“A Salute to Larry Bland & The Volunteer Choir –
Reunion Commemorating 45 years of
Innovation, Presentation & Service”
TBR
- Richmond , VA – The Old Landmark Gospel Association recently hosted “A Salute to Larry Bland & The Volunteer Choir – A Reunion Commemorating 45 years of Innovation, Presentation & Service.” Held on Sunday, September 22, 2013 at 3:30 p.m. at Cedar Street Baptist Church , 2301 Cedar Street in Richmond , Virginia ’s in historic Church Hill, this was an evening that will long be remembered.
With roughly 75 members of the Volunteer Choir returning to their home city from across the country to participate with Larry Bland in this milestone celebration, the sold out crowd was treated to some of the Best Traditional Gospel music that Richmond and the surrounding area has to offer.
From the beginning to the end, Larry Bland and the Volunteer Choir did what they do best. They showed up, showed out and shut the church down with perfected voices, tight harmonies and a committed group of singers that would probably follow Maestro Larry Bland to the ends the earth.
In familiar Larry Bland style, the choir made a grand entrance down the center church aisle, dressed to perfection and with music to match. Once everyone was positioned, Bland turned to the congregation, delivered his signature welcoming bow, then walked over to his piano where he flipped the tails to his tux as he sat to begin one of his most memorable concerts to date.
Almost like clock work, the choir did their warm up ballad sounding like angelic voices praising God. Their harmony was pitched perfect with several familiar faces scattered about the choir loft including Carlton Blount, Vickie Lightfoot,
Monica Lucas, Horace Fisher and Charles Pierce just to name a few. Doc Christian was also on the accompanying piano, matching Bland note for note.
After their warm run, Bland did a subtle transition into a back to back melody of Traditional songs, including “I Need Thee,” “Precious Jesus”, and “Hold on Just a Little While Longer.”
They did the songs that the crowd could relate to, sing along to and think about, when you would hear the words, Gospel Music. Their ministry was heart felt, as each singer kept their eyes on Bland and his every move before they finally took their seats opening up for the evening.
Performing next were several special invited guests for the celebration including newcomers “In Season” and the “ First Baptist Church Praise Team” under the direction of Milton Marriott.
Some of the more seasoned groups ministering for the evening included the Virginia Choral Ensemble who have been singing for 66 years. Johnny Branch said, “As quiet as it’s kept, Larry Bland actually patterned the Volunteer Choir after the Virginia Chorals.” His comments were met with a few head nods and much applause. Singing for 43 years and not missing a beat were The A. Alexander Singers with Janet Copeland on the piano.
Reunion Commemorating 45 years of
Innovation, Presentation & Service”
TBR
- Richmond , VA – The Old Landmark Gospel Association recently hosted “A Salute to Larry Bland & The Volunteer Choir – A Reunion Commemorating 45 years of Innovation, Presentation & Service.” Held on Sunday, September 22, 2013 at 3:30 p.m. at Cedar Street Baptist Church , 2301 Cedar Street in Richmond , Virginia ’s in historic Church Hill, this was an evening that will long be remembered.
With roughly 75 members of the Volunteer Choir returning to their home city from across the country to participate with Larry Bland in this milestone celebration, the sold out crowd was treated to some of the Best Traditional Gospel music that Richmond and the surrounding area has to offer.
From the beginning to the end, Larry Bland and the Volunteer Choir did what they do best. They showed up, showed out and shut the church down with perfected voices, tight harmonies and a committed group of singers that would probably follow Maestro Larry Bland to the ends the earth.
In familiar Larry Bland style, the choir made a grand entrance down the center church aisle, dressed to perfection and with music to match. Once everyone was positioned, Bland turned to the congregation, delivered his signature welcoming bow, then walked over to his piano where he flipped the tails to his tux as he sat to begin one of his most memorable concerts to date.
