Special Tribute to Gospel Music Legend Larry Bland
Richmond, VA – “The 3rd Annual Gospel Music Fest with The Belle” is set to return to a city that has long been known for its mixture of Traditional and Quartet sounds. From Sunday morning church services to evening Gospel concerts, the stage is now being set for one of the largest Gospel outdoor concerts on the East Coast. The 3rd Annual Gospel Music Fest with “The Belle” will include the sounds of Traditional, Contemporary, Urban, Gospel Hip-Hop and Neo Soul Gospel and is absolutely FREE to the public.
The vision was birthed from the spirit of Gospel music industry, multimedia journalist, publicist and promoter Sheilah Belle a.k.a. “The Belle” after receiving the invitation, now three years ago, from the Cultural Arts Manager for the City of Richmond, Brian Little to pull together a Gospel event.
“I’m a Richmond native, who grew up in ByrdPark. My weekends often included going to Dogwood Dell with family members and friends to see plays and concerts or enjoy the fireworks while standing around FountainLake. When I received the call to pull together and produce a Gospel Event for my own city, I was speechless,” says The Belle. “All I could think about were the endless opportunities I could provide for so many talented people who sing and dance before the Lord from Richmond and beyond.”
It was only days later when The Belle put together a rough draft with Brian Little smiling with approval.
Little says, “While we have had several spiritual and inspirational events hosted for the city of Richmond at various venues, I am excited about what Ms. Belle is bringing to the table for Dogwood Dell. Our goal is to grow what we have been doing for years and open the doors for new comers and new talent.”
Traditionally Dogwood Dell has played host to concerts, plays and musicals that showcase local talent from June to August yearly. Family members and friends come throughout the Summer with lawn chairs and picnic baskets. Some of their special Gospel guests over the years have included Larry Bland and the Volunteer Choir, God’s Image and Cora Armstrong. This year you can expect to see a few more familiar faces and several new ones, along with more than 20 other groups and performers.
The Belle says, “I am extremely excited about the doors God is opening and making room for as we now have talent coming in from as far away as Jacksonville, FL and Boston, Mass. My goal this year is to truly have something for everyone from traditional to Gospel Hip Hop."
This year, The Belle says, "I'm also excited about the Praise Party we will be bringing to life this year, which will be produced by Stellar Award Winner Minister Earl Bynum!
One of our highlights this year will be a special tribute to the Legendary Larry Bland, who is responsible for so much ofRichmond's Gospel Heritage. This is such an honor to do something for someone, who has already done so much for so many!
There is so much talent out here, not only in Richmond, but across the country and providing them with a stage, an audience and an opportunity, is what some of them simply need. Hopefully we’ll be able to provide just that with the blessing of my own city.”
Currently our line up includes, Dr. Bobby Jones, Dottie Peoples, Troy Sneed, Monica Lisa Stevenson, Black RVA, Gerald Scott, Soul Tempo, Maggie Ingram & The Ingramettes, Minister Earl Bynum and the Mount, James Johnson & The Voices of Cedar Street, Sensere, Alvin Fowlkes & The Bomb Squad, Van Boyd, First Creation, J.T. Logan, Patrick Lundy and the Ministers of Music, Patrick Dopson, Bryan Pound, Jonathan McReynolds, Young Mieo, Da Hype of SPBC, Blaze, Ty Berkeley and Gavin Davis.
This year's event will once again be co-hosted by Dr. Bobby Jones and Sheilah Belle, aka, The Belle.
Last year, crowd estimates were around 10,000 to 15,000 people.
“This is merely another platform that God is giving His people to represent the kingdom. May we all pull together and ask for God’s guidance and blessing over this event and all of those involved to make it a success,” says “The Belle.
The Belle says, “While this is a serious under taking, this is also a major community effort as well. We have already enlisted the help of more than fifty volunteers and at least fifty more are needed.”
July, 7- 13, 2012 – GMWA/GAG National Convention 2012 – Gaylord Opryland Hotel - Nashville, TN
July 15, 2012 – “3rd Annual Gospel Music Fest with The Belle”, 5pm, Richmond, VA., with more than 20 local, regional and National groups. Richmond, VA. In 2011, estimated crowd 15,000. Call (804) 612-3187.
