It was a hot day and it was only going to get worse but that didn’t deter these folks from showing up to see a great Gospel show. Worlds of Fun made sure there were plenty of vendors near the stage seating area to ensure everyone stayed hydrated. Granted a 20oz bottle of water was $4 but in this heat it was worth the investment.
The host made his way to the stage to introduce the first act. At first it was painfully obvious that the crowd was a little unsure of how to receive Bone Hampton and his Christian comedy routine. In the audience some laughed, some smiled and some looked nervously at their neighbor in reaction to some of his colorful jokes. By the end of the night Bone Hampton, the Christian Comic, had solidified himself as a true comic and gifted at his craft.
The opening act, James Fortune, performed many songs form his debut album FIYA released in September 2004. He ended with the smash hit “”You Survived” which won him the 2006 ASCAP Writers Award. The audience was delighted to sing along to the hit that spent many weeks at #2 in the Gospel charts. Even though he was just the opening act, he did a great job of getting the crowd warmed up and ready for the headliners performing later.
There was a short interlude between the opening act and the next performer Crystal Aikin, season one winner of BETs singing competition Sunday Best. The crowd loved her and sang along with ease to her single “A Song about Jesus”. Between songs Crystal Aikin displayed that she was also blessed with the gift of evangelism. She would use it to remind the audience the real reason they were there was not to see a concert but to praise the Lord. The crowd responded with Amen and praises to the Lord in agreement.
The sun was finally going down and it was beginning to cool off a little. Even though the event started later than advertised due to traveling issues with the artists, no one complained, they just waited. People are making their way to the merchandise booths located in the back of the venue and returning to their seats. With them were t-shirts, food and cds of the artists there were performing that evening which they eagerly riffled through while they waited.
When Kirk Franklin hit the stage, the crowd erupted with enthusiasm. People screamed, pulled out their cell phones and digital cameras in an attempt to stop time, however brief. The legend, the entertainer, the consummate professional, the gift that is Kirk Franklin gave his all in every song. Performing most of his mega hits past and present, he had the crowd in praise mode everyone belting every note to every song. He even took the time to make a connection with a small fan near the stage before coming out into the crowd. He ended with a tribute to the late Michael Jackson by having the audience join his backup singers with singing the chorus to “Man in the Mirror".
Tye Tribbett, the headliner, made his way to the stage during Kirk Franklin’s last song. The crowd saw him and the energy came alive, he had the audience jumping up and down while he ran out into the crowd to be near his fans. On stage his backup singers/dancers laughed and joked with each other as they sang their parts, obviously enjoying themselves as well. He performed many of his songs from his album Stand Out that had the audience delirious with joy. He made sure to include the smash hit that made him a household name “No Way”. As the night ended and the emotions ran on high, many people readily said they what they enjoyed most was the opportunity to praise and worship with fellow Christians and have lots of fund doing it. Can’t wait to see how much the crowd grows next year, make sure you keep an eye out you don’t want to miss it. To see more photos from Joyfest visit www.adrianrevelsphotog.com.
Well I finally made it to planet blog. After searching and reading I decided to go with blogspot. Wordpress was nice, but require to much time for me to learn to use. So now that I am here. What am I going to blog about.
You will find in my blogs information and photos from shoots, photos from concert, some tips and trick to photography and more. I will try to keep my content fresh and new for my readers. I am not a writer, so don't expect the grammar to be correct. Grammar just wasn't my favorite subject in school. Stay tune and be sure to follow me as this is only the beginning.
