By Chavon Panton
The Holy Spirit and musical energy boosted by a circle of gospel stars including Jekalyn Carr, Kierra Sheard, Tina Campbell, Ricky Dillard and New G and Erica Campbell last Saturday night surely opened the flood gates of heaven. Held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, the 2017 staging of the largest one day lifestyle expo in New York City, The Circle of Sisters in association with AT&T was on point! Thousands of patrons from pretty much all over the world flocked the Jacob Javits Center to partake in all that Circle of Sisters had to offer. From the live performances, panels and an incredible host of vendors, there was something for everyone. However, it was the MetroPCS Gospel Explosion that made my entire Circle of Sisters experience that much greater. Even tho the gospel explosion was off to a late start, starting things off on a high was the electrifying Grammy award nominee Jekalyn Carr. Sister showed up and showed out! The atmosphere during her performance had people forgetting that the gospel concert started late due to the strong spiritual energy that was present during her set. She ministered her chart topping hit "You're Bigger" and her new single "You Will Win." Well done Miss Carr!
Following pursuit was gospel's darling Kierra Sheard who came and slayed in the Holy Ghost! Sheard delivered a power filled set that had patrons rocking there bodies from side to side and waving their hands. She rendered hits such as "You Don't Know", "Hang On" and "Indescribable" and a slew of traditional favorites including "You Brought the Sunshine" by the Clark Sisters and "Stomp" by Kirk Franklyn.
Tina Campbell then took to the stage and took patrons on a musical journey. In true Tina way, Tina shared her testimony in between singing about overcoming infidelity and being obedient to Gods Devine will for her life. The mega star ministered crowd favorites such as "Its Personal", "Too Hard Not To" and "Speak the Word". Tina girl, I must say that you looked and sounded great.
What came next had patrons dancing and singing all over the auditorium. The energizer bunny Ricky Dillard and New G gave a thrilling set that was a stand out for the night. Dillard and his equally energetic choir performed a great mix of songs including "Celebrate the King", "I Survived It", "Amazing". One Thing Lead To another, and before you knew it, Kierra Sheard, Tina and Erica Campbell joined Dillard on stage for a praise break on "I've Got The Victory" featuring Lillian Lloyd.
Erica Campbell, say what! Yes, indeed, Erica was the perfect choice to conclude the gospel explosion. The gospel power force gave an authentic performance that was filled with soul, grace, energy and the anointing. She performed favorites such as "You Are", "All I Need is You", "Help" and "Well Done". She ended her set with Tina Campbell and Kierra Sheard on God In Me.
Mc's for the night Liz Black from WBLS NY and WLIB NY and Neicy Tribbett from the Hezekiah Walker Show with special appearance from Donnie McClurkin maintained a smooth and entertaining flow throughout the night. Also, special mention must be made to Sponsorship from Metro PC who made the gospel explosion possible. Cannot wait for next year!