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The Brat Pack Reunion Recap

MusicJunkie — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:34:56 +0000

It’s been over ten years since gospel music stars Ricky Dillard, Donald Lawrence and Hezekiah Walker have performed on the same stage as the infamous Brat Pack. This week, however, the wait has finally come to an end as three of the remaining original members of the Brat Pack came together to not only celebrate the brotherhood of gospel music, but also to pay homage and remember their fourth brother in ministry the late O’Landa Draper.

For nearly three hours, the trio took turns flowing through their catalog of hits for a sold out audience at the Duke Energy Center. Opening the show with tons of energy, excitement and anticipation of being on stage together for the first time in years, Ricky, Donald and Hezekiah showed equal support and passion for each other’s multi-Grammy Award-winning careers and impact on the entire gospel music industry. All three of them were noted for receiving their breakthrough shots at long-lasting careers right here at the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) Convention years ago.

Each of The Brat Pack’s star-studded choirs and vocal ensembles were in perfect voice and kept the crowd on its feet all night long. The combined voices of Ricky Dillard & New G, Donald Lawrence & Co. plus Hezekiah Walker’s Love Fellowship felt like a live recording was taking place right inside your church’s four walls. It was truly an incredible experience and one many of us will never forget.

Check out the gallery featuring Ricky Dillard, Donald Lawrence and Hezekiah Walker of The Brat Pack and the special view from the audience at last night’s show. For those of you who were there to experience the midnight show at the 2010 GMWA Convention along with us at the Duke Energy Center on Tuesday night, be sure to let us know what you thought of the show. Did The Brat Pack perform your favorite song?

Share your thoughts with us here at TheBuzzCincy.com – the online home of 1230AM WDBZ The Buzz. Link up with Cincinnati’s community and inspiration station by checking us out on TheBuzzCincy.com. Let us know here or check out the conversations with 1230AM WDBZ’s network of friends on on Facebook, or join our group page here – 1230AM WDBZ The Buzz Group Page.

For faster updates, follow us on Twitter (@1230WDBZ). As always, keep up with us on BlackPlanet and check out all of our video exclusives on YouTube.

Tell us what you enjoy most about our coverage and post your comments below right here at TheBuzzCincy.com – the online home of 1230AM WDBZ The Buzz, Cincinnati’s community and inspiration station.

Moments from The Crystal Mic Media Awards

P. Ann Everson Price — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:22:26 +0000

It’s been a whirlwind of activities going on since we last checked in, but of course, the 2010 GMWA Convention is alive and well this afternoon.

One of the biggest highlights from the afternoon so far has without a doubt been the star-studded Crystal Mic Media Awards. Held at the Hilton Hotel’s fabulous Hall of Mirrors in downtown Cincinnati, the luncheon and grand affair was a successful break in the day featuring a vast array of who’s who in gospel music and media.

Special guests included Vicki Mack Lataillade of Central South Distribution, Tracey Artis of I Hear Music in the Air, gospel music’s James Hall, Sheila Belle of The Belle Report plus Cincinnati’s own Called II Worship, gospel vocal ensemble Ashmont Hill, Z’iel and the midwest’s hottest interpretational dance troupe, the Krash Krew of Indianapolis, IN. Many others including winners Veda Brown of BlackGospelPromo.com and The Neville Sisters also stopped by.

Check out the exclusive gallery featuring all of the glitz and glamour from this afternoon’s luncheon and ceremony. We wish you were there with us! Check back here for more exclusive updates live from the 2010 GMWA Convention “the place where everybody is somebody” on July 24-30 at the Duke Energy Center.

For faster updates, follow us on Twitter (@1230WDBZ). As always, keep up with us on BlackPlanet and check out all of our video exclusives on YouTube.

The Brat Pack is Back

MusicJunkie — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:58:28 +0000

Ricky Dillard, Donald Lawrence and Hezekiah Walker are all familiar names, faces and top notch gospel acts in their own right, but this week only, at the 2010 GMWA Convention will the entire city of gospel music fans and more be able see them live onstage together in the rare concert experience we’ve all been so eager to see. Yes, you heard it here first – The Brat Pack is back!

