The purpose of our Talent Showcase Up-close and Personal Luncheon is to provide an opportunity for our workshop attendees to have a chance to meet and thank our sponsors who help to make this workshop an affordable reality for those who want to educate themselves and continue to foster an appreciation for the legacy and heritage of gospel songwriting and singing. One of the ways we accomplish this task is by inviting individuals who have had a significant impact in the area of gospel music. This year we invited Bishop Leonard Scott, CEO of Tyscot Records. Bishop Scott is not only the founder of one of the oldest black gospel recording companies in America, but he is also a songwriter, singer and musician who understands the importance of history preservation.

Everyone who attended this luncheon gained a greater insight and understanding of how the genre of gospel music has changed and evolved through time. Bishop Scott was able to take us from the shores of Africa before slavery and walk us through the challenges and changes that have made gospel music what it is today. He not only talked about some of the great songwriters and singers of old, but he gave you a better understanding of the social impact the music had on the writer, singer and the listener. Not only did Bishop Scott talk about the history of many of the songs that are still popular today, but he gave examples through song that captivated young and old. This was a history lesson that had you on the edge of your seat excited about learning more.

We were not only blessed by Bishop Scott's presentation, but we had the opportunity to enjoy some original music presented by several up and coming songwriters. Thomas Leonard was one of our students from the Independence for the Blind Summer Transition program who is an awesome songwriter, singer and musician. Thomas sang and played one of his original songs.

Another talented songwriter who graced us with her presence was Etheldra Sharpe and she was our 2001 songwriting winner and she sang one of her original songs as well.

The final singer was Lance Bonner who was our 2007 songwriting winner who is also a gifted songwriter and singer. Each song gave you a greater appreciation for those who have the gift to write and say the things we all feel, but can't seem to express on our own. It is because of songwriters such as these that make this workshop all the more important.

As you can tell we learned a lot at this luncheon; enjoyed great entertainment, and we had a wonderful meal as well. The meal was prepared by Pastor Christine Adams of god's Will Deliverance Tabernacle Church and it was delicious. We had everything we needed to start the workshop off right and that's exactly what we did.