Are you ready for eleven phenomenal winning choirs? Then get ready for the 2009 How Sweet the SoundTM Grand Finale! It’ll be a spirit-filled evening with special performances and gospel celebrities led by our host Donald Lawrence and the incredible talent of Marvin Sapp, Dorinda Clark Cole and more.
How Sweet the Sound 2009 will continue the celebration with this gathering of incredible choirs, inspiring talent, and a reason to rejoice. The best of the best choirs from our 11-city tour will walk away with additional cash and prizes of up to $25,000! Not to mention the title of The Best Church Choir in America!
But don’t delay or you could miss the gospel event of the year!. Tickets are going fast! Get your tickets now starting at just $5 for upper bowl seats and $7 for floor seats. Go to www.TicketMaster.com. Or for more information go to HowSweetTheSound.com!
Published October 29th, 2009
I had tons of pre-show jitters tonight! I mean, it’s the last show before the finale! I’ve enjoyed my time on the road so much and I’m so sad to see it end. I totally teared up as I walked through the hallways, making my way backstage. I had to try to hold it together though, you know, I didn’t want to ruin my makeup 
The house lights were on as I arrived at the side of the stage and the Oracle Arena was buzzing with excitement! It was packed and totally sold out! 12,163 people were clapping and singing as “Do Not Pass Me By” played on the loudspeakers. The song ended and the audience clapped like it was a live performance. I was like, ok, Oakland is ready to have a good time at Verizon Wireless’ How Sweet The Sound, “The Search For The Best Church Choir In America!”
As Donald took to the stage and performed “Let The Word Do The Work”, the energy in the arena was astounding. I couldn’t help but be moved as I listened to the words and applied them to myself. I’m running a marathon tomorrow and earlier today Donald encouraged me to speak positively and not negatively or “realistically” as I term it. So, I took his words to heart, jammed along to the song, enjoyed the remarkable performance and let his incredible energy encourage me as much as it did the audience. Continue Reading
Published October 13th, 2009
I walked to the stage at the Los Angeles Forum, ready to get it started! “Victory” by Tye Tribbett & G.A. was playing in the arena and as I approached backstage, I couldn’t help but do a little “c-walking” for Jeff, our stage manager. I’m not sure that he knew what I was doing, but I was just feeling the West Coast energy! The 10,102 people in the audience were feeling it too! You could hear everyone singing along, “Oh, oh, Oh-oh, oh.” The song faded, the lights went out, the crowd roared, and host Donald Lawrence took to the stage to open Verizon Wireless’ How Sweet the Sound “The Search for the Best Church Choir in America!” What a great show opening! Donald looked extra fly (as usual) in this custom made navy suit, and some matching YSL sneakers. So fly. Plus, he did his thing like the pro he is, engaging the audience and getting everyone on their feet. LA was loving it!
The crowd gave me lots of love, and I neither tripped, nor said the wrong city name, so I was thrilled! The audience was also hyped at the intro of the judges. Tonight, we had resident judge Pastor Marvin Sapp, and guest judges Angel Taylor, Chanelle Haynes and Adrian Anderson, better known as Trin-i-tee 5:7. The ladies were in the house and the boys are finally outnumbered! Trin-i-tee 5:7 looked beautiful and I was very excited about having them with us and hearing them sing.
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Published October 13th, 2009
I was really hoping that my state (I live in Nashville) would represent tonight. I wanted people to fill the arena, choirs to be on point and Memphis to show these Detroit (resident judge Marvin Sapp) and Chicago (host Donald Lawrence) people that we’ve got it going’ on. They did! I am so happy and really proud. Our Titans are struggling, but there was nothing but victory at Verizon Wireless’ How Sweet the Sound, “The Search for the Best Church Choir In America!”
Memphis filled the Fed Ex Forum with 6,457 people that understood the power of praise! It was explosive when Donald Lawrence opened the show with “Let the Word Do the Work”, backed by the All Star Choir. Such a fantastic opening and I know people were amazed by the size of the stage, the lights, projectors, and Donald’s awesome performance.
Continue Reading
Published October 8th, 2009
There was some serious anticipation surrounding the Atlanta show. Backstage there was media, VIP’s and tons of people everywhere! I suppose that since last year, this was the home of the regional competition and the finale, Atl already knew what was in store at Verizon’ Wireless’ How Sweet the Sound, “The Search for the Best Church Choir In America!”
Phillips Arena was packed with 10,678 screaming Gospel music fans; ready to get the praise party started! Another sell-out show that sold over 2,500 tickets in a 24 hour period. Crazy!
