The state of touring in gospel music

Gospel music has exploded in recent years. The Christian music industry as a whole sold more than 44.9 million units in 2006 with 20% of those sales attributed to black gospel music. Black gospel music is being heard on mainstream radio formats nationally and has a platform few imagined.

Although sales in the genre are going well, it seems that gospel tours aren't necessarily following suit. Major artists are struggling to fill seats and local concerts and national tours seem to be suffering. Some of those tours, backed by major sponsors including the Patti Labelle Tour and the Sisters In The Spirit Tour, have been cancelled abruptly leaving gospel music fans scratching their heads while standing in the refund line.

What's happening? Are gospel music lovers more interested in popping in a CD as opposed to seeing an artist in person? Are ticket prices too high? Is the gospel market oversaturated? Does today's technology play a role? Or do gospel concerts need to go back to their foundation, the church? To find out the real reasons why the gospel touring industry is being hit hard, we asked some of the movers and shakers in gospel music to provide answers.

James Walker, Esq., of Walker & Associates, known as attorney for some of the biggest names in the biz, thinks part of the problem centers around market saturation. "The explosion of gospel music has been a blessing and a curse in some ways for our touring business," shares Walker. "There was a time when you could only see your Gospel artist once or twice at most a year in a given market, and rarely on television or in a video. With the present billion dollar state of gospel music and the industry as a whole, many of the artists are touring all the time and the feedback from consumers has me very concerned."

A well-known Stellar Award winner says he thinks people need variety of gospel acts hitting the road. "I think people would like to see just a little more diversity in the touring scene. Hopefully acts like Hezekiah Walker, The Clark Sisters, and a Bebe & Cece Reunion Tour will hit the road as well as some of the younger acts like Tye Tribbett, Youthful Praise, etc... Perhaps they'll get a chance to do a full-fledged tour as opposed to the same combination of talent year after year. Nothing wrong with it, but how many times will you pay to see the same show?"

Walker concurs. He says, "With the success of gospel music, the promoters, churches, managers and even artists are finding themselves in the same market too frequently and not thinking long term. And, the consumer or concert-goer is pretty savvy. He or she will not pay $30-40 to see a big name artist when they know you were just in town or you will be at a megachurch two weeks from now and they are taking a 'love offering'."

It's certain that economics play a part. Cheryl Jackson, Program Director of Washington, D.C.'s Stellar Award-winning Heaven 1580 (WPGC-AM), believes money has a lot to do with gospel music's empty seats. "Economics play a major role in why seats aren't being filled in arenas. Christians are supporting gospel music and record sales indicate this. Ticket prices are soaring based on the growing demand of artists and the economy has affected the consumer so that concerts are no longer an affordable luxury."

With ticket prices higher than they have ever been, it seems that gospel consumers are counting the cost. Prices for some of the genre's top artists could easily start at $30 and go up to $60 - $75 for coveted seats for A-list artists. "Concert ticket prices are not family friendly," says Frances Middleton of Arlington, VA's WAVA, owned by Salem Communications. "Do the math. For example, if the price of a ticket is $55 each, for a family of four, that's $220. Then there's gas to the concert and parking, which could be $20. If you add dinner before or after the concert, that could be an extra $60 - $120. So hypothetically, an evening out could be $330- $360 per event. How often can most people do this?"

Matt Anderson, of Heaven 1580 and Missing Peace Productions, says he's certain much of the reason for cancelled concerts is financial. He says, "Disposable income for the audience that gospel concerts target is not so 'disposable' anymore. The cost of fuel prices has impacted everything from food and clothing to housing and medical care."

But why are ticket prices so high? Some people feel that fees for many of today's popular gospel artists are too expensive. Major gospel singers can charge in the tens of thousands of dollars for one performance. Have they priced themselves out of the market? Since promoters must absorb artist fees, promoters are forced to charge high ticket prices to cover costs. But are promoters doing their part? Middleton says, "Most promoters are uninformed or ill-advised about this niche market and the process to reach them. They do not know how decisive music is." She also feels that many promoters haven't budgeted for "long-term advertising (8 - 12 weeks) to reach this trusted, loyal audience for the cause."