For years, these brothers have been the best of friends yielding gospel music favorites and chart-toppers individually with their respective choirs and vocal ensembles. Think back to Ricky Dillard & New G’s “Worked It Out” or ”You Oughta Been There.” Then press fast forward on toward Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers‘ “Never Seen the Righteous” or “The Blessing of Abraham.” Then of course, you can’t forget the hits like “Jesus is My Help” and “Clean Inside” from Hezekiah Walker & The Love Fellowship Crusade Choir. The list of great gospel music goes on and on and on.

On tonight, the Brat Pack has decided to reunite and prepare for a subsequent reunion tour soon to hit the road. We’ll be following their path and journey of coming back together for die hard Ricky, Donald and Hez fans all over the world, but before we do that we’d like you to check out this gallery of The Brat Pack in action over the years.

Tonight’s show will begin at 12 midnight (doors open at 11:00PM) at the Duke Energy Center inside the Grand Ballroom. All seats are only $15 with VIP seating for $20. Today is the last day to get your tickets so hurry so you don’t miss The Brat Pack Reunion at the 2010 GMWA Convention.

For now, let’s look back at where it all began and embrace the promising future for the talented trio of Ricky Dillard, Donald Lawrence and Hezekiah Walker as they kick off the official Brat Pack reunion right here in Cincinnati, Ohio!

For faster updates, follow us on Twitter (@1230WDBZ). As always, keep up with us on BlackPlanet and check out all of our video exclusives on YouTube.

Catching Up with The Queen – Albertina Walker

P. Ann Everson Price — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 21:25:50 +0000

The Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) Convention is not only the place “where everybody is somebody.” The national organization is also proud to be the place where some of gospel’s greatest are the most accessible. How so? It’s really simple so don’t be surprise if some of your favorite well-known gospel artists are roaming around the halls mingling with everyone just before the next choir rehearsal, evening service or midnight musical.

We’ve been blessed to have preferred seating at our 1230AM WDBZ The Buzz broadcast booth on the main floor of the Duke Energy Center and you will not believe which gospel legend is sitting right next to us enjoying the day.

Ms. Albertina Walker, ‘the Queen of Gospel, is seated right next to us and we’ve even had the opportunity to take a few snapshots of her with fans as she signs CDs. During a few breaks this afternoon, Albertina Walker was able to fill us in on the gospel music history that she’s been instrumental in all these years. Check out the special photo gallery featuring gospel legend Albertina Walker – still here, still in action and still on fire for Jesus!

Make your way down to the Duke Energy Center this week for the 43rd Annual Gospel Music Workshop of America Convention – the place “where everybody is somebody!” See you all soon!

Are you an Albertina Walker fan, too? If so, let us know by posting your thoughts and responses in the comments section below. We’d love to hear from you. Share your thoughts with us here at TheBuzzCincy.com – the online home of 1230AM WDBZ The Buzz.

Link up with Cincinnati’s community and inspiration station by checking us out on TheBuzzCincy.com. Let us know here or check out the conversations with 1230AM WDBZ’s network of friends on on Facebook, or join our group page here – 1230AM WDBZ The Buzz Group Page.

For faster updates, follow us on Twitter (@1230WDBZ). As always, keep up with us on BlackPlanet and check out all of our video exclusives on YouTube.

Our Daily Bread with Dr. Dorinda Clark Cole

MusicJunkie — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 17:26:14 +0000

The 2010 Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) Convention is alive and well this afternoon. We’re doing our very best to keep the coverage coming just in case you’re missing any of it.

Keep your radio dial tuned into 1230AM WDBZ The Buzz and if you’re sitting in front of your computer, go right ahead and bookmark TheBuzzCincy.com as your number one source for community and inspirational updates live from the GMWA Convention happening right now at the Duke Energy Convention Center.

This morning, things kicked off in a grand way. Opening with intercessory prayer and the first of the ‘Our Daily Bread’ services to occur this week, hundreds of people are gathering in the halls right now for the first break in the day, but guess who we’ve spotted?

The photo above shows both Dr. Dorinda Clark Cole (of the legendary gospel group The Clark Sisters) sharing a smile with BET Sunday Best talent coordinator Neily Dickerson. Captured just moments after Dr. Cole’s message at the ‘Our Daily Bread’ service (held this week on Monday through Thursday from 10:00AM to 12:30PM inside the Duke Energy Center’s Grand Ballroom), the two were rushing off to prepare for the next event of the day.

We hear Dr. Cole turned the house upside down like only she can before she left the building. We’ll catch up with her later on and speak with her about her upcoming projects as well.