July 19 – 21, 2012 - The 3rd Independent Gospel Artist Alliance Conference follows another successful session at Mt.LebanonBaptist Church also known as "The Mount" under Sr. Pastor Bishop Kim Brown. Visionaries Philip Carter and Minister Earl Bynum. For more information, go to www.indiegospelalliance.com
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Historic Gospel Tour to Hit Major Venues this Fall
Los Angeles, CA -- Four of the most successful performers in gospel music history, Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Donnie McClurkin andIsrael Houghton, announce today that they will share the same stage for the very first time when they embark on The King’s Men concert tour this fall. The historic U.S. tour will hit major venues in 15 U.S.cities beginning on Sunday, September 16th at Comerica Theatre in Phoenix, AZ, and culminating in Brooklyn, NY at BarclaysCenter onSunday, October 14th.
Produced by Live Nation Entertainment, tickets for The King’s Men concert tour will go on sale beginning on Friday, May 11th atTicketmaster.com and LiveNation.com. Citi card members will have access to presale tickets beginning on Tuesday, May 8th at 10:00 AM ET through Citi's Private Pass Program. For complete presale details visit www.citiprivatepass.com.
President Barack Obama, accompanied by first lady Michelle Obama on Saturday at a rally at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond,
and Sheilah Belle, The Belle on the FRONT ROW Centered, surrounded by President Obama well wishers at Saturday’s rally
Richmond, VA -- President Obama opened an aggressive phase of his re-election campaign Saturday with rallies in Ohio and Virginia that acknowledged great economic struggle but summoned the optimism that propelled him four years ago.
From the university’s marching band, to campaign videos, a banner that read "Forward," and an introduction by first lady Michelle Obama the stage was set for President Barack Obama in Richmond, VA. From a boisterous crowd shouting out "Four More Years" several times as Obama spoke, the atmosphere stayed hyped and all of the 7,400 seats were filled as the President made his vision and goals clear.
"If people ask you what this campaign is about, you tell them it’s still about hope, you tell them it’s still about change," Obama told a cheering crowd at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Siegel Center. "It’s still about ordinary people who believe that in the face of great odds we can make a difference in the life of this country.
"If you’re willing to stick with me .... we will finish what we started," Obama said as he echoed a cry from his 2008 campaign: "We are still fired up, we are still ready to go."
Obama, who enjoys a considerable edge over Romney among women voters, derided Republicans for looking to cut funding to Planned Parenthood and for criticizing his initiative to require religious institutions to cover contraception in health insurance for employees.
"We are not turning back the clock," he said. "We are moving forward."
As the Obama’s left the podium, they greeted several standing along the ropes, waiting to greet them, including Sheilah Belle, The Belle of The Belle Report.
Half Mile Home New Single Lands on Billboard’s Gospel Chart
New York, NY -- Half Mile Home has issued the new single to the title track of their new album "Change My Life" and already it’s hitting the Billboard Charts. Landing at #37, Half Mile Home says, “We are just getting started but we’re pleased with the growing response!”
Making the music they love, their sound falls along the same playing fields of Urban Soul, sprinkled with a bit of Contemporary Quartet and traditional Gospel.
Their passion for Gospel music is endless and their drive to make a difference has taken on a whole a new of its own.
Check them out for yourself. Go to www.HalfMileHome.com and download their new single “Change My Life” for only 99 cents.
Chesapeake’s Mt.LebanonBaptistChurch Announces CD Release:
Bishop K.W. Brown presents:
Earl Bynum and The MountUnity Choir – LIVE!
K.W. Brown Ministries Signs Distribution Deal with Habakkuk Music/INgrooves Fontana Distribution
Chesapeake, VA – The sanctuary of Mt.LebanonBaptistChurch embodied an electrifying atmosphere of praise as Zion lifted their voices! The thriving Chesapeake, VA church, known as The Mount, and their anointed music department rendered their first live recording last fall and are now set to release a highly charged, passionately expressive, praise and worship project that exemplifies a chorus of sound like none have heard.
Under the ministerial leadership of Bishop K.W. Brown and the musical direction of Stellar Award nominee Minister Earl Bynum, The Mount Unity Choir has delivered a collection of perfected praise that is setting forth a charge of electrifying worship. With over 100 voices strong, the pristine choir is being noted as one of Virginia’s best-kept secrets. And now, with their inaugural musical endeavor, the word, the sound, and the praise is out!