Jody Mainello of Lone Oak Entertainment, responsible for booking such artists as Richard Smallwood, J. Moss and Tonex, feels that a lot more time and money are needed to promote a concert well. "Most of the time the sponsor of the program doesn't spend enough to market the event to let the public know. Most marketing people will say that you have to make 5-7 impressions before a consumer will respond to what you are marketing," says Mainello. According to what he's seen, many sponsors don't go the extra mile to publicize their events. "They will send a flyer out to the area churches to have them put it in the lobby, do some PSA's on the local station and try to get the artist to do an interview. With these things in place they will call it a day and hope that 1500 people show up to pay $25 to see Mary Mary in concert. Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way," states Mainello.

Kenny Taylor of Gospel Truth Magazine and Teemade Services says ""Proper promotions are a key factor in the success of any concert. Perhaps it's time for promoters to step up their game, go 'grass-roots' in their marketing plans, and work harder to excite consumers as these concerts are planned, but first, let's re-dedicate gospel concerts to the true gospel artists. Be it nostalgia or tradition, there must be enough long-standing enthusiasts out there to provide the support needed to succeed."

Although oversaturation, finances and promotion play huge roles in why gospel concerts aren't doing well, technology may also be partly to blame as well. "The rapid growth of technology has a direct impact on the lack of attendance of gospel concerts," says Anderson. "People can now download music videos, movies and television episodes along with their favorite songs directly to their desktop computers or even cell phones. It is now much easier to access information and entertainment content than ever before. Why pay for gas, parking and a new outfit when we have widescreen TV's and Surround Sound at home?" Walker agrees and says, "Many big name artists are commonly on TV now. Stations like BET, The Word Network, Gospel Music Channel and other gospel TV outlets, along with TBN and CBN, among other regional channels, carry gospel music frequently so the demand to see someone isn't the same. If I just saw 30 minutes of your concert on television, I can just tape it and avoid paying a fee to see you live."

Some gospel fans are feeling that gospel concerts are becoming performances with the name "Christian" tacked on to them. Has entertainment become more the focus than ministry? Is the purpose really about Jesus Christ or are people more concerned about the almighty dollar? If salvation is truly the goal, why do so few gospel concerts end in an invitation? Hopefully the unsaved are leaving theatres with a closer relationship to God and not just empty wallets.

There's certainly room for entertainment in Christendom. Mainello feels that both Christian music ministry and Christian entertainment are appropriate. "There is definitely a division between the two," he states. "Most artists will argue that theirs is a ministry when in reality it is more entertainment. Don't get me wrong, there is a need for both and both have Christian overtones to what they do. Christians need to be entertained also." And many churches are providing entertainment and ministry under the same roof.

As Walker earlier pointed out, many mega-churches are bringing in gospel's finest and concert goers are seeing them for free. Is that the key? Do gospel artists need to go back to the church? With prices for churches normally far less than typical venues, the idea may be exactly what's needed to get the gospel tour business back on track.

Bobby Burwell, Operations Manager of Soul World Entertainment representing the 7 Sons of Soul, feels that artists need to go back to their roots. Burwell states, "Spiritually speaking, I believe in order for gospel concerts to be successful once again, it needs to begin with concerts by major artists at the local church. No matter if it's a megachurch or store front and those in between, churches need to be the primary venue for gospel concerts. Take the concept back to church and let the gospel chips fall where they may."

Praise and worship music is some of the most powerful music in the world. Although listening to the music is great, there's nothing like being in the congregation and experiencing it for yourself. Well, three of praise and worship's finest have released DVD's of their latest music.

Integrity Gospel has released Alive in South Africa DVD, the highly anticipated new video release from Dove and Stellar Award winning artist Israel & New Breed. The two-hour DVD was recorded in South Africa during two filled-to-capacity concerts held at the His People Center in Cape Town, South Africa in August of 2005. During the concert, acclaimed jazz artist/songwriter and South African native Jonathan Butler and local Cape Town musicians joined Israel & New Breed on stage to add an indigenous flavor to the album.

Another Integrity Gospel artist, Martha Munizzi, recently released her DVD of her recent project, a companion to her best-selling No Limits double album released earlier this year. Offering an eclectic collection of songs and music styles, the No Limits DVD captures the excitement of the live recording which took place at Bethany World Prayer Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In addition to the two-hour- long concert, the DVD includes backstage footage with Munizzi, her band, dancers, praise team and production staff.

