The 2004 Banquet was held on Saturday, May 8, 2004 at the National Guard Amory, Bluff Road, Columbia, SC. The Keynote Speaker was District Elder Barry S.
Mitchell,
of Bibleway Northeast Temple. Elder Mitchell had a powerful and superb Word for the attendees. However, many missed the first part of his message because of the commotion centered around the timing of the serving of the food. More about that later.
Before detailing the Banquet, it is necessary to visit the concert that was held on Friday, May 7, 2004, at New Ebenezer Family Life Center, 1236 Gregg Street, Columbia. Although the concert did not begin on time, it was good - once it got started.
The Master of Ceremony was Minister Wayne Dandridge of Cleveland, Ohio. The concert opened with devotion by Minister Randy Knight and The Night Family. Thereafter, C. J. Butler set the house on fire. C. J. is a
great vocalist, and he is destined to go far in the gospel music industry. He is a mixture of traditional and contemporary gospel music. What a great blend by an anointed young man. This young man deserves to be on gospel programs at major venues in this country and abroad. He is, without a doubt, a great singer.
A new group, "Women of Vision," followed C. J. They were good. They have a new project that is destined to be a favorite among fans of good gospel quartet music. Next the groups that
were sent to the American Gospel Quartet Convention in January 2004 performed. The groups were The National Juniors and The Brewsteraires.
Then came Brian Mayes and Heavenbound. Brian and the guys electrified the house. Many in the crowd were on their feet the entire time Brain and the guys were on stage. If you want a truly anointed national artist and
group for you next gospel concert, you owe it to yourself contact Brian Mayes and Heavenbound. The Gospel Incredibles were next
to take the stage. This group, which is located in Atlanta, have many South Carolinians among its members. They did many of the crowd favorites and really ministered to the crowd.
The Superstar, Tommy Ellison, along with The Singing Stars closed the program. They had time to sing and they did. However, they did not sing any songs from their newest project "Going To See My Friend." They sang songs from their earlier projects. Tommy is always a crowd pleaser and this night would
be no different.
One of the reason for the Friday Night concert was to allow the attendees to vote on their favorite group and gospel personalities in various categories. The winners were announced at the Banquet on Saturday.
Now to the Banquet. Like the concert, it did not start on time. Unfortunately, because it did not start on time, the keynote speaker began while the attendees were beginning to treat themselves to good food. Because of some of the commotion centered around everyone being fed at this critical time in the
program, the first part of the keynote speaker's message was missed by some that should have heard it. It was indeed a powerful Word about singing under the anointing.
Otherwise, it was a good banquet. Minister Wayne Dandridge was the Master of Ceremony. Reverend Matthew Mickens gave a very inspiring opening prayer. He was followed by Mike Alston and The Virginiaires. Thereafter, several of the awards were presented, including to two recipients of the O. E.
Martin Award - Rev. Julius Gilyard, Pastor of Pine Grove M.B.C. Church in Orangeburg, South Carolina and lead singer for the Gospel All-Stars; and Deacon Robert Burgess of Sumter, South Carolina. Deacon Burgess has been a radio angel for over 40 years. He is also the lead singer of Deacon Robert Burgess and The Mighty Soul Searchers.
At this point in the program, Deacon Billy Pharr introduced the Keynote Speaker. After which and before the Keynote message, Bill Pinkney and the Gospel Drifters mesmerized the crowd. What can be said about this group that has not been said. They were, as expected, great. The group has gone through
many personnel changes. One of the most notable change is the addition of Perry Taft (Baby from the Gospel Keynotes).
As stated above Elder Mitchell was the Keynote Speaker. His messages was timely, needed, and spirited. What a Word he delivered to the crowd. Each group and gospel personality present must be making sure that their ministry is truly what God desires of them and that they are operating under the anointing.
After the Keynote message, the remaining awards were presented. Special recognition was made to the WLGO's Mother Of The Year, Mrs.
Pat Green, and the runner up, Mrs.
Mae Jones. Special recognition was also given to The Brewsteraires and The National Juniors for participating in the 2004 American Gospel Quartet Convention. Also, special
recognition was made to the eight (8) groups that participated in the first live recording of local quartets groups from South Carolina, The Six Voices of Zion, The Brewsteraires, The National Juniors, Reverend Matthew Mickens & The New Highway Travelers, The Gospel All-Stars, The Singing Angels of Sumter, The Zionaires and Antioch.
Tommy Ellison and the Singing Stars closed the Banquet. However, just before they took the stage, SC House Representative Joe Neal presented Tommy with a Resolution adopted by the South Carolina House of Representative recognizing Tommy's long career in gospel music. Once again, Tommy did not do any songs from
his newest project. However the crowd was not disappointed. As stated above, Tommy is a crowd pleaser and he did the songs that people mostly associate with his group, and apparently expects the group to sing. The benediction was given by Minister Kenneth Williams.
Those supporting this weekend’s events came from around the country, such as
Ann Jackson of Brunswick, Georgia, Clarence Conner of The Gospel Incredibles of Atlanta, Georgia, Carolyn Roberts from New York, and Minister and Mrs. Wayne Dandridge from Ohio. And it was good to see Mr. Gospel, even though not in good health, at the banquet.
And now the winners in the various categories –
Male Group Of The Year – The National Juniors
Female Group Of The Year – Women of Strength
Song Of The Year – “Give It Up” by Women of Strength
Female Song Writer/Arranger Of The Year – Women of Strength
Male Song Writer/Arranger Of The Year – Justin Mickens
CD Of The Year – “Women of Strength” by Women of Strength
Best
Dress Male Group Of The Year - The National Juniors
Best Dress Female Group Of The Year – Spirit of Columbia
Most Diligent Group Of The Year – The National Juniors
Male Promoter of the Year – Nathaniel Fulton
Female Promoter of the Year – Loretta Coleman
National Recording Artist of the Year – Doc McKenzie and The Hi-Lites
Radio Angel Of The Year – Leslie “The Evening Cruiser – Fish” Fisher of WLGO
People Helping People – The Brewsteraires
Best Performing Male Quartet - The National Juniors
Best Performing Female Quartet – Spirit of Columbia
New Artist Of The Year – Women of Strength
New Male Artist Of The Year – C. J. Butler
New Female Artist Of The Year – Women of Strength
Up and Coming Group – The Gospel Legends
Best Production Organization – Fulton's Production
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