“Earl Bynum and The Mount Lebanon Choir are one of Virginia’s best combined voices. They are anointed to sing the gospel!” expresses Ed Stephens, Jr., President - Virginia Gospel Announcers Guild. “I recommend this project and we are proud to include it as another powerful musical masterpiece from the talented maestro Minister Earl Bynum.”
Bishop K.W. Brown Presents Earl Bynum and The Mount Unity Choir- Live will soon be available in CD and DVD formats via K.W. Brown Ministries, a division of Mt.LebanonBaptistChurch, with distribution by Habakkuk Music / INgrooves Fontana Distribution. Marketing and publicity for the project will be powered by The Bellamy Group. "I am excited to be a part of this great project and to work with such an awesome team," says April Washington, CEO of Habakkuk Music, Inc. "With the release of this project, many (new people) will discover the incredible ministry gifts of Bishop Kim Brown, Earl Bynum and The Mt. Lebanon Choir." Read More
Zacardi Cortez “Living For You” Video Nets Over 92,000 YOUTUBE Hits in Less Than a Week New CD “Zacardi Cortez: The Introduction” Hits Stores May 22nd
He’s being hailed as gospel music’s next superstar and Zacardi Cortez is definitely headed in that direction. His new music video, “Living For You,” posted on YouTube on May 3rd and has racked up over 92,000 hits in six days. The soulful song was produced by Drathoven (who also produced Yolanda Adams’ Top Ten smash “Be Still”) and shows that Cortez can handle an urban flavored ballad as well as Usher, Trey Songz or R. Kelly.
“I’m just a simple man who makes plenty mistakes,” Cortez sings to God in the video. “But you never judged me and you loved me for who I am. Your love came in and changed my life and is making me a better man…therefore I’m gonna live for you.” It’s a balmy springtime track sure to capture the hearts of urban music lovers while also engaging everyday church folks.
Since blowing up as the dazzling lead vocalist on James Fortune & FIYA’s 2008 breakthrough hit “The Blood” and their subsequent #1 smash, “I Believe”, Zacardi Cortez has gained a reputation in music circles as a singer’s singer as much for his intricate vocal gymnastics and fiery hoops as for his smooth tone. The Houston native can sing it all, from gutbucket blues to polished symphonic pieces and he displays it all on his forthcoming debut solo CD, “Zacardi Cortez: The Introduction”(Blacksmoke Music Worldwide) that hits online and retail stores everywhere on May 22, 2012.
With the buzz swirling around Cortez’ name over the last few years, it’s no surprise that a who’s who in music has signed up to croon with him on the 13-track CD. Lalah Hathaway duets with him on the smooth anthem “Every Promise” and Fred Hammond brings horn-driven funk to “Praise You.” James Fortune opens the soul-stirring ballad, “God Held Me Together.” The silky soul of “Alright” features Isaac Carree on a track that fits neatly between tracks by R. Kelly and Trey Songz. Cortez shares the lilting ballad “For Me” with Kierra Sheard and shows off his quartet growl with the Williams Singers on “He Brought Me.” The legendary John P. Kee, stops in on the current Top 5 smash, “One More Time.”
The 26-year old rising star has been singing all of his life and began his career singing with his family, The Cortez Singers, and recording with his musical godfather, John P. Kee. “Zacardi is the best singer in America today,” says Blacksmoke Media CEO, Kerry Douglas. “I’ve been grooming him like I groomed James Fortune and Earnest Pugh. Zacardi is my next superstar and I have no doubt that he will be one of the biggest artists the gospel world has ever seen.”
Light Records and Tehillah Music Group Introduce New Artist Jonathan McReynolds
MCREYNOLDS' NEW SONG I LOVE YOU DEBUTS ON BILLBOARD SINGLES CHART
Nashville, TN -- Light Records in conjunction with Tehillah Music Group announce this signing of singer, songwriter JONATHAN MCREYNOLDS. McReynolds, heralded as Gospel's fresh new voice, will release his debut album, LIFE MUSIC this Fall.
