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Spiritual Music Scene

If I Were Santa’s Helper

A Holiday poem by Dr. Joan Hillsman it’s called, If I Were Santa’s Helper. Editors note: It’s nice to take time and remember the wonder and beauty of the Christmas season.  Enjoy Dr. Hillsman’s Christmas Holiday message. Also check your local calendar of events for local area holiday themed celebrations. These include the Annual Night Watch Services that take place in many of our churches, the tradition of bringing in the New Year.

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Spiritual Music Scene

Give the Gift of Music

Music Educator, Joan Hillsman, PhD, offers opportunities to youth and adults in music arts and performance! “Give the gift of Music at Christmas”! Dr. Joan Hillsman, Retired Music Educator from the Washington, D. C. area, and former Professor of Music at Bowie State University, who recently relocated to the Syracuse area, strives to make music affordable and available to youth and seniors who are interested in music and arts. Research has shown that music in the lives of youth and adults is essential to developing positive character, self-esteem, creativity, as well as entrepreneurship opportunities. Music is therapy to adults, especially seniors. How often do we find individuals who would like to take advantage of the opportunity to learn and perform music, but may not have sufficient means.  Joan Hillsman’s Music Network, Inc. (JHMN) has as its mission to provide quality experiences in music for all ages. We appreciate your financial support as we continue to serve the community.  During this season of giving, add to your Christmas list, “ The Gift of Music: It’s Worth it”. JHMN provides music lessons, performances, gospel music techniques and much more!  A calendar of performances and activities are available upon request, email jhillsman@twcny.rr.com for more information. JHMN, “Music Makers” participated in the Mayors Tree-lighting Ceremony, and tonight will participate again at the Tree-lighting ceremony at Beauchamp Branch Library at 2111 S. Salina Street.   Contact Information: Dr. Joan Hillsman HP 315-299-4928 Email: 315-299-4928 Cell: 240-401-3307

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Spiritual Music Scene

Calling All Syracuse Talent- “Stir Up the Gift”

There are talented people in Syracuse and JHMN wants to motivate, expose and provide opportunities for them to continue or initiate their gift and talents.   “Stir up the Gift”! We are looking for participants in this exciting talent venue, and would like representatives from each part of the city of Syracuse.  Our focus during October and November, 2015 is in the area of vocal performance, movement/dance.     Here is how it works: Criteria: We want participants from each side of town in the Syracuse area, North, South, East and West. You must be recommended by your church, an organization, individual, self, or community/neighborhood representative. Send recommendations to:  jhillsman@twcny.rr.com. We will then contact the applicant to work with JHMN to prepare for performance and the culminating showcase. Upon selection the participant will receive instructions from professional mentors (at no charge), on topics such as vocal techniques, building self-esteem, stage and performance, singing/performing, and more. Don’t miss this great opportunity for exposure and success in performing arts.  For further information, contact Dr. Joan Hillsman at 315-299-4928. Deadline for applicants, October, 2015.  Youth starting ages from 12 to adults!  You need not be a beginner. Experienced performers/artists are welcomed. Vocal and Dance renditions must portray a positive message.  This project is partially funded by, “The Gifford Foundation”. Activities will be televised by C-Jack Run Productions.  You never know who will see you. Don’t Miss This!

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Faith-Based News & Information Spiritual Music Scene

Gospel Music Workshop (GMWA) 2015 “Rocked”

The 47th Annual National Convention was held in New Orleans, Louisiana, July 25-August 1, 2015. Thousands were in attendance attending workshops, nightly musicals, classes galore, showcases and networking with the gospel music industry.  The GMWA was founded by the late Rev. James Cleveland.  His vision and mission was to provide ha a platform where fledgling artists, young and old, could come together, perform, study and preserve the rich heritage of gospel music. The organization has grown tremendously to include local, national, and international membership and participants.  Bishop Albert Jamison, Sr. is the Chairman of the Board of Directors.  There are many divisions of the workshop that come together for this powerful experience. They are encouraged to carry this information back to their respective jurisdictions to share with their churches and organizations. Some of the departments and divisions are Academic, Evangelistic, Quartet, Youth and Young Adult Divisions, Liturgical Dance and Drama, Daily Bread (Renowned Sermonic Sessions), Recording Industry Showcases, Gospel Recordings/Mass Choir, Solo Artists, Exhibits, Men and Women’s Recordings, and much. Chapter Representatives and Assistants from across the country play a major role in support and guidance of the GMWA. See www.gmwanational.org for detailed information.  The Workshop’s Board and Planning meeting convenes in March of each year to plan for the Annual Conference during the summer. Collegiate Night, “Gospel Goes to College” is held during the Board Meeting, Dr. Joan Hillsman, National Collegiate Chair, Dr. Kevin Bond, Co-Chair. Colleges and universities come together to perform, fellowship, and share their gospel repertoire. The GMWA collaborate and partner with Edwin Hawkins Music and Arts Seminar, Thomas A. Dorsey Convention and most recently The Stellar Awards.  Bishop Jamison states that “We are better together than apart! Become a member and get involved. Yes, it’s true, stated Board Member, Dr. Kevin Bond, “GMWA Rocks”! Come join us!  