Continue Reading
Published October 4th, 2009
Chi-towwwwwwnnnnnnnnn!!!!!! Whoa!!! I am thoroughly impressed, I must say. I was so excited about tonight’s show that I was in place and ready to go way before my normal call time. I don’t know; there’s just something about Chicago. Plus, it’s Donald Lawrence’s city of residence and there was just an extra bit of excitement in the air. I wanted to be ready for what Chicago would bring to Verizon Wireless’ How Sweet the Sound, “The Search for the Best Church Choir in America!”
I could hear the reverberation of the 11,728 member audience as they waited for the start of the show. There was no last minute rush to the seats tonight. Chicago was packed into The United Center and ready to get it started! A completely sold out show!
The anticipation was thick as the opening video montage began and when host Donald Lawrence took to the stage, the crowd erupted in a deafening roar. Oh, Donald was so on point tonight! You could tell that he was happy to be home and the crowd was loving it. “Let the Word Do the Work” proved to be another electrifying opening! The crowd remained hyped through my welcome and when Donald introduced the judges, the energy built even more. Tonight we had resident judge Marvin Sapp, guest judges included, the incredible Dorinda Clark Cole and a crowd favorite, host of Chicago’s No. 1 Gospel radio show, John Hannah.
Ok, so Chicago is no joke. Not to be played with. The first choir in the small choir category, J.A.M., from Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church made that evident. Their unique arrangement of “It is Well With My Soul” thoroughly showed off their vocal ability, control and stage presence, causing Marvin Sapp to call the whole presentation “unbelievable.” Pastor John Hannah said, “You took me through different emotional changes. You were smiley, then you went deep, then you [the director] broke out in the robot.” It’s true, she did! They were so great.
The next choir, Praise Unlimited, from the Youth Center Church of God in Christ brought more than just youthful energy - they could sing! They performed “Souled Out” and did a fantastic job. The young choir director had so much energy, that guest Judge John Hannah said he needed medication! Dorinda loved their enthusiasm and Marvin thought they were very creative.
Third was Redeem Voices of Victory from Redeem Church of God in Christ, singing “Oh How I Love Jesus”. This choir had such a rich full sound. The choir and the arrangement had such soul and the band was stinking incredible. The soloist could really sing and we were told during judging that she had just been released from the hospital today after a ten day long stint. Praise God! Pastor Marvin said “I love that you all came with one purpose and one purpose only - to have church.”
The last performance was from God’s House of All Nations Church Choir singing “For Every Mountain”. Rather than open with a soloist, they opened with all the ladies and the arrangement was so pretty! They had such an amazing blend and such control. They sounded like a CD! They broke out in sign language, went from operatic to jazzy with ease causing Dorinda Clark Cole to ask the director how much time they spent together, and when told “hours”, she said that she could tell.
Tonight we had a special treat. The one and only Ricky Dillard brought two gifted groups of young people from his church. The Sweet Holy Spirit Youth Choir and the Sweet Holy Spirit Praise Dancers performed in the concourse at the Youth Gospel Showcase. This is the show before the show! The lobby is jumping with all the festivities. There’s the Youth Showcase, an original art exhibit with pieces commissioned exclusively by Verizon Wireless and Gospel Karaoke, which I’m a fan of. You never know who from Gospel Karaoke will be put on the big screen during the main event.
What you can bet on seeing, however, is an amazing Marvin Sapp experience. I’m over calling it a performance, it’s an experience. As one of the show’s producers, James said “He grabs the song, puts it in a headlock, drops the people’s elbow and makes it.” I think he means Marvin is the man.
Dorinda Clark Cole opened the second half of the show and once again had the entire audience on their feet. Her voice and ability is just ridiculous! She never runs out of things to do vocally and she’s such a minister! Plus, she’s really sweet, so I can’t hate on her for being SO AWESOME!
New Covenant International Choir from New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church opened the large choir category. They sang “God Blocked It” and wore gold kimonos and fans with dramatic choreography to match. They even sang in Chinese! This had Marvin Sapp saying, “I thought it was excellent and you all did something that was unique to this competition.” Of course guest Judge John Hannah had jokes about the Asian theme, but ended by saying that they looked good and did well.
The Voices from Greater St. John Bible Church sang “Faithful is Our God” and they opened strong! They had such lovely smiles as they sang of God’s faithfulness. Pastor Marvin gave them the thumbs up, saying “Excellent job” and Dorinda spoke of how much she enjoyed them and called the band, “off the chain.”
The next choir was from Faith Temple church, Voices of Faith singing “Available To You” They performed with the legendary Carlos Moody, who is the original writer of the song, which happens to be one of my favorites. The choir was very traditional and stately in black robes and white gloves. They had two praise dancers doing sign language and the whole performance was beautifully done. Resident judge Marvin Sapp remarked, “Excellent job. Timeless song that has been like the heart of our communities and our church.” So true.