Almost like clock work, the choir did their warm up ballad sounding like angelic voices praising God. Their harmony was pitched perfect with several familiar faces scattered about the choir loft including Carlton Blount, Vickie Lightfoot,
Monica Lucas, Horace Fisher and Charles Pierce just to name a few. Doc Christian was also on the accompanying piano, matching Bland note for note.
After their warm run, Bland did a subtle transition into a back to back melody of Traditional songs, including “I Need Thee,” “Precious Jesus”, and “Hold on Just a Little While Longer.”
They did the songs that the crowd could relate to, sing along to and think about, when you would hear the words, Gospel Music. Their ministry was heart felt, as each singer kept their eyes on Bland and his every move before they finally took their seats opening up for the evening.
Performing next were several special invited guests for the celebration including newcomers “In Season” and the “ First Baptist Church Praise Team” under the direction of Milton Marriott.
Some of the more seasoned groups ministering for the evening included the Virginia Choral Ensemble who have been singing for 66 years. Johnny Branch said, “As quiet as it’s kept, Larry Bland actually patterned the Volunteer Choir after the Virginia Chorals.” His comments were met with a few head nods and much applause. Singing for 43 years and not missing a beat were The A. Alexander Singers with Janet Copeland on the piano.
Rev. Vernon Billy Lee & Expressions and the Crowd at Cedar Street on Sunday
Taking the stage next and to the surprise of many was the Rev. Vernon Billy Lee & Expressions. For many, he was the man that we used to watch on Sunday mornings on the Billy Lee Show that aired on WXEX, now WRIC TV8.
Amazingly when he set foot on center stage, he looked no different. He was energized, his complexion was nearly perfect and his voice was just as strong with much animation to watch as he added a few gestures and movements to add to the stories he was telling while he worked the stage. He was simply phenomenal.
Also stepping in with a guest appearance and out of retirement was Dr. Henrietta Doswell Gattison and the Jewels. Their voices were strong with energy to match as they worked the center aisle with strong harmony and high praise.
Taking the stage next and to the surprise of many was the Rev. Vernon Billy Lee & Expressions. For many, he was the man that we used to watch on Sunday mornings on the Billy Lee Show that aired on WXEX, now WRIC TV8.
Amazingly when he set foot on center stage, he looked no different. He was energized, his complexion was nearly perfect and his voice was just as strong with much animation to watch as he added a few gestures and movements to add to the stories he was telling while he worked the stage. He was simply phenomenal.
Also stepping in with a guest appearance and out of retirement was Dr. Henrietta Doswell Gattison and the Jewels. Their voices were strong with energy to match as they worked the center aisle with strong harmony and high praise.
Johnny Branch and Mr. Barky presenting Larry Bland with a special plague of recognition
Special presentations were given by Shelia Shaw with Expressions, Sheilah Belle, The Belle presented the Proclamation on behalf of the city of Richmond and Mayor Dwight C. Jones and Mr. Barky presented a special plague to Larry Bland and the Volunteer Choir.
Brother Johnny Branch and Minister Cavell Phillips co-hosted the evening.
About Larry Bland and the Volunteer Choir
The Volunteer Choir, founded by The Late Rev. Dr. Odie Davis Brown and based at Second Baptist Church in Richmond ’s West End , has a rich history that dates back to circa 1968 when a significant core of its founding members joined forces with Larry Bland to form The Odie Brown Youth Ensemble. Some of those members still remain with the group.
Larry Bland, who officially took over the helm of directorship of the choir in 1971, is also known citywide for his arts administration accomplishments, having served as the June Jubilee Festival’s first black director, theatrical success in the musicals “Purlie”, “Don’t Bother I Can’t Cope”, “The Amen Corner”, as well as serving as Chorus Master for The Richmond Opera Company’s production of the Scott Joplin Opera, “Treemonisha”. Bland has received several awards for arts administration. In addition, Mr. Bland is the Founder of The Virginia State University Gospel Chorale. He was
presented the “Gospel Music Legend Award” at the 2012 Gospel Music Fest at Dogwood Dell.
