November / December 2005 FREE The Lord's Notes Lord Before Us Productions BI-Monthly Newsletter In Your Interest.... Holiday Time? In light of everything that has happen within this year alone, it seems kinda strange to prepare to celebrate the Holiday Season. First their was the Tsunami, and then Gas Prices soar like never before, then Hurricane Katrina took over the South, and War is still happening in Iraq. Dr. Kevin Bond (Citadel of Praise) said it best when he said - "God is Still In Control of it All", I truly believe that to be true... Who wouldn't serve a God that is able to take a Wind and a Wave and remove a whole city, and then turn around and bring folks together - to help one another. Or a God to make the Gas prices soar - and then Bless someone with the car of their dreams, and a Job to provide Gas for the car... Sure we may have lost love ones this year - for whatever reason, but to know him is to know that we will see them again; without these Earthly problems. So during the upcoming Holiday Season, take the time to reflect on your life from just a Year ago until now - can you still say God is in Control, and in the words of The Tommies - "He's Still Good"... Upcoming Events Nov. 23 Southern California Gospel Announcers Guild presents a Pre-Thanksgiving Celebration, First Goodwill B.C., Admission Is Free!!! 25 Judah Fest 2005 featuring - Ted & Sheri, Steven Hurd, Dorinda Clark-Cole, & Voices of Judah, New Liberty COGIC, Free!!! 26 LAVA Ministries - 1st LIVE Recording, with special guests, Southside Bethel B.C., Donations: $10/20, call 323-993-8581 for Info. Dec. 3 Another Level of Praize - 3rd Anniversary & Praize Night, Many Artists to appear... 5 Dr. Rodena Preston & L.A. Chapter of GMWA presents a Tribute to Rev. James Cleveland, Many Guest Artists, St. Paul B.C., FREE!!! 10 Faith District Int'l & Rev. Brandon Hampton presents a Yuletide Celebration - Jersey Jamm, Three Oaks B.C., Admission Is FREE!!! 17 Min. Christ Terrell & Anointed Praise presents a Christmas Time Celebration, w/ Tim "Bishop" Brown & Miracle Mass Choir, San Diego 102.3 KJLH presents their annual House Full of Toys celebration, The Kodak Theater, 310-330-5555, please bring an Unwrapped Toy.... 24 Christmas Celebration at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Taped for KCET broadcast, many guests to appear, Free Admission.... 25 CHRISTMAS DAY!!! Jesus Is The Reason For The Season... 26-27 Faith District Int'l Winter Conference - Palm Springs, CA 27-29 H.O.P.E. Youth Conference - headed by Darryl Johnson in Irvine, CA, Kick-off Musical - Dec. 28, Admission Is Free!!! 31 New Year's Eve - Church Celebrations... Faithful Central - Mary Mary, Donald Lawrence & Tri-City Singers, and more - The Forum... Jan. 1 NEW YEAR'S DAY 2006 7 Christian's Night Out Event at Maverick's Flat, Donations: $15.00 at the door, Many guests to appear... 14 Matthew Clark Ministries presents their Praise Festival 2006, Catherine Rachel, L.A. Chapter of GMWA, and others, 949-222-4231 21 The Stellar Awards - Nashville, TN Jan: PraiseFest 2006 Feb: Gospel Heritage Conference - Washington, DC Mar: GMWA Annual Board Meeting - San Diego, CA CD Reviews (Extended) Kirk Franklin "Hero" Hezekiah Walker & LFC Kirk is growing in his Music and this "20/85 - The Experience" project is the result of his willingness to After 20 years in the Business go outside of the Box - we call Gospel Hezy & LFC are still holding and bring forth, what some call the new strong with is project, although sound of Christian Music... Well after a it lacks the true LFC sound we've grown to Love; a couple of plays, it goes on you... Songs like: Looking there are still some good cuts on this one. Like: For You, Imagine Me, Better, Could've Been, Afterwhile, Lift Him Up, Faithful Is Our God, Hold On, Why, and Keep Your Head Up - are sure hits ... 7/10 Grateful, & He's Able are good to the last note! 7/10 Byron Cage Vickie Winans "An Invitation To Worship" "20th Anniversary DVD" The Prince of Praise & Worship is back Vickie is a Comedian in every on the scene with this project, and since of the word, but to witness although it doesn't pack a Punch like her and her Kids clowning is too "The Presence of the Lord Is Here", it much; you gotta see this. The does have a few good numbers for the saints to enjoy... weddings & old videos are good too. It's about time I Will Bless The Lord, Rain On Me, Holy Holy Holy, Lift, we get a chance to see the Real side of an Artist... Him Up, & Praise Him - are worth a Spin... 6/10 Go out and pick it up today - you'll Love It! 8/10 Worth a Spin: Myron Butler & Levi "Set Me Free" 7/10, Israel & New Breed "ALIVE in South Africa" 7/10, Gospo Classics - 7/10 Faithful Central "Zion Rejoice" 6/10, The Gospel - soundtrack 6/10, LaShun Pace "It's My Time" 7/10 Worth a View: David Talbert's "Love on Lay-Away" 6/10, HearandPlay.com "Gospel Keys 202" (very Informative) 8/10 Next Issue : John P. Kee & New Life "The Reunion", Mighty Clouds of Joy (DVD) "Live in the House of the Lord" Event Reviews 21st Annual McDonald's Gospelfest - 11/4/05: This year's event started a little late, and after an Opening Prayer; The curtain went up;; and The Gospel Wonders went forth without even being announced. Host Lewis Dix & Dawn Lewis quickly told the audience to give a Hand to The Gospel Wonders, who by the way didn't really move the crowd too much. Lewis Dix is crazy but this is his show - cause he keeps the event interesting, and this year's co-host Dawn Lewis - kept him in line a little better that Beverly White ever did. Not too much to tell other than the Mics didn't work for L.A. Inner City Mass Choir, SADOC Christian Singers almost got caught in the curtains and the House Band didn't know were to go with J. Moss entire set. Tonex came out of nowhere dancing all over the stage - and finally the saints had to get with him on his closing number "Lord Make Me Over", which brought him and several members of the audience to their knees. This years winners included: Hymn (group), St. Stephens B.C. Youth Choir, and Greater Los Angeles Cathedral Choir (Adult) - who all gave the crowd what they came for; Church... Pre-Winter Workshop / Musical - 11/19/05: Began with Praise & Worship by Min. James Williamson & The Greater Harvest Praise Team, who ushered in the Spirit; and made Surprise M.C. - Sonya Griffin-Lemon's job a little easier. Sonya was no joke, and had the crowd in the palm of her hand. Gospel rappers - Prophet Michael & A-Man had the crowd rocking, while Praise Dancer - Elder Steven Massey made them stand up and cheer at the close of his performance. GLACC (Greater Los Angeles Cathedral Choir) sung and so did LAVA Ministries - who featured a song from their forthcoming Live recording. Elder Tony Jones & L.A. Young Adult Choir of GMWA closed the event with a Praise Break - and the saints danced after the benediction.... Event Reviews - In Short... Three Oaks B.C., Youth Day - 9/25/05: Nice crowd, the kids shine like never before. Guest - The Mitchell Twins were too cute... MIA Music Ministry Retreat, Long Beach, CA - 9/30 - 10/1/05: Very Relaxing and Informative, good location too... Evangelistic COGIC Mass Choir Concert - 10/2/05: B. McCargo and the choir were no joke, despite a late start.... Sheryl Lee Ralph's "Divas Simply Singing" - 10/8/05: Sheryl has never looked better, and what can you say about Lalah Hathaway & Kelly Price.... John P. Kee & New Life in Concert - 10/8/05: A mess... Late start, too many local artists - some were good, but John & N.L. only did two Songs... L.A. Black Business Expo 10/28 - 30/05: Well Attended, Fashions were off the Chain, Gospel showcase was ok - but could've been better ... L.A. Young Adult Choir annual Concert - 11/12/05: LAYAC sung like the Pros they are, & you know they danced... Camouflage outfits were cool too.... FOOTNOTES h.o.p.e. Ministries Youth Convocation Join hundreds of children, youth, and young adults for a celebration in worship and praise at the Irvine Marriott Hotel - 18000 Von Karman Avenue, Irvine, CA. Tuesday, December 27-Friday, December 30, 2005 day and evening sessions. Hotel reservations at 949-553-0100, Conference Registration at 626-917-1608. Email: hopeconferences@yahoo.com or www.hopeconferences.com. Contact Darryl Johnson 323-758-2245. Matthew Clark Ministries presents "Praise Fest 2006" on Saturday, January 14, 2006, @ 6:30p.m. This great service will be hosted at Southern Missionary Baptist Church, 4678 W. Adams Blvd., Rev. Joe Gates, Senior Pastor. This is promised to be a powerful time in the Holy Ghost, one you don't want to miss. We will be blessed by the ministry of: Pastor William Charles, Jr. & The Community Mass Choir, Madam Catherine Rachal and the Praise Fest Mass Choir, Bro. Greg Jones and Ministry, Lady Rose Neal and Pastor Prentis Lewis of Greater Star Light Baptist Church. Our special guest will be the renowned Dr. Rodena Preston and the Los Angeles Chapter G.M.W.A. Mass Choir. We look forward to you being with us as we worship and praise God. "Let Everything that has Breath Praise ye the Lord" Psalms 150:6. Admission is free! If you need any additional information please contact Matthew Clark Ministries @ 949-222-4231 Lord Before Us Productions would like to thank you for your Support over the past year - you can look forward to nothing but the Best from us in the Future. For updates on any of our Artists, please check out our Web Site at www.LordBeforeUs.com. Don't miss our Next Issue, it will be Distributed at some the most popular Conventions, & Conferences (Megafest, GMWA, National Baptist, Gospel Heritage, Full Gospel, ect), Contact us ToDaY for details... Remember - If the Lord is before You, Who Shall be Against You...