Gospel music in air this weekend

Cincinnati.Com
By Karen Vance • Enquirer contributor • May 27, 2010

The sounds and celebrations of Gospel music and the local artists who perform it will sing through downtown this weekend at the "I Hear Music in the Air'' event.

For the first time, the event will include an awards program meant to honor Cincinnati's best Gospel artists.

"I hope people will leave (Friday night's) awards ceremony encouraged and feeling appreciated for their hard works," said Tracey Artis, CEO of the conference.

"I really felt like there wasn't much Gospel music coming to the city, Artis said. "This weekend festival was birthed out of what I felt was a necessity in the city."

The event, at 7 p.m. Friday, at the Aronoff Center for the Arts, will give awards to Cincinnati gospel artists in 14 categories. Tamela and David Mann, stars of the TBS show "Meet the Browns," will host the event.

"It's really great that local artists are being recognized for their talent and work," said Bishop Bobby Hilton, a nominee for Male Vocalist of the Year.

Hilton's album, "God Did That Thing," is nominated in Praise and Worship CD of the Year and Vocal CD of the Year. His church choir, Word of Deliverance Mass Choir, is in the Traditional Choir of the Year category. He'll perform at the show.

"Our objective is to save and to bring good, wholesome music to our community," he said. "We also hope to inspire and promote the desire for Gospel music in young people."

The weekend conference includes Saturday workshops and seminars at the Aronoff, followed by a concert with nationally known Gospel artist Marvin Sapp at 5 p.m.

Saturday also includes a teen summit and "I Hear Music Idol'' at the Seasongood Pavilion in Eden Park noon-4 p.m. Saturday. It is free to the public.

The weekend concludes Sunday with the Legends Ball, in which the organization will honor the Urban League of Cincinnati, Sesh Communications, publisher of the Cincinnati Herald; Lincoln Ware, a DJ at WDBZ Radio One; the Rev. H.L. Harvey of New Friendship Baptist Church; and The Clark Sisters.

For information and tickets, visit www.ihearmusicintheair.com.