The final choir in the large choir category was Evangel Celebration Choir from Evangel World Outreach Center. They sang another timeless song, “Total Praise,” and they gave it all the power and effort that this song deserves. Wow. This choir came out with such incredible strength! Broke it down with each section singing “You are the source of my strength” and the crowd jumped to their feet! Then on the “Amen” part they went into this R&B, trip-hop feel and it was so hot! Can you even use “hot” to describe “Total Praise?” It was though! They killed it! They took that song to new places and the United Center was going crazy! Needless to say, we got out praise on after that. They left John Hannah speechless as he declared “I ain’t got nothin to say” a true rarity for him!
Evangel was the audience favorite, earning them the V CAST People’s Choice Award and a check for $5,000. God’s House of All Nations took home a check for $10,000 and the title of best small choir. Evangel was also best large choir and received check for $10,000, plus they edged out God’s House to become Overall Regional Winner and will represent Chicago in the finale. The choirs collected 1,005 phones tonight for Verizon Wireless’ charity initiative HopeLine and the funds from the sale of these refurbished and recycled phones will go to assist victims of domestic violence. You can help be a blessing to this cause by taking your old cell phones and accessories to any Verizon Wireless store. Tonight’s choirs definitely worked hard and to celebrate them Verizon Wireless is giving each choir a minimum of $3,000!
I am definitely with Donald in saying that his city represented tonight. I can’t see what Atl is going to offer! Friday, Oct 2nd at Phillips Arena is going to be jumping! Get your tickets now! Also, the finale tickets have gone on sale and are selling like crazy so be sure to get yours so that you can be in Detroit on Nov 7th to see who is crowned “The Best Church Choir in America!”
Published October 2nd, 2009
I know that the city of Detroit has had more than its share of difficult times. However, tonight, God was magnified and there was a lifting in the house as 5,570 people gathered in the Joe Louis Arena for Verizon Wireless’ How Sweet The Sound, “The Search for The Best Church Choir in America.”
As thousands entered the concourse and saw how much work was put into this event, you could feel the excitement building. The festive atmosphere of the lobby let’s everyone know this is not going to be an ordinary concert. Where else can you find an art exhibit of original
pieces commissioned by Verizon Wireless for this event, a Youth Gospel Showcase, and Gospel Karaoke before the show even begins?
The start of this show is so awesome; I haven’t missed one opening performance. Donald Lawrence is truly great at what he does and really
gets the audience going. I am still impressed with the massive stage, incredible lights and awesome sound! You really have to see this show!
If you can’t make it, check it out on V CAST in the multicultural catalog and you can see what I’m talking about.
I already know about Detroit’s musical heritage and of course since I married into one of its legendary families I hear even more. “There’s
no singers like Detroit singers” is a regular topic of conversation. So needless to say, I had very high expectations!
The first choir in the small choir category let me know I was not to be disappointed. Jesse H. Bishop Crusaders A’Cappella Choir from the Church of Christ sang “Oh Happy Day” and as guest judge Dorinda Clark Cole put it they were “a great opening.” One of the members was the vocal bass and other beat-boxed. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a choir director pop lock, but she totally did. Their sound was so full that you didn’t miss the music. They mixed old school with new school and the crowd loved it.
Next from The Bread House, the Bread House Choir sang “There’s No Way.” The very first line let you know that there are some ’sangers’ in this choir! The choir director had great energy, the soloist could straight blow and their vocal dynamics were real crowd pleasers. Kierra “Kiki” Sheard thought they were excellent and loved how they took the song, added their own flavor and still got everyone on their feet.
Third, singing “Hosanna” from Conant Gardens SDA Church was Spiritual Sisters and A Brother (there were two men, the director and a lone
tenor). They came out strong with a shofar horn, a powerful exhortation and a huge vocal intro. I liked that they were wearing one of my favorite color combos; white and turquoise. Anyway, they had serious choreography, freezing, posing on beat, jumping, truly fun to watch. Plus they sounded incredible, doing three different versions of “Hosanna”. The crowd screamed for forever when they were done and
Donald Lawrence commented on their amazing band and originality.
Closing out the small choir category was Selected of God from Praise Tabernacle singing “Bless Me (Prayer of Jabez)”. I love when choirs sing really big and the right away sing really quietly. It’s so dramatic. I’ll have to ask Donald what that’s called. Anyway, they did that, along with other incredible vocal displays. Dorinda Clark Cole said during judging, “I’m so impressed with the director. You can tell when they take time with the group. I’m just speechless” Kierra added, “Amazing control. The anointing was there and you connected with the audience. I really felt God.”
