Known as one of the Gospel music’s premiere conferences, I Hear Music, Inc. presented its 12th I Hear Music In The Air Conference. Held Friday, May 17 – Sunday, May 19, 2013 in Cincinnati, OH, the event tapped the finest in the genre and featured workshops, concerts and special events.
Artists and industry notables featured included Fred Hammond and the United Tenors, J. Moss, Byron Cage, Richard Smallwood, William Murphy, Sheri Jones Moffett, Maurette Brown Clark, Anita Wilson, Larry Callahan & SOG, Temple of Deliverance, Kevin Davidson & UCICC, Isaac Carree, Javen, Livre’, Kevin Vasser, Y’Anna Crawley, Dr. Teresa Hairston, Pastor Juandolyn Stokes, Ace Alexander, Monique Headley, Tracy Williamson, Denise Hill, Ray Bady, 21:03, BRL Chicago, Canton Jones, Anthony Brown & Group TherAPy, Vincent Tharpe & Kenosis, William Demps, Speak Life, Dunamis, Jevon Brock, and more.
The Friday Night Concert was a jam-packed event. Showcasing many new talented artists, as well as some familiar faces, the evening was one of the many highlights of the conference. Fred Hammond and United Tenors headlined the concert. Fans were able to travel down memory lane with the GRAMMY Award Winner and his hits like “Blessed” and “This is the Day”. The crowd also welcomed new songs by the United Tenors. Many gifted singers graced the stage leaving the audience wanting more.
IHM Media Sponsor Yes Lord Radio streamed the concert to thousands of people; Twitter and Facebook were receiving tremendous hits; increasing the viral impact of the concert. YLR also conducted interviews after the show. Rodrick J. Warren, Co-Owner/Media & Programming of Yes Lord Radio, says, “For the first time, YLR was a media sponsor for this event, bringing together a huge virtual audience from all over the world who were tuned in to experience the concert in real time. Top cities included Cincinnati, Brooklyn, Chicago, Washington, DC, and Los Angeles. YLR host, Roz, also gave fans a behind the scenes look at the artists. YLR is making plans to stream other events and concerts in the near future.”
On Saturday, Urban Gospel Artist Canton Jones ministered to the youth powerfully during the Teen Summit. Artists BRL Chicago, 21:03, C. Goss, Nyasia, Christopher and others performed, inspiring the kids through song. The University of Cincinnati Bearcats football team members served on a panel, talking with the youth about making correct choices in life. The host for the Teen Summit was Ray Bady.
Workshop classes brought rich knowledge from some of the industry’s top professionals. Not only did aspiring artists benefit, but so did believers looking to better their spiritual walks with God. Founder of Gospel Today Magazine, Dr. Teresa Hairston taught Plan & Purpose for your Life while Pastor Juandolyn Stokes taught Women in Ministry. Founder of Airplay 360 Online Magazine, Ace Alexander spearheaded a heavy hitter panel of industry professionals in his open dialogue session, “The Industry from A to Z.”
The Urban Soul Café closed out Saturday, spotlighting new talent with special guests Anthony Brown & Group TherAPy as well as 21:03, in another fine performance. J.Moss encouraged new artists to continue to pursue their dreams even in the midst of rejection.
Sunday’s Legends Ball was the culmination of the weekend’s festivities. Hosted by Courtis Fuller and Faith Daniels, the Ball saw the city of Cincinnati present for a celebration of local and national stars. Honorees were presented with awards including Richard Smallwood (with a Music Ministry Lifetime Achievement Award), New Jerusalem Baptist Church (with a Spotlight on the Church Award), and Dr. Eric Abercrumbie (with a Community Service Award). A musical medley tribute was given by Sheri Jones Moffett and Maurette Brown Clark, which brought the crowd to a standing ovation. Byron Cage delivered the evening’s Keynote Address, which left the listeners encouraged.
I Hear Music, Inc., CEO, Tracey Artis, says about the conference, “For the 12th year, I have witnessed Gospel music lovers assemble at I Hear Music in the Air and have seen people spread God’s Word through song, dance, and a variety of other ways. I witnessed youth displaying their gifts, new artists showcasing their talent, and people having an opportunity to network within this industry. I felt love and support from all over the country and I celebrate this genre of music and all the ministries that have helped to support it.”