Delivers Top Gospel Talent, Helps Pull the Community Together and Draws Thousands for an Uplifting Time in the Lord!
Source: The Belle Report / Gospel Music Fest with The Belle
Sheilah Belle “The Belle” and Bishop Joel Brown hosting “Gospel Music Fest with The Belle”
TBR (July 11, 2017)– Richmond, VA – Now labeled as one of the biggest Gospel event’s on the East Coast, the 8th Annual Gospel Music Fest with The Belle proved once again to be successful. With more than 10,000 music lovers taking up temporary residence at Dogwood Dell and across the Carillion Lawn and a portion of Byrd Park, this was one of the largest crowds to attend the outdoor Gospel concert. Some guests even drove in from as far away as Newark, New Jersey to Nashville, TN to enjoy the annual event.
At 5:05pm with a Community Prayer led by Michell Clayborn, this moment became interactive, as many prayed along with the prayer that asked for peace and healing throughout our country, for our President, our communities, those in leadership roles and for healing in racially torn areas that have been effected by racial injustice and division between policemen and the community.
This year’s star studded concert lineup included featured performances from Wess Morgan, Earnest Pugh, Bryan Popin, Donte’ McCutchen & The Levitical Priests, The Virginia Aires, Lee Walker & Spirit, Cora Harvey Armstrong, Johnny Sanders, Joseph “JoJo” Clarke and James Johnson & The Music Ministry of the First Baptist Church of South Richmond.
Special appearances were made by G.I, the granddaughter of Maggie Ingram; Joy Harris and the Sugar Free Girls.
An added bonus this year was the 4:45PM Gospel Hip-Hop Pre-Show that was well represented by C. Goss and Young Saint. They truly gave Gospel Hip Hop a fresh face and something more tangible for the older saints to put their hands on.
This year’s program was broken up into segments, starting with a more contemporary sound and younger talent which kicked off the evening. James Johnson & the Music Ministry of 1st Baptist Church of South Richmond kicked things off following the prayer, followed by David Wilson and Zion’s Voice, Joseph “Jo Jo” Clark who was simply amazing and Donte’ McCutchen & The Levitical Prietes.
Following was a more traditional sound with Miami native Johnny Sanders and Fan Favorite Cora Harvey Armstrong.
Source: The Belle Report / Gospel Music Fest with The Belle
The temperature then started to rise when the Quartets took the stage beginning with the Virginia Aires. They had everyone on their feet as they worked the stage, walked throughout the audience singing and even gave away a few CD’s to the crowd.
Lee Walker & Spirit also left a memorable impressions with not only their powerful performances but also wearing pink shirts as they honored, The Belle’ who is now recognized as a cancer survivor.
Closing out the evening was a more Contemporary sound with national recording artist Bryan Popin with his hit song, “I Got Out” along with a few other favorites. Before he was finished, “Bryan Popin was Popin” were the words being echoed from one end of the park to the other, as the crowd danced, shouted and praised God throughout the evening.
Source: The Belle Report / Bryan Popin & Wess Morgan
Following was Wess Morgan, truly a fan favorite that many said they came only to see and truly he was worth the wait with a powerful testimony mixed in between his back to back hit songs.
Closing out the segment and the evening was Minister Earnest Pugh along with his Village of Faith Background singers. Hitting 5 octave notes throughout and bringing this evening of praise full circle, it was truly the perfect evening of Praise & Worship & Fellowship under a beauty blue sky and comfortable temperatures.
This year’s Co-Host were Sheilah Belle “The Belle” and Bishop Joel Brown, along with special guest announcers JR Davis, Reggie B and Van Boyd.
My prayer is that this evening of Worship & Praise along with some of the greatest Gospel music on this side of Heaven would spark more love, encouragement and ideas to help heal those who are mentally, emotionally and spiritually wounded in our community,” says Sheilah Belle, organizer of the weekend event and CEO of The Belle Report and Mid-Day Personality for Radio One Richmond, Praise 104.7FM.
This year’s event was sponsored in part by E-Z Rental Cars, the City of Richmond, The Belle Report, Radio One Praise 104.7FM, Four Deep, Bishop Joel Brown, and the Virginia Aires.
Source: The Belle Report / Max Belle, The Belle & Bishop Joel Brown
With my two favorite guys my big brother Max Belle, The Belle and Bishop Joel Brown
A special thank you is also extended to one of the most trusted volunteer crews in the county “B Kore Crew.” Birthed from its visionary Sheilah Belle, this small group of volunteers is truly a powerful force to be reckon with including Anita Pouncy Young, Shonda Monique Barnes aka NayNay , Trina Berry, Tasha Wilkins, Linwood, Stephanie, Carrie Warwick, Van Boyd, Mary Boyd, Shannon Harris, Camille Christian, Kenny, Pat, Avis, Stephanie aka “Chicken Salad” and all of the volunteers.
The Big Gospel Weekend is an extension of Sheilah Belle’s growing empire, The Belle Report, LaBelle & Associates, Digital Social Media Connect, The Belle Report Entertainment News Update (Now broadcasting in 58 affiliate markets), www.FeelGoodGospel.com and www.TheBelleReport.com .
The Big Gospel Weekend was FREE to the Public!