I totally agree with both comments. I love watching the dynamic between the director and the choir. There’s such mutual respect and trust. It takes a lot of time and effort to develop that relationship and to operate in that kind of excellence. I love that Verizon Wireless is celebrating all of this hard work and allowing us, the audience, to enjoy these choirs on this incredible stage.
I don’t know if Donald is an ordained minister, but he was preaching to the Detroit crowd tonight! He declared that all the city has gone through is no match for the greatness of God and that we have to remember we are kingdom people! There was true encouragement given to the audience tonight. This encouragement continued with Marvin Sapp’s performance, speaking life in his gift of a song “Never Would’ve Made It”. It was obvious that the crowd connected once again to the message and it was another incredible ministry moment.
Opening Act Two was the extraordinary Dorinda Clark Cole singing “I Want It All Back”. I love this song! Everyone in the audience and all of us backstage were dancing and singing along. She has such presence and authority and she took us directly to church! It was fantastic! I
was in heaven and then went to second heaven because after Dorinda finished, Donald called Karen Clark out of the audience and she continued the song with the elated crowd as her background singers. I was insane. Like Donald says, “Those two are like the energizer bunny; they keep going and going.”
First to the stage in the large choir category was the CLFMI Mass Choir from Christian Love Fellowship Ministries, International singing “When The Saints Go To Worship”. They opened with a beautiful a’cappella arrangement, sounding like a string section. Then the band started to play and the choir released their power. Unreal!! As Kierra Sheard said, “They took us from classical to the storefront church to the opera house!” She also commented on the choir director standing strong as a woman of God and how that obviously influenced the choir.
Second, from Calvary Church came Calvary Sanctuary Choir singing “Total Praise”. They delivered the song with such worship and strength! I think they’re the first choir in the competition thus far to sing “I lift my hands” and actually do it. The crowd was on their feet in worship and when the choir was done there was such a praise that Dorinda said “It sounds like revival in here!”, and thanked the director for letting the Holy Ghost take control. Pastor Marvin Sapp replaced Judge Marvin Sapp and we had church! He declared that God reigned over every situation! The event seemed to be just what these Detroit residents needed.
Keeping the praise going was Majestic Voices from Second Ebenezer Church singing “Great is Thy Faithfulness”. What a massive sound! They
had incredibly synchronized choreography and pulled out all the stops. The choir director, the band and the choir flowed together flawlessly.
Donald Lawrence called them “Authentic Detroit” Dorinda loved their enthusiasm and expertise in bringing a different variation.
While the judges tallied up their votes Keirra Sheard took the stage and did an amazing job singing “Praise Him Now”. Her voice is so awesome and she looked so beautiful up there. So crazy that she’s all grown up! What a gift she has.
All the choirs were so prodigious that I had no idea who the winners were going to be. So I was as anxious as the audience to find out! The
V CAST People’s Choice Winner was Calvary Sanctuary Choir and they received a check for $5,000! They were also the large choir winner and
walked away with an additional check for $10,000! Selected of God from Second Ebenezer won best small choir and was handed a check for
$10,000! For the first time this season a small choir beat out the large choir for the title Overall Regional Winner and Selected of God will represent Detroit in the finale! All of the choirs were so amazing and will receive a minimum of $3,000 for their efforts. The Bread House Choir was our HopeLine winner, taking home $1,000 for bringing the most phones tonight. The choirs brought in a total of 833 phones that will be used for Verizon Wireless’ charity initiative HopeLine that gives service and support to victims of domestic violence.
What an incredible evening. The presence of God and the Joy of the Lord was thick in the Joe Louis Arena tonight! Wednesday, September 30th we’re in Donald Lawrence’s hometown of Chicago and I know they’re going to represent!! 5 to 7 dollars a ticket and it’s for sure going
to be packed so get your ticket and come get your praise on!
Published September 30th, 2009
I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect in Philly. I mean, it’s such a cool place full of jazz and neo- soul. It’s home to greats like Will Smith, Clara Ward, Patti Labelle, Bill Cosby, Rocky :-)! Well, I was completely knocked out by the excitement and energy that filled the Wachovia Center tonight. Philly came to get live at Verizon Wireless’ How Sweet the Sound, The Search for The Best Church Choir in America!
From the moment the lights dimmed and I heard the roar of the 8,978 member Philly crowd I knew that this too would be a night to remember. The maestro Donald Lawrence set it off with another high energy performance of “One Word Away”. It’s such an outstanding show opener!