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Faith-Based News & Information Spiritual Music Scene

Queen of Soul: Turns Jazz-Fest into Moments of “Churchin”

Thousands of people turned out at the Syracuse 33rd Annual Jazz-Fest on Saturday, July 18, 2015 at Onondaga Community College (OCC).  This was a festive occasion for all ages, cultures, and diverse communities. The Queen of Soul, the incredible Aretha Franklin sang and ministered what she does best, the Soul of Music.  There was something of which everyone could relate. If you thought that you were just coming for jazz only—big surprise!  At one point in the concert, she took us back to her roots where she started, and that was “Church”. Yes, when she stopped for moments to give her testimony of her illness, around five (5) years ago, stating the doctors’  diagnosis, and how she turned and prayed to her higher power (God), then returning for follow-up report and the doctors proclaimed that they did not see what they saw at first the atmosphere of “Church” filled the air. There was a shifting in the atmosphere.  The band, orchestra and music performance was astounding, as Aretha, known by some of us in the gospel field as, “Re-Re”, sang from the depths of her heart, Dressed in gold from top to bottom, there were moments when she sat at the baby-grand and accompanied herself on the piano. People were relating by dancing, shouting, and simply going to church right there.  Even more jubilation broke out when she sang those gospel songs. Aretha, by the way was blessed to grow up in her father’s church, the late, dynamic preacher/pastor, Rev. C. L. Franklin in Detroit, Michigan.  She was also nourished her soul and music career under many tutelage greats, such as the Rev. James Cleveland, King of Gospel and The Gospel Music Workshop of America, in Detroit, Michigan. “We all went “churchin’ last night”, as a, gospel historian, and musicologist.  I knew that this was going to happen. Aretha never forget her roots. In my latest book titled, “Gospel Music: An African American Art Form”, WWW.Friesenpress.com, by Joan Hillsman, in the chapter on, “The Gripping Effect of Gospel music”, I relate to how those artists who were rooted in gospel, some calling them cross-over artist, (although some of them sing it all and may not classify themselves in one particular genre of music), cannot camouflage their gospel heritage. Some of these artists are Lou Rawls, Sam Cooke, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Ray Charles, Staple Singers, Donny Hathaway (my friend and former church organist), Dionne Warwicke, Al Green, and the list goes on.  One writer said that it is something about that gospel music, when it hits your mind, body and soul—it sticks, and if you are performing it comes out.  That Gripping effect takes hold of your soul, and I mean the “true” gospel singer, like Aretha and others. Thanks to all of the sponsors, Frank Malfitano, Executive Director of Jazz Fest and the entire staff of M&T Jazz-fest for the opportunity to share in this event and events to come.  We cannot forget the great jazz artist and music educator who was a part of this 2015 Jazz Fest, Wynton Marsalis, jazz trumpet player and renowned music educator. The show at Jazz Fest provided the opportunity of newer artist to gain exposure. Let us embrace the rich heritage of music and share it to all cultures and generations. One lesson in song that should be emphasized is R-E-S-P-E-C-T! For More Information Contact:  jhillsman@twcny.rr.com  

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Events Faith-Based News & Information Spiritual Music Scene

