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In photo Pastor Shirley Caesar and Bishop Arvetra Jones; See Special Session)

TBR – Durham, NC – The North Carolina Gospel Announcers Guild (NCGAG) Convention 2013 was recently held at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel in Durham, NC.

From May14th – May 17th Industry Music Executives, Independent artists, groups and Gospel music lovers found their way to one of the Gospel industries annual events, hosted by the NCGAG.

The four day convention included just about everything anyone in Gospel would have been looking for when it comes to Workshops, Panel Discussions, Relevant Topics, Networking, Industry Heavy Hitters, Industry Luncheons, Vendors, Nightly Showcases and an Awards Show.

Kicking off with a dedication service on Tuesday, followed by an official opening on Wednesday, the NCGAG President, Bishop Arvetra Jones, welcomed everyone before quickly transitioning over to the first work session, “Understanding the Importance of ALL Radio.” 

This made for great interactive discussions that ultimately had to be broken down into three separate days for conversations with Industry veterans, Jerry Smith (Radio One), Chris Squire (CEO Wilmington Chester Mass Choir) Vicki Mack Lataillade (Central South Distribution), Sheilah Belle, The Belle (The Belle Report), Pastor Veryl Howard (Book Manager) and Tracy Morgan (Radio Program Director).

This conversation started with understanding the importance of all radio, but also covered “How to get your music played on the radio” and the many challenges artists have when they have done everything that is often requested but still face the iron gates, old school mentality and a numbers or a statistic game to some stations that remain close to new artists.

Other hot bottom topics included understanding the importance of Marketing and Promotions and how that works with panelists Wanda Adams,  Reggie Rich (Rejoice America Radio)  Kevin James (Christian Jukebox Radio), Shawn Manuel (Gospel Impact Radio), Humilitee (Gospel Fruit), Kenny Taylor, Pastor Veryl Howard and The Belle (The Belle Report).

(Top Row) Chris Squire, Kenny Taylor, (Bottom Row) The Belle, Vicki Mack, Pastor Howard and Wanda Adams

“Bridging the Gap Between Radio and Quartet” were Bill Boykin, Michael Boykin, Mama Curtis and Archie Swindell.  This was the class that was truly appreciated by many as it reminded everyone how vital Quartet music is despite its challenges for radio airplay.

Discussing Artist Development and the Benefits of Quality Production were top producers Bubby Fann, Denver Wright and Jamain Freeman who truly kept their class attention and well entertained.

Mama Curtis also stepped in for Dennis Coles to talk about The Stellar Awards Committee and breaking down the importance of understanding the in’s and outs of Copy Writing were Andre Bright and Chrystal Redding.

Throughout the weekend, various local artists stopped by to show their support, including Pastor Shirley Caesar who talked about the importance of protecting your music. (CLICK HERE)

The Week long convention wrapped up with the NCGAG 2013 Annual Banquet Program where thirteen Pastors, Radio Stations and Music Industry Executives were recognized for their dedication to the music industry and the community.

The evening was hosted by Gospel Comedian Anna Douglas, Humilitee and The Belle.

Special guests included; Upper Room Church of God in Christ, Eric Carrington, Healing Center Ministries Dance team, C.D. Porter, The Showers, Ruth La’ Ontra’, Bubby Fann and Eric Waddell & Abundant Life Singers from Baltimore, MD.

Bishop Jones also gave the Gospel Hip Hop Artist a platform to perform following the Banquet.  The Christian Rap Concert was hosted by Ronnie Ron, JonesBoy and Helps. Special guest included PDOGG & DJ Will.

To Bishop Jones, Michael Boykin, NCGAG Vice President, Apostle James A. McDonald and the entire NCGAG Family, congratulations on another great Convention and on a job well done!  The Gospel industry needs you to continue to do what you are doing with excellence as you give the Gospel Community a respectable platform that enhances individuals who are trying to move forward!~

Courtesy of www.thebellereport.net   www.twitter.com/thebellereport   www.youtube.com/thebelletv