The choirs in Philly came prepared to blow our celebrity judges away! In the house tonight was resident judge, the illustrious Pastor Marvin Sapp, host of “The Big Show- Real Christian Music” on Praise 103.9, the multi talented Lonnie Hunter, and renowned Pastor Hezekiah Walker. They were prepared to give the choirs great encouragement and constructive criticism, however, Philly gave the judges plenty to encourage but very little to critique because these choirs had worked like crazy to get here, and it showed!
First to the stage from West Philadelphia SDA Church came the West Philadelphia Praise Choir singing “For Every Mountain”. The 15 member choir began to sing and kid you not, they sounded like a mass choir. They had the audience on their feet before they got to the first chorus! Later, they broke the song down and sang the chorus a’cappella, like an old spiritual and it was captivating. Resident judge Marvin Sapp recognized this saying, “You all were unbelievable and I love how you went back to the traditional components of the Adventist church” This group opened the show with a bang and definitely jump started tonight’s “chuch” service!
Second, the New Hope Revival Center Choir sang “The Battlefield”. They had such a big sound and I loved watching the choir director dance! I think he might have stolen the show because all three judges spoke of how much they enjoyed him. Hezekiah Walker said “I really enjoyed the choir, but I think I enjoyed you [the director] even better!”
Calvary Baptist Church Choir opened up in dramatic fashion showing incredible vocal control and aptitude as they sang “Shabach”. The crowd was hooked by their incredible choreography, energy and ability. Guest judge Lonnie Hunter renamed them “The Breakout Choir”! You could really tell how hard they worked just to be here tonight.
I was in a singing group for 13 years, and it takes countless hours to achieve excellence, so I truly appreciate that Verizon Wireless has created this event to celebrate these choirs, and their dedication. It really gives them a chance to share their gifts on the big stage. The choirs come ready and the audience became new fans!
Last in the small choir category was the Music Ministry Choir from Green Grove Baptist Church singing “Faithful Is Our God”. They sang with such controlled strength and let the song ’speak’ for itself. The judges enjoyed the fact that they didn’t do too much or too little but had a perfect balance and stayed true to the song.
The judges left to deliberate and before the intermission Marvin Sapp blessed us with another unbelievable performance. With all due respect I have to say that Marvin Sapp is a vocal ninja. He completely slays the audience every night!
Hezekiah Walker brought us back from intermission with an inspiring performance of “All I Need”. I love how joyful and upbeat the song is, and the audience could really feel the celebration in the song. There was definitely a praise in the house.
Kicking off the large choir category from Ford Memorial Temple - The Anointed Voices of Ford Memorial Temple singing “Total praise”. The choir looked beautiful and sang with such a lovely spirit. They performed half of the second verse a’cappella and the audience was captivated. Guest judge Lonnie Hunter said “Flat foot singing. You all didn’t move a foot and you let that song have it!” Marvin Sapp closed by saying, “When you listen to choirs like yours, you try to pick out what’s wrong. I couldn’t pick anything out tonight!” That’s a pretty big compliment!
Next came Voices of Canaan from Canaan Baptist Church singing “Souled Out”. They got huge support from the audience before they even started and opened strong with dynamic energy! I loved their choreography; they were like The Temptations up there! They brought the power of praise. Hezekiah Walker said that he felt the power of God and spoke of the anointing on the director, who sang lead. Everyone clearly agreed!
Closing it out was The Chorale from the Chorale at the Lord’s House Ministries singing “He Will Supply”. They came out with such a calm confidence and took their time telling the song. It didn’t take long, however, for their true power to be revealed, causing judge Lonnie Hunter to exclaim “What a great choir!”
Verizon Wireless knows the power of gospel music and how it brings people together. The arena tonight was packed and full of joy and support. Like every night, the show was also full of surprises! In the concourse there is a beautiful exhibit of original art commissioned exclusively for How Sweet he Sound. There is a Youth Gospel Showcase where each night the future of gospel music performs. There is also Gospel Karaoke, and this surprise can follow you inside the arena because you never know if you’ll get put on the big screen like several of our audience members tonight! Also, there is such excitement generated from this event that you never know who will be in the audience. Tonight, Donald pulled Pastor James Nelson (twin brother of singer Jonathan Nelson) to the stage and James gave an incredible impromptu performance, surprising everyone with his amazing vocal gift.
After another uplifting offering from Pastor Hezekiah Walker and the Love Fellowship Choir featuring Marvin Sapp singing “God Favors Me” came the moment of truth. The choir directors all came out and Donald announced the V CAST People’s Choice Award Winner. West Philadelphia Praise Choir was presented with a check for $5,000! In the small choir category Calvary Baptist Choir took home a check for $10,000! Taking the title of best large choir and a check for $10,000 was Anointed Voices of Ford Memorial Temple! They were also named the Overall Regional Winner and I seriously had to pray that the stage wouldn’t collapse they were jumping up. And down so much! It was so exciting! All of the choirs received a minimum of $3,000 just for sharing and ministering tonight which is what this event is all about; community, family, friends, music and giving.
