Preview: Word Records / CSG Showcase

Everyone is heading over to the Word Records / Central South Gospel showcase, slated for this afternoon. The buzz continues that this is where we'll hear confirmation of Karen Clark-Sheard's signing to the newly-rejuvenated Gospel division of the established label. Singing will be urban group Generation J, and also Chicago group Fortitude (who deliver their label debut on August 24/04), along with Ted & Sheri, who release their sophomore album in October. The Ted & Sheri release is said to include special guests Walter Hawkins and Yvette Flunder, on a Hawkins remake cut.

GMWA Next Annual Convention

Word is that the next GMWA Annual Convention will be held in Milwaukee in 2005, followed by Orlando, Florida in 2006.

Recap: EMI Gospel Showcase

The EMI Gospel late-night showcase went until 3:00 AM on Tuesday night. Hosted by Darius Brooks, the splashy affair included Kierra "Kiki" Sheard, who got everyone on their feet with her summer single (already out to retail) "You Don't Know".

LaShun Pace sang two songs from her upcoming EMI Gospel debut ("Hey" and "For My Good"), and the newly signed Williams Sisters also performed, along with Vicki Yohe. Memphis' Darrell Petties and SIP also took to the front.

Micah Stampley of Dexterity Sound sang, and then returned to solo on "Servant's Prayer" wtih Kevin Bond & New Birth Total Praise Choir.

Smokie Norful was unable to attend, since he is 'locked up' in studio, but there was a video presentation from him, where he presented a taste of what's to come from his upcoming sophomore release, slated for Oct 5, 2004.

Darius Brooks closed the evening with a performce of his hit single "Your Will".

EMI Gospel confirmed that they have signed The Mighty Clouds of Joy to the label.

Big Music Sellers

Hot like flapjacks, these are flying off the shelves at the exhibitor's hall:

Ricky Dillard & New G's Unplugged DVD
Twinkie Clark's Home Once Again, Live in Detroit
Youthful Praise's Thank You For the Change
John P. Kee 's new solo album, The Color of Music

...and the GMWA Tampa Experience album from Gospo Centric, the recording from last year's GMWA. Label staff are running to the various rehearsals, offering them for sale, and they are being snapped up!!

Fred Hammond Arrives

It's Wednesday, and GMWA is now just over the half-way mark, but that doesn't mean that people aren't still arriving. Fred Hammond pulls in today for appearances. More later!