Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Grand Celebration of Gospel Music in the Park

Minister Lionel Peters: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson

*Los Angeles – What Shall We Do Ministries presented the 2nd Annual Spirit of Thanksgiving Gospel Experience, Saturday, November 16th, in Grand Park, downtown Los Angeles. What Shall We Do Ministries led by Minister Lionel Peters and Joy Peters, is a non-profit, “Faith-Based Organization” serving the community through outreach Events and Concerts.

The Spirit of the Lord had engulfed the small intimate Grand Park Performance Lawn, (Olive Court-between Grand and Hill Street) when I arrived on site. This was a picture-perfect beautiful day in Southern California for this day-long celebration with songs and worship.

Dr. Antwon Martin, Assistant Pastor at Greater Bethel Cathedral Church served as Master of Ceremony. The show opened with the talented Lakeisha Solomon. I arrived in time as De Ante Duckett & The Justified Crew was rockin’ the stage with songs of Praise and worship.

Dr. Antwon Martin: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
De Ante Duckett: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson

Several special invited guests were present to Give Thanks and Praise and invited members of the crowd to Alter Call, to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Sister Jeanette Bentley followed by Dani B. JAIA gave powerful testimonials that resonated with the crowd. David D. Price, Office of Mayor Eric Garcetti, Southwest Los Angeles Area Representative, and Minister of Youth at First A.M.E. Church brought greetings from the Office of the Mayor.

Chell and Alicia Benn, Platinum Stitches, Inc, were in the house to show their support of the event. Their amazing handiwork is the huge banner that you see in most of the enclosed photos.

Dani B. JAIA: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
David D. Price: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
Minister Lionel Peters, Alicia Benn, Chell Benn and Joy Peters: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson

Apostle Henry and Dr. Marty Alexander, Senior Pastors, and Founder of Shield of Faith Christian Center in Pomona. Apostle Henry B. Alexander is Presiding Prelate and Founder of Shied of Faith Fellowship of Churches International, Inc. delivered an encouraging and inspiring message before the captivated crowd.

Dr. Marty Alexander and Apostle Henry B. Alexander: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson

The program continued with a thrilling performance by Vocalist April May, followed by multi-instrumentalist Jason Brown, vocals, saxophone and guitar.

April May: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
April May: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
Jason Brown: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson

Minister Lionel Peters, Founder and President, What Shall We Do Ministries delivered a powerful, uplifting and inspiring sermon. The live entertainment continued with a set of roof raising gospel tunes superbly performed by Jyon Gray and a Grand Finale performance by VaShawn Mitchell.

Minister Lionel Peters: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
Jyon Gray: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
Jyon Gray: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
VaShawn Mitchell: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
VaShawn Mitchell: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
VaShawn Mitchell: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson

The crowd was able to listen to Gospel tunes to address their Spiritual needs. Several food vendors were on-site to address the crowd’s nutritional needs as well. Mike’s Fatboy served up delicious burger and chicken sliders, Wings-Waffles and Beignets Box were also on site.

We’re Blessed Catering served up some mouthwatering New Orleans style cooking and more to the delight of all of visited their booth. They served BBQ Dinners with all of the fixins (sides), Gumbo, and Po’ Boy sandwiches. Klassic Desserts served cakes, cookies, etc.

We’re Blessed Catering is co-owned by Kimberlee Smith and Lois Threats. The Holidays are coming up, that could only mean, OFFICE PARTIES! The above-mentioned food vendors are available to cater your upcoming events.

Minister Lionel and Joy Peters with De Ante Duckett & The Justified Crew: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
We’re Blessed Catering Postcard: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
Tracy May and Kimberlee Smith: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
Tracy May: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
We’re Blessed Catering: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
We’re Blessed Catering Gumbo: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson

There were several merchant vendors on-site with some amazing items for sale, Paparazzi Jewelry, Gotcha Hooked, Sunglasses and Accessories, The Fashionista and authors Tina Maddox and KamaSpeaks, again think in terms of the upcoming Holidays, or other special occasions.

The mission of What Shall We Do Ministries is to create local and national outdoor events to reach people at their place of need and direct them to places of fellowship in their communities. For more information visit www.spiritofthanksgiving.com

The new Grand Park provides Angelenos of all walks of life a place where they can come together to celebrate, reflect, and shape the future in one central gathering place. The small intimate Grand Performance Lawn is a relaxing and serene place to come together in a welcoming and distinctly urban oasis.

Ricky Richardson is a Southern California based music reviewer, writer and photographer.

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