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Walking the exhibit floor you could find Christian books,
music, and gifts from nearly 500 different companies. One of these companies,
Meek Records, is known for its gospel hits and Mrs. Maple Reddick-Burchall, president
and CEO, displayed and shared interesting products with attendees. Also attending
were artists and businessmen Shaun Malcom and Craig Archibold, founders of the
Turks and Caicos Mass Choir. They made history by becoming the first gospel choir
in the Turks and Caicos Islands and Caribbean region to sign on an American major
record label.
Throughout the week, attendees got to hear from world-renowned authors such as
Franklin Graham, John Maxwell, and Chuck Swindoll as well as recording artists
such as Crystal Lewis, Dallas Holm is one of the icons of contemporary Christian
music. With 29 albums, he is best known for his classic song, "Rise Again." What
a delight it was to meet and speak with legendary artist Andrae Crouch. I could
feel the passion for which his music is so famous as he spoke about the new project
he will release soon, titled, Mighty Wind (Slave Records). When I asked how the
Christian audience could pray for him, he said to pray for his church, The New
Christ Memorial Church, and to pray for his good health.
On the evening of July 17, several hundred music fans attended a special First
Annual Gospel Showcase concert in the main ballroom of the convention center.
Billed as "Embracing Our Future Together to Advance the Kingdom of God," this
inspiring event was sponsored by he Christian African-American Booksellers Association
(CAABA). the goal of the CAABA is to unify ,Christian retailers with a predominately
African-American tion exists to empower their constituency to more effectively
carry out the Great Commission of Jesus Christ-to take the Gospel into all the
world through the retailing of Christian products that are biblically and culturally
inclusive of the AfricanAmerican market.
The evening was hosted by Walt "Baby" Love, the host of "Gospel
Traxx," a contemporary gospel music station, featuring live interviews and
performances. His program, "The Countdown with Walt 'Baby' Love," is
the longest running, syndicated R&B show in radio. He recently won his sixth
Billboard magazine award for best R&B syndicated radio show.
The Showcase included Michelle Williams, formerly with Destiny's Child, an R&B
best-selling female group. Mary Mary (a.k.a. sisters Tina and Erica Campbell)
introduced their new project by Integrity Music, Incredible, filled with songs
of inspiration, hope, devotion, and celebration. Mary Mary won a Grammy for their
platinum debut project, Thankful. Dr. Judith Christie-McAllister sang a selection
of songs from her project, Send Judah First. She is the Minister of Music and
Worship at the West Angeles Church of God in Christ.
This was an unforgettable evening of song, praise, and worship from outstanding
gospel and instrumental artists. Other artists included singer and musician,Jon
Gibson; saxophonist, Mark Allen Felton (a.k.a. Panther); harpist,Jeff Majors;
singers Ted & Sheri; and singer Rufus Troutman.
Based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, CBA, the international trade association
of Christian product suppliers and retailers, serves 2,443 member retail stores
and 685 member publishers, recording companies, and other product suppliers.
CBA has chapters in 16 countries worldwide. The Christian resources industry
garners $4 billion in business annually.
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