GospoCentric's Prince of Praise, Byron Cage, has dropped his DVD of his most recent CD, Invitation To Worship. Recorded live at the New Birth Cathedral, pastored by Bishop Eddie Long in Lithonia, Georgia, the recording features his hit, "I Will Bless The Lord". Produced by the famed production team PAJAM, other tracks include such songs as "Praise Him," "Broken But I'm Healed," and a gospel version of Michael W. Smith's "Breathe."

Mark St. John Carson is one of the area's most gifted worship leaders. Going Around The World, his latest CD, continues to showcase what those in the D.C. area already know - Carson is on his way to becoming one of the genre's finest music ministers. Nationally, the gospel community is obviously starting to notice of this artist as his project just shot to the #19 spot from #35 on the Billboard Top Gospel chart - coming in as the Greatest Gainer For The Week.

When asked about the impetus for the project's title, Carson says the sole mission of this new musical offering is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world. "The goal of this entire project is to take the worship into every nation, to do it internationally. That premise sets the tone for the whole album. Anyone who sees the album cover will be able to pick up that concept".

"I Will Say Thank You", the first single that's been burning up the airwaves, is a song close to Carson's heart. It's just one of the many worship tracks that the artist has included on this project. "One of the formats that I've followed over the years is that at the end of each record, I've provided a series of worship songs," states Carson. "Regardless how I catch your attention at the beginning of the record, I'm always going to take you to a place where you'll end up in worship. Although I may start out with more urban or contemporary songs, at the end, the listener will be worshipping God."

The Maryland resident not only is a recording artist, songwriter and musician, but he's a pastor as well. Refuge Living Sanctuary in Bladensburg, Maryland, is now 5 years old and Carson says it's a blessed fellowship. He counts it a joy to serve as Pastor. "We're growing by leaps and bounds. It's amazing to me. It's just an honor and a privilege to shepherd God's people."

Although initially Carson aspired to sing music in the mainstream market, he found out that God had a different plan for his life. "In high school, I had all sorts of goals to sing secular music. I put out all kinds of demos. But then God got a hold of me and told me that wasn't it," says Carson. He admits to struggling in letting those dreams go, but it's a decision he's never regretted. "I made a decision to just go with God," says Carson, "and ever since then, there's been an evolution. Initially I emulated different groups like Commissioned, Fred Hammond, The Winans, but I have found my calling; I am a worshipper. I am called to bring people to God. At every concert or platform that the Lord has given me, I will not abandon my call or try to be something else. What I am is a worshipper".

For more information about Mark St. John Carson, click here.

Company's Label Debuts Projects From Gospel Artists IZZY & Darien Dennis

Gospel music will never be the same with the introduction of VGR Entertainment, a brand new multi-faceted company specifically targeting Christian music artists. Officially opening its doors on January 1, 2006, VGR Entertainment entered the marketplace with one mission in mind - to redefine the ministry of music. VGR Entertainment plans to attain this goal through its record label, artist management, publishing company, production and consulting services.

VGR is the vision of famed preacher, industry executive and author Elder Vikki Johnson. With her two partners, prominent figures in the music industry - Gerald Scott and Russell Webster - VGR Entertainment has partnered with the Jordan Entertainment Group, headed by industry "mover-and- shaker" Jazzy Jordan and Koch Distribution, which will be distributing all the company's releases.

VGR Entertainment is busting out of the gate with some of the brightest rising stars in the genre. IZZY, known as the "urban psalmist", is sure to bring worshippers to their knees with his debut single In Awe Of You from the recently released CD of the same name.

Also joining the VGR roster is praise and worship artist, Darien Dennis. The Fredericksburg, VA native and son of Bishop Ralph and Deborah Dennis has the uncanny ability to deftly incorporate traditional and contemporary vibes while giving all honor and praise to God. His CD, New Place, recorded with his choir Living Worship, under the VGR banner was released nationally on May 23, 2006.

