drive number "Put Your Trust In Jesus" as Nelson shimmied his way down the isle from the back of the church. Audience member joined him down on the floor shoutin' and praising God for his delivering power in the midst of our situations. It seemed as if just as soon as they hit the stage they were gone, but rest assured they left a lasting impression in all of our memories. After that shoutin' good time we were treated to a very interesting Gospel Comedian before moving into the real heart of the program.
Staying in the fine city of Chicago the Windy City Spiritualaires hit the stage with Rev. Tyrone Lindsey leading the way on "Run On". This song was a very wise choice seeing as God's Possey left the house with a barn burning heavy drive number. Wasting little time, Pastor Jonathan Tucker took the lead reigns and blessed us with their heart wrenching rendition of "God Will Take Care of You" and driving us home with "Change In My Life". The group left the stage shoutin' and dancing as the musicians of Eternal Light from Mariana, AR began to prepare for their set.
Rev. Broussard and Rev. Coleman lead singers for the group blessed us with some of renditions from their latest release "New Thang". The highlights from their set were definitely the hard hitting title cut "New Thang" and the beautiful ballad "Send Me A Blessing". If you have not had the opportunity to hear this powerhouse group than you are definitely missing a treat. When we speak about group's that took the show to another level we have to mention The Memphis Harmonizers. Though the group was a little short on their normal personnel you definitely wouldn't be able to tell that based on their sound. They have gained the reputation as being one of the best house wreckin' groups around the country today. But how do they wreck houses you might ask? With the anointed lead voice of Pastor Melvin Rodgers. His unbelievable vocal range and ability to switch from piercing falsetto to anguished tenor is a sound to behold. The Harmonizers set the pace with Rev. Danny Bell driving the house with "The Other Side", and Pastor Rodgers took it home with a soulful rendition of "He Cares For Me". The highlight came when Pastor sat down on the edge of the stage and just let the Lord have his way ministering to the people.
Well, the obvious question would be, who is next and what did they do after the Memphis Harmonizers? The next group to hit the stage was the ever so smooth Gospel Four also from Memphis. George Dean and the fellas hit the stage with "Only Way Left Is Up" and moved right into ministering to the audience with "Blessing Me". The crowd was in a frenzy as everyone thought about each and every time we turn around in our lives God continues to bless. With the audience well spent from "Blessing Me" G4 moved into "Wait On The Lord" and closed their set out with the high stepping man himself on "New Walk".
With 3 more groups to go we moved into a 15 minute break before being blessed by the newly signed Verity Record artist, Keith "Wonderboy" Johnson & The Spiritual Voices. Keith started his set with the funky guitar laden number "I Thank You" while shifting flawlessly into his personal favorite song "He Takes Us Through It All". This number really blessed the people as the group literally had to sing it several minutes longer due to the audience response. It was then time to put those shoutin' shoes on as the fellas treated us to "Be Right", "Angel" and the ever so popular "Send A Revival". After Keith's set the concert broke for the offering, recognition of the special breast cancer survivors, and award presentations to the 2003 recipients of the Servant Leadership Awards. Several of the special guests were blessed to receive this prestigious nationally recognized honor. After this beautiful ceremony we moved into the last portion of the concert.
Before being blessed by Doc Mckenzie the sensational young group from Columbus, MS Redemption graced the stage. Their polished sound and youthful look was a nice touch to this veteran laden show. In fact these young guys came on stage driving with a slick number "Let Go". Under the direction of Minister Armondo Adams the group was well received and showed a great deal of talent and dedication to their craft. In fact they are actually consulted by the likes of George Dean, Doc Mckenzie, and Keith Johnson. The group blessed us with the smooth ballad "Standing By You Grace" which was really a blessing to the audience and their best known number "Help Me Lift Him Up".
With the night drawing to a close, Doc McKenzie & The Hi-Lites graced the stage. Like a true pro Doc used his time wisely making room for an amazing 7 songs. Kicking things off with the ever popular numbers "Other Shore" and "Hold On" the group then took a trip down memory lane with "Man in The Middle" and "Ride With Jesus". During "Ride With Jesus" Doc proceeded to show is unbelievable vocal range as he moaned un alternating falsetto pitches. What probably made this even more interesting was the echo chamber that was created making each moan bounce off the next. It was awesome!! After calling for a altar call Doc ministered to the audience like only he can with "I'll Do Your Will" and left the place on fire with "Live So God Can Use You". What a set and what a night it was in Minnesota. The services were closed by the ever so smooth Rev. George W. Stewart. His spirit filled prayers are well known across the country and we were all blessed by yet another one before leaving. What a weekend it was as we praised God under the banner "We Owe Him The Praise".
Check out some pictures from the Gospel Jamboree III Concert in Minneapolis, Minnesota. All photos are the property of Gloryland Gospel. Place your mouse over the picture to see find out the name of the artist presented. For copies or permission for usage, please contact info@glorylandgospel.com .
