By By MaryClaire Foster
Amens and Hallelujahs abounded Sunday at the Summer Gospel Explosion in the Escambia County Middle School gymnasium.
The event not only provided an afternoon of gospel entertainment, but also jointly served as a CD release party for gospel group, The Visionaires.
Event organizer, Rodney America, said the event went “wonderfully” and entertained a full crowd with traditional gospel music.
America said he knew of people coming from as far as Georgia and Mississippi for the program.
The program was also held last year and other years in the past. America said he felt it was a ministry to hold the event.
America said he thinks giving people the opportunity to hear gospel music is important to the community.
The emcee for the program was Bishop Willie L. Williams accompanied by Bro. Bernard Bryant.
The special guest for the program was Willie Lawrence and The Spiritual 5 from Eufala. Also performing at the event were The Perryman Singers from Mobile, The Heavenly Ones from Abbeville, The Knights Family, The Gospel Harmoniettes and Evangelist Felicia Bishop all from Atmore.
Bishop said she was happy to support the program because it supports the same vision she and her husband, Dr. Bernard Bishop, try to get out to the community and said she particularly enjoyed seeing the showcase of local talent.
Music producer James Johnson of CMG Records was also on hand for the event.
The CD released by The Visionaires is entitled “Never Alone” and is the first for the group.
America said he is also trying to organize an outdoor concert event for the second Sunday in July featuring several artists.