10th Annual Cora A. Thomas, Gospel Extravaganza Rescheduled for April 19th

National Recording Artist Fred Hammond will be in a spectacular gospel extravaganza with Syracuse University’s Office  of Multicultural Affairs, 10th Annual Cora A. Thomas Gospel Extravaganza on Sunday, April 19th  at Bethany Baptist Church 4:30pm for OMA’s Black History Month. The event had been postponed in February, due to Weather. (Click on poster below to enlarge)     Fred Hammond 4:30pm Sunday, April 19 Admission Free Bethany Baptist Church 149 Beattie St. Syracuse, NY Few gospel artists can boast of the consistency of sales, radio airplay and concert appearances that Fred Hammond has achieved over the course of his career. As a solo artist, founder of the pioneering urban group, Commissioned, and his work with Radical for Christ combined, Fred has sold over 5 million albums and these endeavors have made him a mainstay on Billboard’s Gospel Chart top 10, along with frequent appearances on the magazine’s Heatseekers and Music Video Sales charts. In addition, as if that were not enough, Hammond’s work as a producer has landed him in the #1 spot among gospel producers according to the Gospel Music Round-up. Throughout his professional career, Hammond has maintained a reputation for excellence, racking up numerous awards and nominations including the Grammy, the BET, N.A.A.C.P. Image, Stellar, Dove, and GMWA Excellence Awards. Hammond who is widely considered the architect of “urban praise and worship” has created a whole new genre of contemporary Gospel music with the establishment of his exciting new label “F. Hammond Music Label“. Its debut release entitled “In Case You Missed… And Then Some“, featured brand new artists on the F. Hammond Music Label including Joann Rosario, Shea Norman, & The Singletons and has sold well over 200,000 copies. In addition to Hammond’s studio career, he has continued to take his special brand of gospel to audiences around the world, performing an average of 30 weeks per year. Hammond has headlined thousands of concert dates with an average audience attendance of 3,000, in addition to television appearances on the nationally syndicated The Stellar Awards, Lou Rawls Parade of Stars, BET’s Celebration of Gospel Music, BET’s Walk of Fame, N.A.A.C.P.’s A Tribute to Stevie Wonder, 106 & Park and TBN’s highly-rated shows The Pat Boone Show, Praise the Lord, and The 700 Club. This event is Free thanks to the Thomas Family, WAER FM88,.3, Power 620  and Bethany Baptist Church.  

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Spiritual Music Scene

The Renowned Fisk Jubilee Singers Applauded!

The Fisk Jubilee Singers embraced a large audience at Bethany Baptist Church (host church) Friday, February 15, 2013.  This spectacular event was sponsored by LeMoyne College. The proceeds from the concert went to the Matt Shaw Fund, named in honor of a 2012 LeMoyne graduate who was killed in a random act of violence just months after his commencement. The preservation of the Negro spiritual is very prominent among our culture, as we celebrate the music and the music makers. The concert was very special to the community as the 18 member ensemble sang a capella spirituals.  The Fisk Jubilee Singers, founded in 1871, introduced the world to these spirituals, broke racial barriers in the United States, and raised money in support of their beloved school. They continue to travel and perform concerts singing the Negro Spirituals around the world. They are vocal artists and students at Fisk University, Nashville, Tennessee, directed by Dr. Paul Kwami.  Opening the concert was the Syracuse Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, directed by historian, Dr. Joan Hillsman. Dr. Kwami spoke with the group in an informal hospitality session on the art of singing spirituals, gospel and other forms of music. The summary and focus of his encouraging message was to remember to “sing the meaning from the heart and soul”. Read more about the contributions of the Fisk Jubilee Singers, who in 2008 was the recipient of the National Medal of Arts, the highest honor for artists and patrons of the arts, presented by President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush during a ceremony at the White House. Congratulations to Barbara Karper and the academic enrichment supporters at LeMoyne College.

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Faith-Based News & Information Spiritual Music Scene

The 9th Annual Cora A. Thomas Gospel Extravaganza Sunday February 23rd at Bethany Baptist Church

  This awesome FREE event “sponsored” by Syracuse University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs  will feature the renowned KAREN CLARK SHEARD of the super anointed CLARK Sisters! Sunday, February 23rd 4:30pm Bethany Baptist Church,149 Beattie St. Rev. Phil Turner, Pastor Karen Clark-Sheard is an American gospel four-time Grammy Award winning singer, musician, and songwriter. The youngest daughter of pioneering gospel choral director Mattie Moss Clark, Sheard began her career as a member of the Grammy-Award winning, gospel legendary female group, The Clark Sisters. She is the mother of contemporary gospel singer and actress Kierra “Kiki” Sheard.[br] During the hiatus of the Clark Sisters, Sheard rose to fame after she recorded her critically acclaimed and much anticipated solo album Finally Karen, which spawned her hit, “Balm in Gilead” (a re-recording of a song she originally recorded as part of The Clark Sisters back in the 1980s for their Heart & Soul album) the R&B-flavored “Just For Me” and “Nothing Without You” – a contemporary duet with R&B diva Faith Evans. Finally Karen became one of the most successful gospel albums of 1998 earning Sheard a Grammy nomination and earning her a Soul Train Lady of Soul Award for “Best Female Vocalist”.[br] After her debut album success and much touring, Sheard was hospitalized in 2001 after one of her blood vessels burst during a minor surgery, resulting in doctors giving her a 2% chance of survival. Her testimony inspired the title name for her long-awaited sophomore project, Second Chance released in 2002, featuring a “Secret Place” – which is now considered a classic amongst fans. Sheard recorded two more live albums, including The Heavens Are Telling and It’s Not Over (which featured some studio recordings), before releasing All in One, Sheard’s first all-studio-recorded album in 13 years. [br] The album debuted at #3 on the U.S. Billboard Gospel Chart and #98 on Billboard’s Top 200 albums chart, while its first single “Prayed Up” has so far peaked at #10 on the U.S. Billboard Gospel Songs chart.[br] Sheard is in talks to play Kitty Parham (a member of The Famous Ward Singers) in Aretha Franklin’s upcoming biopic.