Speaking of giving, we collected 704 phones tonight, with the Voices of Canaan named the HopeLine winner, bringing in 354 and receiving a check for $1,000. HopeLine is Verizon Wireless’ charity initiative that puts wireless services and equipment to work to assist victims of domestic violence. We collect phones from the participating choirs in each city and the choir who brings the most phones is named the HopeLine Winner. You too can be a part of this important work and in turn be a blessing by donating your old cell phones and accessories to any Verizon Wireless store and they’ll take it from there. It’s a pretty easy way to help improve the lives of others.
All in all I was totally impressed with Philly. The audience was rockin’, the choirs brought it and once again we all went home feeling uplifted, encouraged, and changed by the power of praise. Detroit is next and I cannot wait to see what is going to happen there! Dorinda Clarke Cole, Keirra “Kiki” Sheard and Marvin Sapp on one stage? I might just fall out. Spread the word about Detroit, Monday, Sept 28th at the Joe Louis Arena!
Published September 29th, 2009
Apparently, it just keeps getting better. There is no other way to describe D.C. except by using the old adage’ OFF THA CHAIN!!!!!! Oh my Lord!!!! 11,341 people came out tonight making it another SOLD OUT show! God is good! Chocolate city knows it and came out to celebrate Verizon Wireless’ “How Sweet the Sound, The Search for The Best Church Choir in America!”
Words can’t really express how insane it was, however, one security guard pretty much summed it up by saying, “I haven’t seen anything like this since the Jonas Brothers!” Ok, you’ve got to love that comparison. See, the saints can get rowdy and scream too!
There was puh-lenty to scream and shout about. The fabulous host, Donald Lawrence gave an incredible opening performance! I wish I could describe to you how amazing the stage, lights and images playing on the screen are. It’s so big league and Donald is an awesome performer and did you know he can dance? Well, he can and he does, and looks great doing it. I personally could just shout over his suits and sneakers which are sooo fly. He has great style and charisma and really knows how to engage the audience.
There is so much to say about the performances tonight, so I’ll get straight to it. First of all, wow D.C., there is so much talent here! The choirs were so professional; they could all put out cd’s like, right now.
Ok, up first in the small choir category was SBC Chorale. I didn’t see them until after I heard them because I was walking off the stage and I was so surprised to see like, 5 ladies and one man (the choir director) making all of that sound! I’m not kidding, it literally sounded like 20 people were on stage! The women’s voices were all amazing, like 5 Kim Burrell’s on stage & the director was holding down the tenor part all by himself! The crowd was with them every step as they sang “There’s No Way”.
Next, was a really unique group called Remanufactured Souls from The Soul Factory Church. They sang “Can’t Nobody Do Me Like Jesus” and put a true to DC go-go beat behind it! It was so fun! Later as the choir director spoke with Donald, she shared how their ministry is geared towards the unchurched, to draw them in, so they wear street clothes and put modern club spins on traditional songs. Very cool.
Ok, cut to a surprise moment for me. I was walking in the concourse, enjoying the Verizon Wireless art exhibit (Verizon Wireless has commissioned local artist in each city to do an original piece for How Sweet The Sound), watching the Youth Gospel showcase, and I came upon Gospel Karaoke and couldn’t help but get up and sing. It was just for fun, I was just clowning, but during the show they played it! Nice.
After that lovely and more than slightly embarrassing surprise, from Brydges, Inc., came The Brydges singing “It is Well With My Soul.” The version they did was amazing and they had wonderful stage presence. They really took the audience on a journey and they sounded so sweet!
Last in the small choir category was The Little Mt. Zion Mass Choir from Little Mount Zion Church of God singing “Goin’ Up Yonder”. What a classic! They had great energy and the audience was on their feet. The choir director was so lively and Donald said that the director reminded him of his childhood choir director!
Then came what is for sure my favorite moment in the show, Marvin Sapp’s performance. It is so powerful! The way he connects with the audience and encourages them is truly something special. This is a must not miss moment.
After the intermission we had a very special performance. The one and only Kelly Price! I have been a fan for years and never cease to be amazed by her unbelievable and effortless voice. The audience loved her and she shined so beautifully on that stage. A fabulous way to start the second half of the show. P.S. I totally got to sing beside her during the show’s finale, which is so much fun, the biggest choir ever, the entire audience singing “Blessing of Abraham”! Ok, back to the show.
