Recap: Utopia / Taesis Distribution Showcase

The Utopia Music Group / Taesis Distribution showcase brought the house down last night with their midnight showcase. Pastor Nancy Wilson opened things up with a set, before VaShawn Mitchell, Bishop Larry Trotter, DeAndre Patterson and others took the mics in hand to deliver their respective ministries. Then label execs introduced an astounding young 14-year old talent recently signed to Utopia, and who hails from Clarkville, Tennesse (just outside Memphis), who brought the crowd to their feet.

John P. Kee and Lil' Rufus

Everyone showed out at Thursday afternoon's Youth Forum, as Pastor John P. Kee showed up, with his alter-ego, Lil' Rufus, in tow. Kee just sang and sang, mixing in news songs from his solo album The Color of Music, and also adding old favorites such as "God of Mercy". Kee also handed out gifts to honor his record label, Verity Records, who are celebrating their 10th anniversary this year.

Link to John P. Kee discography.

Melanie Clark Recaps & Departs Kansas City

GMWA is far from over, and while some people are still arriving, others have to catch flights to return home. Gospelflava.com's Melanie Clark leaves Kansas City, heads to the airport (see image from GMWA-cam below), and files this audio report! Click on the audio link below.

Media Convergence at GMWA

Artists, industry executives, fans, yes they are all in attendance at GMWA. But there's also a slew of media hanging around, aiming for coverage. That includes radio, several stations who have set up on-location live booths, and also print media and of course, internet! Gospelflava.com was joined by other online media, including Veda Brown of BlackGospelPromo.com. Veda sends a shoutout to everyone. Check the audio by clicking on the link below.

Lonnie Hunter Sends Shout-Outs

Muscle Shoals Gospel Sound artist Lonnie Hunter, director of The Voices of St. Mark, dropped into Kansas City —the hype was about his imminent DVD release, set to hit retail in the next weeks. Check his audio spot by clicking below!

Neily Dickerson of Churchhowse Music Checks In

Industry veteran Neily Dickerson, who heads up both Churchhowse Music and The ND Company, took a breather from the goings-on at GMWA, and checks in with Gospelflava.com to fill us in. Click on the audio link below!

Kierra "Kiki" Sheard's Audio Report

EMI Gospel artist Kierra "Kiki" Sheard gives an audio report on her GMWA experience. Click on the audio link below! Her debut project, I Owe You, releases Sept 7, 2004, and she was busy this week, singing at various GMWA events.

Youth Forums A Hit

The daily Youth Forums have really taken off this year, perhaps due to their better placement this year (late afternoons, compared to late evenings the past few years, where they often competed with concurrent events). Highlights this week have been: Kirk Franklin's moments on Wednesday, Youthful Praise and James Fortune & FIYA (who comes on strong this month with their debut project on World Wide Gospel). Also spotted were Men of Standard and plenty more.

Kee to the City!

The Prince of Gospel is in town. Yes, yesterday may have been Founder's Day (the GMWA's annual remembering of Rev. James Cleveland), but today it's all John P. Kee. The Pastor pulled in last night, and will be scattering around GMWA-land all day today. There's the VIP presentation to radio announcers (plugging his new album), there's the listening / performance party, there's his appearance this afternoon at the GMWA Youth Forum, and other stuff too. Kee's new solo album, The Color of Music, released this week, on Verity Records.