This past weekend, we saw some amazing performances from artists, musicians and singers live onstage at the highly anticipated “Celebration of Black Music” on Saturday, June 19th.
The energy inside the Inspirational Baptist Church – City of Destiny was incredibly invigorating as fans and supporters of black music gathered to honor, showcase and pay homage to the leaders of R&B, gospel, Hip Hop, jazz, classical and soul music – all extremely valued genres with familiar impacts on the soundtrack of our lives.
With special live performances by our own P. Ann Everson-Price, classical pianist Myron Brown, soul ensemble 2nd Wind, local jazz great Kathy Wade and others, the entire show from beginning to end was one experience those who attended will be talking about for weeks to come.
But the greatest and most memorable moment of the entire show was of course the famed contemporary gospel duo BeBe & CeCe Winans, who served as headliners for this year’s “Celebration of Black Music.”
After a few false starts due to technical difficulties and a few comical messages from hostess/emcee and MOJO 100.3‘s own Midday Motivator Faith Daniels, the real show that everyone was waiting for was finally about to begin. Meant to kill time as the sound setup was altered for a better performance, Faith Daniels took the stuttering evening by storm and actually broke the ice for our beloved BeBe & CeCe who were waiting patiently backstage for the techs to get it just right.
Opening their show and set, BeBe & CeCe Winans were welcomed with loving open arms as three background singers and a five-piece band helped get the audience up on its feet during their 80s classic “Heaven.” Jumping from hit to hit spanning their successful, Grammy Award-winning careers, BeBe & CeCe gave their all and allowed us to fall in love with them all over again. Crowd favorites such as “It’s OK,” “Addictive Love,” followed by a funky rendition of “Celebrate” and also their most recent chart-topper, “Close to You,” felt like we were hearing them sung all for the first time.
For many, their voices haven’t changed. Instead, they’ve matured and once again proved BeBe & CeCe Winans have become this generation’s favorite male/female singer/songwriter duo in any genre. It honestly does not seem like it has been 15 years since their last full project together. As brother and sister, that bond and that signature sound is still there blessing the hearts of millions. For this we are forever grateful to our brother and sister BeBe & CeCe who have also been named as the upcoming 2011 recipients of their own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Long time coming, huh? You bet.
Relive the magic along with us by checking out our upcoming photo gallery and the special video clip of BeBe & CeCe’s infectious, reflective single “Never Thought” below.
Tell us what you thought of the show if you were able to attend. Was there anything that really stood out or impressed you? Did BeBe & CeCe Winans sing your favorite song? And now that the show has come to an end, how else will you decide to continue the celebration of black music on your own?
Post your comments below or share them with us on Facebook, or chat with us on Twitter (@1230WDBZ). As always, keep up with us on BlackPlanet and check out all of our special clips, highlights and more on YouTube. Tell us what you enjoyed the most and post your comments below right here on TheBuzzCincy.com – the online home of 1230AM WDBZ The Buzz, Cincinnati’s community & inspiration station!