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Entertainment Faith-Based News & Information Spiritual Music Scene

Onondaga Community College’s “Legends of Jazz Series” Continues Friday, February 28th With The Don Byron New Gospel Quintet Featuring Vocalist Carla Cook

The Legends of Jazz Series resumes Friday, February 28 when the Don Byron New Gospel Quintet and featured vocalist Carla Cook perform at 7 p.m. at Onondaga Community College’s Storer Auditorium. Tickets are $25 each and are still available for purchase either online at www.srcarena.com or by phone at (315) 498-2772. Don Byron is a master jazz clarinetist and saxophonist who has been named “Jazz Artist of the Year” on numerous occasions. The Don Byron New Gospel Quintet began touring in 2009 and features the vocals of the great Carla Cook. Throughout the course of his career Byron has exhibited a marked tendency to explore different musical disciplines in depth. This time around, his attentions have turned to Gospel. “I saw this project in Albany last year, found it to be intriguing, entertaining, and historically significant, and thought it might be of great interest to our Legends of Jazz Series Season ticket holders, our students and faculty, and members of the community. It’s a great piece and an important project, and an engagement that both highlights and culminates the college’s annual month-long Black History Month Celebration on campus in wonderful fashion,” said jazz series producer and Onondaga alumnus Dr. Frank Malfitano, ‘67. “Much is known about Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles and Sam Cooke,” Malfitano continued, “and about their well-publicized and respective connections to Gospel, but sadly, much less is known about Sister Rosetta Tharpe and composer Thomas Dorsey, and that’s what makes this presentation so very special. In addition to being a jazz master of the first magnitude, Don is also a brilliant scholar and a great teacher, and someone who brings their stories to life in incredible musical fashion.” For this exclusive Central New York-area engagement on campus on Friday, February 28 Mr. Byron and Ms. Cook will be joined on the Storer Auditorium stage by noted jazz keyboardist Xavier Davis, acclaimed drummer Pheeroan Akklaff, and veteran bassist Jerome Harris.

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Events Faith-Based News & Information News Spiritual Music Scene

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr./Black History Month Church Related Events

Upcoming Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Related Commemorations/Events           January 15th Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Service  Sponsored by IMA January 15th – Noon Day Service commemorating Dr. M.L. King, Jr.                     Tucker Missionary Baptist Church, Syracuse.Sponsor, Eric Dickerson January 19 – Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ceremony – The Carrier Dome Syracuse, University Campus February – Black History Month February 15 –  The Renowned Fisk Jubilee Singers (Fisk University)Concert Sponsored by Lemoyne College, hosted at Bethany Baptist Church,149 Beattie St. Syracuse, NY Appearing on the concert will be Bethany Host Choir,Syracuse Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, Directed by Dr. Joan Hillsman For Ticket Information, contact LeMoyne College March 10-14 —  National Gospel Music Workshop in Los Angeles, Calif. March 12 – National Collegiate Gospel Choir Night (Gospel Colleges across the country come together to perform. Travel with us, see website (GMWAnational.net) or contact jhillsman@twcny.rr.com April 25 – Hendricks Chapel- Syracuse Campus, Annual Spring Concert 7PM – No admission- Sponsored by SGMWA- Participants Welcome (Music, Poetry, Gospel, Dance and a “Collegiate Spotlight”) jhillsman@twcny.rr.com

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The Constitution/Urban CNY News Online Edition. Celebrating Urban life since 1989. Published by Kenday Management Systems.
 
Kenday Management Systems
105 Rann Ave.
Syracuse, NY 13204
news@test.urbancny.com
 
Satellite Location:
WCNY Public Media
415 W. Fayette St.
Syracuse, New York 13204
 
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