Neily Dickerson, however, will be accessible over the next few days for the How Sweet the Sound Unsigned Artist Showcase taking place Monday through Wednesday from 4:30PM to 6:30PM inside the Junior Ballroom on the second floor of the Duke Energy Center.

Neily Dickerson briefly informed us that a very special guest judge will also make an appearance at today’s auditions. That surprise guest is none other than gospel music recording artist VaShawn Mitchell. So will you be there? We’ll make sure we’re on deck for all of the hottest GMWA related events so you can experience it right along with us as it’s happening.

As always, we’re 1230AM WDBZ The Buzz – your community & inspiration station and we’ll be right back!

What have you enjoyed the most about this year’s GMWA Convention so far? If you plan on attending any of this week’s events, post a comment or two below to let us know what your thoughts are. We want to hear from you so look for our broadcast crew at the 1230AM WDBZ The Buzz booth located on the main floor adjacent to the Exhibit Hall A entrance. We’ll be looking forward to seeing each and every one of you all week long.

For faster updates, follow us on Twitter (@1230WDBZ). As always, keep up with us on BlackPlanet and check out all of our video exclusives on YouTube.

The Gospel Music Workshop of America Convention is Here!

MusicJunkie — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 17:28:02 +0000

Cincinnati are you ready for the 2010 Gospel Music Workshop of America Convention? Affectionately known as the GMWA Convention, we are personally inviting you down to the city’s center for over seven days of gospel music and spiritually enriching services tailor made for the local and national church scene. Be sure to make your way down to the Duke Energy Center starting July 24-30 for all the action. Visit GMWANational.net for more information and keep it locked right here at 1230AM WDBZ The Buzz and TheBuzzCincy.com for the exclusive behind the scenes coverage.

What’s it all about? That’s easy to answer for those of you who are unfamiliar with the convention. The Gospel Music Workshop of America Convention is a week-long celebration of gospel music excellence. With its thousands of artists, leaders, guests and attendees, the GMWA officially invites you to become an active part of its annual convention events and operations within the Gospel Announcers Guild (GAG), the Men’s and Women’s Division, the Evangelistic, Performance and Quartet Divisions, the Youth & Young Adult Department and among many other areas of ministry and servitude. It’s the only place where everybody is somebody in Gospel music!

In addition, the Gospel Music Workshop of America Convention (GMWA) is elated to revisit Cincinnati for the second consecutive year in a row. Why Cincinnati? First off, Cincinnati is also the home of Grammy Award-winning Gospel music legend, Dr. Charles Fold of the famed Dr. Charles Fold and the Charles Fold Singers. The late Dr. Charles Fold was also president of the GMWA Chapter Representatives and one of the original members to serve on the national board of the GMWA. So this year, it’s all about coming back to Cincinnati to represent our history and our connection to the GMWA Convention itself.

There are tons of great musicals, workshop sessions, merchandise and vendor opportunities plus live concert experiences taking place all week long. View this special gallery featuring everything you need to know about to make the most of your 2010 GMWA Convention experience. Look for 1230AM WDBZ The Buzz and TheBuzzCincy.com hanging out all week long at the Duke Energy Center as we bring you more of the best in gospel! See you there!

For faster updates, follow us on Twitter (@1230WDBZ). As always, keep up with us on BlackPlanet and check out all of our video exclusives on YouTube.

Bibleway COGIC Family Salute to Dr. Swanson

MusicJunkie — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 15:44:33 +0000

The time has come to put the finishing touches on preparations and plans for the upcoming celebration and funeral services for Cincinnati’s beloved Dr. Abraham Isaac Jacob Swanson XII of Bibleway Church of God in Christ (COGIC).

For the last few weeks, we’ve been tagging along with Dr. Swanson’s immediate family, the Bibleway church family, the executive staff, city officials and the global community of additional family, friends, loved ones and supporters. Last night, we had the honor and pleasure of stopping by the church for the final rehearsal prior to this evening’s celebration music featuring musicians, local and national artists, media personnel, choirs and more who’ve all gathered to give their condolences to the family in a worship setting.

What an experience this has all turned out to be. Get ready for a glimpse behind the scenes including rare rehearsal footage and meet the very people who are honoring Dr. Swanson’s life, legacy and over 65 years of ministry and service. Enjoy the special gallery below and all the other featured multimedia packages to come saluting Dr. Swanson.

