If You Missed It.  The 2009 Talent Showcase Luncheon was full of enjoyable food and entertainment.  This should not be a surprise to anyone who has attended one of our luncheons in the past because they are always “Good to the last drop”.

We started with some thought provoking spoken word by Ashton Woods, 13, who captivated us with his powerful original poetry.    The anointed group Ministry under the leadership of Sister Debra Thompson blessed us with 2 original songs, “Love That Makes The World Go Round” and “I’ve Got A Feeling,” that had everyone on their feet praising God.  The members of the group include:  Brother Lance Bonner, Sister Juanita Purdy, Pastor Robert Porter, Minister Gracie Ransom, Ambassador Etheldra Sharpe and Brother Jermel Kidd musician extraordinaire.  Additionally, Mr. Albert Martin provided the best background music you will ever want to hear.  He knows how to strike just the right chords to make you pay attention as you dine.

One of the main purposes of our Talent Showcase 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 knowledge and an appreciation for the legacy and heritage of gospel music.  One of the ways we accomplish this task is by inviting individuals who have a significant impact in the music industry to speak to us.  We invited Bishop Leonard Scott, CEO of Tyscot Records in 2008 and he did such a wonderful job we wanted to hear the rest of the story.  He started teaching us about the history of Gospel Music on last year, so we were excited to have him continue this lecture.

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 preserving history.

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 focused on the music of the early 1900’s through today.  He not only talked about some of the great songwriters and singers of that time,, 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 alike.  This was a history lesson that had you on the edge of your seat excited about learning more.

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 Mr. Tony Coles of Coles Wings & Things and it was delicious.  We had everything we needed to start the workshop off right and that’s exactly what we did.