Brenda Underwood

Photos by: Karen Hunt Barker
Written by: Brenda Underwood

Nothing could have prepared the city of Detroit for the awesome blessings coming from the "2007 Breakthrough Conference" held under the "Big Tent" at Second Ebenezer Baptist Church. DetroitGospel.com was privileged to be present as Pastor Edgar Vann, First Lady Sheila Vann, and the entire Second Ebenezer Church family truly set the table for the Lord God "to come in and sup" with us.

On Friday, November 10, 2006, the music department of Kadesh Baptist Church (located at 20361 Plymouth Road, in Detroit, MI) presented a live recording with the theme being "Overcomers," and Detroit Gospel.com was in the house. The fellowship hall was set up like a theater, allowing the standing-room-only crowd great viewing for this wonderful event. The emcee for the evening was recording artist, Darius Twyman, who kept the audience engaged in praise and worship. There were many other local artists in the house who performed on some of the recordings. First Lady of Kadesh, Pastor Phyllis Foster; Pastor Lydia Wright; Pastor Seon Thompson; and Oscar Hayes participated in the recording with vocal leads. Gospel artists Michael Fletcher (of the Michael Fletcher Chorale), Derrick Milan (of Derrick Milan and the Krew), Min. Darryl Houston, and Mona Nero Butler, were also on hand and being blessed by the musical presentation.

The Grand Ole Opry at Opryland in Nashville, TN, was the scene for the taping of the 21st annual Stellar Awards for gospel’s best and most notable artists. Many came from near and far to participate in the show and Detroit was in the house and making its presence known.

As 10:30 p.m. was fast approaching on Saturday, December 31, 2005, I pressed my way to the Triumph Church at the Allen Park Municipal Auditorium where others also wanted to bring in the New Year. As the search for a parking space began, the crowds had already arrived and the lines had formed at both entrances. The Triumph Church, under the pasturage of Rev. Solomon Kinloch, Jr., was in anticipation of the Supernatural Manifestation that night and continually as they build an edifice to accommodate their growing congregation. Their special guest was Pastor Smokie Norful, who not only sang to the glory of God, but preached a Word in between selections.

DetroitGospel.Com had the pleasure of sharing in the excitement with the Kadesh Missionary Baptist Church family at their 2005 Anniversary Musical Celebration entitled “Heavenbound.” There was an expectation in the sanctuary for true worship and praises to be lifted up toward the Lord for what He has done and the ministry growth He’s brought in the past year at Kadesh and for God’s people.

Detroit Gospel.com was in the house for the Detroit Gospel Showcase and Concert (DGSC), presented by State Farm Insurance and Executive Producer Derryl Reed. The concert and competition was held at Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ in Detroit, MI. The emcee for the evening was Dr. Deborah Smith-Pollard from FM98-WJLB. Part of the proceeds from the evening went to support the survivors of Hurricane Katrina (one survivor was present in the audience), the Museum of African American History, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and the Foundation for Academic and Entrepreneurial Excellence. Just as the slogan says, “Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.”

Detroit Gospel.com was on hand as Dr. Dorinda Clark Cole presented the 7th Annual Singers and Musicians’ Conference on September 21-25, 2005, at Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ (GEI) at Seven Mile and Schaefer in Detroit. The theme of the conference was: “What is Your Ministry About?: Contract or Covenant? Money or Ministry?” The answer to the theme question was provided throughout the conference workshops and services.

Several Detroit Gospel.com staffers took a little trip southbound on Interstate-75 to the “I Hear Music In The Air” gospel music conference in Sharonville, Ohio. The conference included workshops taught by some of the industry’s top executives and artists, an artist showcase, teen session, concert, and gala. The conference was held May 13-15, in the Sharonville Convention Center which is just minutes outside of Cincinnati, Ohio.