For full funeral arrangements, parking/shuttle sites and information on where you can watch the entire experience beginning tonight in the convenience of your home computer system via live streaming, please click on one of the related stories provided.

Stream Live – Dr. Abraham Isaac Jacob Swanson’s Funeral Services

In Tribute: Dr. Abraham Isaac Jacob Swanson XII

Bibleway Church of God in Christ (COGIC)

The Church of God in Christ

Ministry Message: Bibleway COGIC

For faster updates, follow us on Twitter (@1230WDBZ). As always, keep up with us on BlackPlanet and check out all of our video exclusives on YouTube. Tell us what you enjoy most about our coverage and post your comments below right here at TheBuzzCincy.com – the online home of 1230AM WDBZ The Buzz, Cincinnati’s community and inspiration station.

Michael Ealy Joins Cast of CBS’ ‘The Good Wife’

P. Ann Everson Price — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 22:17:58 +0000

Some familiar faces always make us smile. Here’s one that you all might have forgotten about since we don’t see him as often as we’d like, but trust us when we say the actor Michael Ealy is one to watch.

We’ve just received our Hollywood updates for the week and here comes piping hot news about the gorgeous Michael Ealy – and yes, ladies, isn’t he fine?

The talented, gifted and oh so handsome Mr. Ealy is the newest cast member of the CBS television series “The Good Wife,” alongside Julianna Margulies.

If you recall, we last saw Ealy just before the cancellation of ABC’s “FlashForward,” but don’t feel too bad for the brother because he’s bounced right on into character as Derrick Bond, head of the D.C. firm that will be merging with lead characters – Will and Diane’s, struggling practice.

Michael Ealy, also seen working it formerly onscreen in both editions of the Barbershop saga with Hip Hop’s ultra-entrepreneur Ice Cube and the lady pit bull turned mainstream golden girl Eve, is currently due to star in at least 10 future episodes of “The Good Wife’s” forthcoming second season. So congrats again to our brother – Michael Ealy. Job well done and we will be supporting you.

To celebrate the new television gig (and the nice paycheck he’ll be receiving), we’ve put together a special little gallery featuring our beloved Michael Ealy. Tell us what you think once you get a glimpse of the goodies!

For more details, please visit BlackAmericaWeb.com. Let us know what you guys think. Will you be watching to check out Michael Ealy in action? Tell us by posting in the comments section below.

For faster updates, follow us on Twitter (@1230WDBZ). As always, keep up with us on BlackPlanet and check out all of our video exclusives on YouTube.

Still Praying for Darwin Hobbs

MusicJunkie — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:32:19 +0000

We’re still praying for our brother and Cincinnati’s own national gospel music recording artist Darwin Hobbs this week after hearing of his current health issues. We are gathering all over the nation in prayer to ask God to restore him to complete health and continue to protect him from any hurt, harm, danger, illness, ailment or infirmity that the enemy might be trying to sneak in and surround him with at the present time. We claim total victory together in Jesus’ name as we lift our brother Darwin Hobbs up in prayer and into the very hands of God who still remains in control of each and every one of our lives.

Here’s a special photo gallery looking back on Darwin Hobbs‘ recent album release party in Atlanta, GA for his latest musical offering “CHAMPION,” released via Imago Dei Music Group just three weeks ago. Peaking at the No. 6 spot just after its debut on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums charts, the new project currently holds the No. 14 position will room to grow and continue to top the charts.

We believe Darwin Hobbs is indeed a “champion,” but the greatest champion of them all is Jesus. We know He will show up right on time. And if He never does anything else, He’s already done what He said He’d do. Continue to pray and exercise your faith!

Breaking Gospel News: Darwin Hobbs in Recovery

Cincinnati Native Darwin Hobbs is an Overcomer

Darwin Hobbs Talks to Larry Jones about I Hear Music

Darwin Hobbs Readies New Gospel Album

For faster updates, follow us on Twitter (@1230WDBZ). As always, keep up with us on BlackPlanet and check out all of our video exclusives on YouTube.

Is Lexi Long Gone?

MusicJunkie — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 22:00:11 +0000

Check out more of Lexi in action on her controversial show in this clip of ‘The Lexi Show,’ but you tell us if the show was worth watching by posting in the comments section below.

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WHERE’S LEXI?

For faster updates, follow us on Twitter (@1230WDBZ). As always, keep up with us on BlackPlanet and check out all of our video exclusives on YouTube.