The first large choir representing D.C. was from Ebenezer AME church, The Rejoice Choir singing “Souled Out”. My my my! We knew they were going to be hot because that’s Byron Cage’s church! It was great to see him in the audience! Ok, Rejoice rocked it and their band!!! Incredible!!! Marvin Sapp our resident judge made a point to congratulate and single out the band because they were THAT good. That’s another wonderful thing about the show; the musicianship is incredible!!
Second came the Aktiv Gospel Chorale from The Assemblies of the Emmanuel Church singing “The Light”. Ok, they totally caught everyone off guard. They came out in really nice modern attire, with up to date choreography and a really hip sound, but then they brought the Presence of the Lord! No joke! It was so thick we praised for like 10 minutes! We could hardly stop. Guest judge Kelly Price opened her mouth and started singing and it all started up again! Incredible. Our other guest judge Tye Tribbet (love him) spoke of how an incredible choir doesn’t just sing, they change the atmosphere, and that’s exactly what Aktiv did.
The energy continued as the Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church Choir sang “Anthem of Praise”. Boy did they have a big sound! Horn sections, amazing vocals, they were so tight! The crowd gave them huge amounts of love during and after their performance. DC, by the way, was so hyped! The energy and excitement tonight was amazing.
The last large choir was from Mount Ararat Baptist Church, the Remnant Concert Choir singing “Blessed Assurance”. From the very 1st line they had the crowd in the palm of their hands. They sang and the choir director had them do this swell, and that was it. The whole audience was shouting! They had it all…Dynamics, personality, choreography, and drama! They pulled out all the tricks and it was like noting I’d ever seen. What I loved the most was their sincerity; they really communicated and told ‘their story’ to the audience. It was quite amazing.
While the judges deliberated, one of my favorite groups took the stage and enveloped the arena with their awesome sound: Tye Tribbet and G.A. They sang their huge single “I Need You” which I love. They have the coolest way about them, from their clothes to their sound and stage presence. I wanted them to do an entire concert!
After their performance came the moment of truth. Everyone was so good it was really hard to tell who the judges would pick. The audience had their say in the V CAST People’s Choice Award and chose The Remnant Concert Choir who won a check for $5,000! Next the judges picked SBC Chorale in the small choir category to receive $10,000! Then it was The Remnant Concert Choir again! They won a check for $10,000 and walked away as the Overall Regional winners and will represent D.C. in the finale in Detroit on Nov 7th! They were so moved and excited it almost made me cry!
The Hopeline Winner was also The Remnant Concert Choir which just proves that you are blessed when you give! They collected 472 phones and our total tonight was 742 phones! I’m so proud that Verizon Wireless refurbishes and recycles these phones and the proceeds from their sale go to help victims of domestic violence.
It was another tremendous show and I can’t wait to hit Newark. NJ at the Prudential Center tomorrow Sept. 25th! The east coast is going to bring it, I already know! Tickets are only 5 -7 dollars, so tell your friends and family to step out and step into a praise party!
Published September 28th, 2009
So over the years I’ve heard a lot about Tri state area choirs, so I have to say when I arrived at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey I had high expectations. I am thrilled to tell you, I was not disappointed! The choirs tonight at Verizon Wireless’ “How Sweet The Sound” brought all the drama, excitement, and performance quality that this area is known for, and the 8,220 member audience was treated to a show they will never forget! From the minute you walked into the building you could sense that this show was on another level. In the concourse there is beautiful exhibit of original artwork (commissioned exclusively for this event). I checked it out today and they have Verizon Wireless phones connected to the displays so that u can hear straight from the artists, and learn more about their work. It’s really cool! Of course, I ventured over to Gospel Karaoke and had my own mini concert. It was so much fun I couldn’t stop! Also got to see the Youth Gospel showcase and was encouraged by the next generation in Gospel. I’m so impressed with how much Verizon Wireless has put into this show! There is truly something for everyone, and that’s all before the show even starts!
The show was incredible tonight! Donald Lawrence kicked it off with a guest appearance by rapper Bro-Hahz, leaving no doubt that Gospel can rock! It’s a new day and that was evident in the choirs tonight. The younger generation was in full effect in the Tri State area! I think like 5 out of 8 choirs consisted of under 25 year olds. So much so that when a somewhat more mature choir finished, the judges were calling them seniors, but they were like in their 40’s and 50’s! Funny to us, probably not funny to them
The youthful energy was abundant as the first choir took the stage in the small choir category. The LC Performing Arts Choir from All Saints Church of God and Christ opened it up with a bang singing “Right Time Right Place”. They had such an energetic choir director with a wonderful smile. You could tell she was so proud of her group and she had good reason. They put on quite a performance which included a section of choreographed moves using hand held fans. Guest judge Kelly Price said she loved how they showed that there can be an entertainment factor while delivering the gospel.
