Friday evening, November 30th, 2018 was a glorious night of song and spirituality at the Bright Hope Baptist Church in Philadelphia, as the live music series for the Gospel Roots of Rock and Soul celebrated its grand finale.

Produced by, and under the artistic and musical direction of Dr. J. Donald Dumpson, the two hour program featured gospel, spirituals and secular songs that had the standing room only audience up on the feet and dancing in the aisles throughout the evening. Not a person who attended left without a smile on their face and some light in their heart.

The program featured all local performers including the legendary Sarah Dash of Labelle, The Henderson Sisters, The Gospel Blenders, The Philadelphia Heritage Chroale, the Gospel Music Preservation Alliance, along with soloists including Michael Covington, Charlene Holloway, Cali Graver, Cyrile Trawick, Paula Holloway, Annette Hardeman, Serena Blanco, Rodney Harris, Gregory Allen, Serena Blanco, Tomar Jackson, and Shirley Johnson-Cole.

The evening started off with a panel discussion moderated by WXPN Program Director Bruce Warren, about the influence of gospel music on secular music with three panelists, including Dr. Rollo A. Dilworth from Temple University, Linwood Heath of the Gospel Highway and Dyana Williams from WRNB.

Director of the house band for the evening, on keyboards was Austin Woodlin, with Aaron Childers on organ, Norwood “BJ” Long on bass, and drummer Rakim Harris.

After an intro and welcome by WXPN General Manager Roger LaMay, he welcomed Rev. Dr. Darron McKinney, the Senior Pastor Bright Hope Baptist Church, Dr. Dumpson led the band and soloists through a magnificent program. Check out the program and photos below.

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PROGRAM

Processional…..…”Something Got a Hold On Me” arranged by Dr. J. Donald Dumpson
performed by The Gospel Blenders, Paula Holloway with Annette Hardeman and Charlene Holloway

The Philadelphia Heritage Chorale, Gospel Music Preservation Alliance

“Let’s Praise and Worship”…………………………….Tomar Jackson, psalmist

“God Will Take Care of You” – composed by Sharon Henderson Chambers, performed by The Henderson Sisters with Faye Coney, soloist

“Glory, Glory (Get On Up)” – Traditional, arranged by Rodney Harris and performed by The Gospel Blenders

The Gospel Music Preservation Alliance

“My Sweet Lord” – composed by George Harrison, Michael Covington, soloist

“Deliverance” composed by Gregory Allen, composer w/ Gregory Allen, Serena Blanco, Yvette Wharton, Shirley Johnson-Cole,
soloists

Sarah Dash
“Walk Around Heaven All Day” – James Cleveland and Cassiettia George, composers
“Swing Down Sweet Chariot” – as sung by George Clinton and Parliament–Funkedelic

“Bridge Over Troubled Water” – Paul Simon, composer, Charlene Holloway, soloist

“Open Up My Heart ” – James Harris, James Q. Wright, Terry Lewis, Yolanda Adams, composers
Cali Graver, soloist

“Many Thousand Gone (No More Auction Block for Me)”…….J. Donald Dumpson, arr.
“If My Jesus Wills” © 1954 (aka We Shall Overcome)…Louise Shropshire, composer
“We Shall Overcome” – J. Donald Dumpson, arr. – Michael Gilmore, soloist

“Dere’s A Man Goin’ Round Takin’ Names” arranged by J. Donald Dumpson, Cyrile Trawick, soloist

“I Want To Know What Love Is” – Matthew Sheppherd, soloist

“You Are My Friend” – Paula Holloway, soloist

“I’ll Take You There” – Annette Hardeman, soloist

A Tambourine and Hand Clapping Jamboree

“I Can Go To God In Prayer “- composed by Calvin Bridges
Serena Blanco, soloist; Rodney Harris, soloist

Sending – Dr. J. Donald Dumpson

“What’s The Matter With Jesus” all soloists, performers and choirs. – Traditional