McReynolds, an innovative musician and remarkable talent, made a name for himself with the 2010 release of an underground, very independent EP entitled The Very Unofficial EP of Jonathan McReynolds. He describes it as "a compilation of seven of my best dorm-room productions God had given me." From the songs bourn out of McReynolds' dorm room was the single "No Gray" which touched a chord with folks across the country. Internet and gospel radio stations got hold of the song and from there it caught on fire. McReynolds & his inescapable talent caught the attention of Bishop Paul Morton and Pastor Jerry Parries at Tehillah Music Group.
McReynolds is the perfect blend of contemporary styling with Gospel messages. His perspective is refreshingly direct and the songs are poised, smooth and honest. It is R&B and Gospel at its best -- love songs to a loving God.
The amazing new single, "I Love You," likeable, catchy and uncomplicated tune hit radio with a bang. Debuting on Billboard's Gospel singles chart, the song shows off McReynolds' brilliant vocals, revealing heart, strength, and maturity to his words. This song transcends any genre classification because of its universal appeal and engaging lyrics.
Through his music, McReynolds humbly speaks for his generation "I'm doing it the way God gave it to me ... you'll find what me and my generation go through on a daily basis: insecurities, battles against the world, self-discovery and the ebbs and flows of living in Christ," he said.
McReynolds' full album, LIFE MUSIC will be out later this year, and the single, "I Love You" is available now on iTunes.
Freda Battle And Her Independent Label Peace-O-Mind Music Inks Exclusive Deal With Central South Distribution
Boston, MA -- Worship Leader, Songwriter and Recording Artist Freda Battle has launched her new independent label Peace-O-Mind Music and inked a national distribution deal with leading independent distributor Central South Distribution. Freda Battle & The Temple Worshippers with Friends will release their long-awaited new CD, HOW GLORIOUS AND EXCELLENT IS OUR GOD available in stores and online June 12 via this exclusive partnership. Marketing, promotion and publicity efforts will be handled by the J. Hardy Agency.
Freda Battle & the TempleWorshippers returns to the music scene with their first CD in six years. HOW GLORIOUS AND EXCELLENT IS OUR GOD, which was recorded and streamed live in Boston at MorningStarBaptistChurch, where Battle serves as a worship leader proves that she still has more to offer the Gospel music community.
From the high church energy of the title cut “How Glorious & Excellent Is Our God” and the Brazilian infused tune "150 Praises" to the passionate reflection of “His Presence Is Here” and the refreshing Latin-flavored praise and worship song “Oh How I Love”, this striking 13-song collection, which features guest appearances from Dove Award-nominated and Stellar Award winning worship artist Stephen Hurd, Rodney Posey, and Bobby Perry (of Bobby Perry & R.A.I.N), is evidence not merely of a collection of great singers, but seasoned ministers.
Other notable songs include "Bless the Name of Jesus", which is creating quite a buzz among praise and worship teams across the country featuring rising Washington, DC based singer Michael White, who also penned the song. Additionally, a live version of global worship anthem "Here Is Our Praise", as featured on Battle's sophomore studio CD HERE IS OUR PRAISE and GMWA: LIVE IN MILWAUKEE CD was recorded.
Dubbed "the CNN of Gospel News", more people rely on "The Belle Report" for what's going on in the gospel industry than any other daily internet news letter in the world!
Richmond, VA – “The 3rd Annual Gospel Music Fest with The Belle” is set to return to a city that has long been known for its mixture of Traditional and Quartet sounds. From Sunday morning church services to evening Gospel concerts, the stage is now being set for one of the largest Gospel outdoor concerts on the East Coast. The 3rd Annual Gospel Music Fest with “The Belle” will include the sounds of Traditional, Contemporary, Urban, Gospel Hip-Hop and Neo Soul Gospel and is absolutely FREE to the public.
As the Obama’s left the podium, they greeted several standing along the ropes, waiting to greet them, including Sheilah Belle, The Belle of The Belle Report. 
He’s being hailed as gospel music’s next superstar and Zacardi Cortez is definitely headed in that direction. His new music video, “Living For You,” posted on YouTube on May 3rd and has racked up over 92,000 hits in six days. The soulful song was produced by Drathoven (who also produced Yolanda Adams’ Top Ten smash “Be Still”) and shows that Cortez can handle an urban flavored ballad as well as Usher, Trey Songz or R. Kelly.