Next to the stage, from Emmaus Seventh Day Adventist Church singing “Blessed Asuurance” was Only God Knows and they not only impressed the judges with their power, but also with their prowess. Guest judge and New Yorker Hezekiah Walker thought “the arrangement was incredible” and said “they had a James Hall thing going on”.
Deliverance Baptist Church Mass Choir sang a rousing rendition of “Everybody Clap Your Hands”. They had a marvelous director who was so much fun to watch. As our host Donald Lawrence remarked, “you know someone can direct when they take one word and put four movements to it”! Pastor Walker stated that if he knew he was coming to church every Sunday to hear their choir, he’d make sure he was there! The audience wholeheartedly agreed.
Our last performance in the small choir category came from Bethany Gospel Chapel, the East Flatbush Ecumenical Choir. Another youth driven choir that did an incredible job tonight. Everyone was so proud of them and so encouraging. They did a tremendous job!
Taking us into the intermission, was none other than Marvin Sapp! He brought the entire arena on their feet, singing along to his hit song “Never Would”ve Made it”. My husband Juan was in the audience tonight and put it best by saying “there are very few people in the world that can sing like Marvin Sapp”. It is so true! He is a singing zen master and every night sings it differently, yet always amazes and encourages the audience. He is so gifted, and his pastoral qualities are so evident in his performance.
After the intermission guest judge Kelly Price took the stage and gave a stirring performance singing “Healing”. That song just takes you there! I just watch in awe! Is there a magic pill one can take to learn to sing like that? It’s utterly insane to be that good. Yes, I’m jealous but I’m repenting as I write.
Calvary Temple Choir from Calvary Tabernacle of Hempstead jumped off the large choir category singing “Souled Out”. I loved their beautiful white robes with purple and gold accents, their synchronized choreography and their soulful sound. They especially got the crowd going when they added their own vocal delay effects to a particular line in the song, “My heart is fixed, fixed, fixed, fixed”!! They definitely pulled out the WOW factor with that. It was so hot! Pastor Walker remarked, “All I can say is you guys sung so well I wanted to jump on the stage and sing with you all!”
Second was the All Nations Tabernacle Choir singing “It Is Well With My Soul”. They looked beautiful and sounded incredible. The director was young, but commanded the choir like a veteran. They took us from traditional to majestic, to straight funky, and had the crowd going crazy!
Next from Marble Community Collegiate Church was the Marble Community Gospel Choir and all I can say is what a way to BRING IT! To say they sang “Total Praise,” would be an understatement! They added a completely new jazzy element to the song, at which point the choir director got the mic and started singing. Okay now, I have never heard someone jazz scat on Gospel like this brother. It was unbelievable! His range was out of this world! If you have a Verizon Wireless phone you have to go to V CAST in the Multicultural catalogue and check out this performance. It may be up on the website: howsweetthesound.com, either way, it’s a must-see. The judges were not only impressed with their musicianship, their arrangement, and their singing, they also loved the diversity within the choir. As Marvin Sapp said, it was a picture of Heaven.
Lastly, from Grace Baptist Church came Cathedral of Grace singing “Anthem of Praise”. A wonderful ending to the choir portion of the show. Such a huge sound! Different soloists took their turn on the mic and one after the other showed their tremendous vocal skills. The judges applauded their hard work and discipline.
In fact, the discipline and hard work of the choirs was extremely evident tonight! What an event that Verizon Wireless has created to celebrate the hard work these choirs do and allow them to showcase their skills on such a star studded stage.
Speaking of stars, Pastors Hezekiah Walker and Marvin Sapp stirred the audience when they performed “God Favors Me” with the Love Fellowship Choir.
Ok, let me get to the winners. The V CAST People’s choice Award winner was Marble Community Gospel Choir, picking up a check for $5,000! The small choir winner was Only God Knows from Emmause SDA church walking away with $10,000! The audience must know their stuff because their choice, Marble Community Choir also won large choir, taking home a check for $10,000 AND a coveted spot in the finale November 7th as the New York/Newark Overall Regional Winner. They were so excited I could hardly get my congratulation speech out! It was wonderful to also announce that each choir participating will receive a minimum of $3,000 just for being here. I love that this competition is about community and truly blesses everyone involved!
There is no doubt that this is one of the best shows I have seen or been blessed to be a part of! Spread the word and tell your friends and family. This is such an awesome event that you can enjoy for just 5-7 dollars a ticket! That’s like the cost of my latte order. However, no caffeine will be needed the next day cause you will still be on an adrenaline-high after the excitement of this show! Next stop is Philadelphia, Pa in the Wachovia Center. I”ll see you there!
Published September 26th, 2009
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