Although initially Carson aspired to sing music in the mainstream market, he found out that God had a different plan for his life. "In high school, I had all sorts of goals to sing secular music. I put out all kinds of demos. But then God got a hold of me and told me that wasn't it," says Carson. He admits to struggling in letting those dreams go, but it's a decision he's never regretted. "I made a decision to just go with God," says Carson, "and ever since then, there's been an evolution. Initially I emulated different groups like Commissioned, Fred Hammond, The Winans, but I have found my calling; I am a worshipper. I am called to bring people to God. At every concert or platform that the Lord has given me, I will not abandon my call or try to be something else. What I am is a worshipper".

Derek Triplett is VGR's most recent signing and comes to the label with noted songwriting credits to his name. Triplett is probably best known for penning the powerful cut, I'm Grateful, from the ground- breaking praise and worship CD, Bow Down & Worship Him from the Full Gospel Baptist Fellowship Mass Choir. A Bishop with the United Covenant Churches of Christ under the ministerial guidance of Bishop Larry Trotter, Triplett is Founder and Pastor of Hope Fellowship Church in Daytona Beach, Florida. He will be recording his debut CD on November 2, 2006 at his home church.

Along with its signed artists, VGR Entertainment has a roster of affiliated artists including award-winning singer/songwriter Carmen Calhoun, praise and worship recording artist Sonya Pass, and Caribbean Gospel Music Association Marlin Award nominee Lisa Kemp-Williams. With VGR's signed and affiliated artists, the company plans to propel music ministry and change the face of gospel music. For more information about VGR Entertainment, click here.

One of gospel's finest new singers, Joann Rosario, knows what it's like go through trying times. A former singer with Fred Hammond's Radical For Christ and known for her breakout hit More, More, More, Rosario noticed trouble with her vocal chords in late 2002. By January 2003, she was diagnosed with nodules on her vocal chords and lost both her singing and speaking voice. Also the National Music Director of Maranatha World Revival Ministries as well as her church's worship leader, the loss was especially difficult for Rosario.

"Even though the doctors were telling me what I should do to make my voice better, I just kept getting worse," she explains. "I just had to press through that time and believe God for things to change, and little by little, He did it," she testifies.

Now completely healed, Rosario has recently released her sophomore project entitled Now More Than Ever..Worship. The CD boasts a strong collection of great worship songs including a live rendition of Welcome Into This Place, the gratitude-laden Life So Wonderful, the horn-tinged, funky Psalm 27 (He Reigns) and the powerful track God.

Despite being a recording artist and worship leader, she feels the most important role she plays is being a woman of God. She believes the Lord has a special calling for His women. "I truly believe that God wants to use women in a very powerful way. We have a sensitivity that allows us to manifest God's character in a warm and compassionate manner to win souls and bless the church! As God continues to bless us, we must take care not to fall into the feminism mess the world is in."

When talking about her recent challenges, she says, "I feel like I have walked through the valley of the shadow of death, honestly. But God took away any fear that was left in me and taught me that He is my only source. So now when I face situations I can't handle, I simply rest in Him. When you know God and understand His character, it changes your outlook on life. I just keep praying, worshiping, giving, and serving, and let God work out whatever needs to be worked out." And for Rosario, God has certainly worked it out - giving her yet another reason to sing.

Soul singer Anthony Hamilton is known for his emotional, soulful and classic-sounding songs. Bringing to mind crooners like Bill Withers and Bobby Womack, Hamilton's laid-back vocals and real-life songs have become mainstays on R&B radio stations. But the Charlotte, North Carolina-native has recently found success in the gospel music arena with the popularity of his song Pass Me Over from his latest project, Ain't Nobody Worryin'. The song, in heavy rotation on many gospel stations, highlights the artist's spirituality and what he says is the foundation for his secular career.

In a recent conversation with the singer, I asked him about the origin of his faith in God. Hamilton said, "It comes from my grandmother. It's a way of life from the south that I adopted. My mother taught me to uplift God's name and to never be ashamed to show respect for God and for others." Anyone who's attended one of Hamilton's concerts knows that the setting can easily transform into a church service complete with gospel music and holy dancing. He says his concerts are spirit-filled because it's a reflection of who he is. "First, I am a man of God. Because of who I am, I have a right to do that. There's no need for me not to."

Although some may feel there's a conflict in singing secular and sacred music, Hamilton begs to differ. "My music is definitely respectful. I don't feel that anything I sing is contradicting my love for God or my love for people. I know that I'm exactly where God put me; I am properly placed."