Under his unique and creative leadership The Volunteer Choir has garnered numerous city, state and national awards and recognition for their establishment and popularizing of the “Gospel Show Choir” concept, receiving special accolades from The Late Rev. James Cleveland in 1981 at The Gospel Music Workshop of America in Los Angeles , CA . In addition, the group established gospel music as a presence in the City of Richmond’s Dogwood Dell Annual Amphitheater Summer Music Series, have appeared with The Richmond Symphony, Superwalk March of Dimes
campaigns, many city festivals as well as concerts for numerous church, civic and community events. The group was selected to serve as special guest artists for the Commonwealth of Virginia ’s 2007 welcome to Queen Elizabeth.
Congratulations Larry Bland and the Volunteer Choir for 45 years of service. Job well done to the Old Landmark Gospel Association!
Special presentations were given by Shelia Shaw with Expressions, Sheilah Belle, The Belle presented the Proclamation on behalf of the city of Richmond and Mayor Dwight C. Jones and Mr. Barky presented a special plague to Larry Bland and the Volunteer Choir.
Brother Johnny Branch and Minister Cavell Phillips co-hosted the evening.
About Larry Bland and the Volunteer Choir
The Volunteer Choir, founded by The Late Rev. Dr. Odie Davis Brown and based at Second Baptist Church in Richmond ’s West End , has a rich history that dates back to circa 1968 when a significant core of its founding members joined forces with Larry Bland to form The Odie Brown Youth Ensemble. Some of those members still remain with the group.
Larry Bland, who officially took over the helm of directorship of the choir in 1971, is also known citywide for his arts administration accomplishments, having served as the June Jubilee Festival’s first black director, theatrical success in the musicals “Purlie”, “Don’t Bother I Can’t Cope”, “The Amen Corner”, as well as serving as Chorus Master for The Richmond Opera Company’s production of the Scott Joplin Opera, “Treemonisha”. Bland has received several awards for arts administration. In addition, Mr. Bland is the Founder of The Virginia State University Gospel Chorale. He was
presented the “Gospel Music Legend Award” at the 2012 Gospel Music Fest at Dogwood Dell.
Under his unique and creative leadership The Volunteer Choir has garnered numerous city, state and national awards and recognition for their establishment and popularizing of the “Gospel Show Choir” concept, receiving special accolades from The Late Rev. James Cleveland in 1981 at The Gospel Music Workshop of America in Los Angeles , CA . In addition, the group established gospel music as a presence in the City of Richmond’s Dogwood Dell Annual Amphitheater Summer Music Series, have appeared with The Richmond Symphony, Superwalk March of Dimes
campaigns, many city festivals as well as concerts for numerous church, civic and community events. The group was selected to serve as special guest artists for the Commonwealth of Virginia ’s 2007 welcome to Queen Elizabeth.
Congratulations Larry Bland and the Volunteer Choir for 45 years of service. Job well done to the Old Landmark Gospel Association!
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Larry Bland and the Volunteer Choir
Celebrate a Mile Stone
Before a Packed Crowd at Cedar Street Baptist Church
Richmond, VA -- The city of Richmond and the Gospel community celebrated 45 years of music ministry from Larry Bland and the Volunteer Choir at Cedar Street Baptist Church on Sunday.
With roughly 75 members returning from across the country to participate in the mile stone celebration, the sold out crowd was treated to some of the Best Traditional Gospel music that Richmond and the surrounding area had to
offer.
Performing some of the Best Traditional music by some of the most seasoned choirs in the city were special guests In Season, First Baptist Church Praise Team, the Virginia Choral Ensemble, The A. Alexander Singers, Rev. Vernon Billy Lee &
Expressions (who were phenomenal) and Dr. Henrietta Doswell Gattison & the Jewels.
Special presentations were given by Shelia Shaw with Expressions, Sheilah Belle, The Belle presented the Proclamation of behalf of the city of Richmond and Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones and Mr. Barky presented a special plague to the group.
Look for the full story in Wednesday’s The Belle Report
Article Copied from The Belle Report