Root Magazine’s 5th Anniversary Celebration: Simply Amazing!
September 24, 2014
By Torin Derek
Root Magazine Editor-In-Chief, Hasan James and his lovely wife Kimberly, pose on the red carpet during Root Mag’s 5th Anniversary Celebration- Photo Credit: Ray Alston Media
BENSALEM, PA- Let’s talk about Root Magazine’s 5th Anniversary Concert, which took place on Friday, September 19th at Love Fellowship Tabernacle, where Grammy Award winning Gospel artist Bishop Hezekiah Walker is founding Pastor. The night was filled with testimonials, heartfelt appreciation and a five- hour long concert hosted by radio personality Brother Ron. The line-up was one of the best that I’ve seen in recent memory. The likes of Sunday Best alums, Kefia Rollerson, Latice Crawford, Season 6 winner, Joshua Rogers, Thomas “TC” Clay, Grammy nominees, Kierra Sheard, Anita Wilson and Grammy winner Myron Butler hit the stage in grand fashion and performed some of their biggest hits! From the amount of people that were in attendance, you could tell that this event was one of the most anticipated of the year.
Hasan James with Sunday Best Season 2 Alums: John McClure, Latice Crawford and Zebulon Ellis. Photo Credit: Ray Alston Media
Indie Artist, Pastor Marlon Lock, eOne Recording Artist, Anaysha Figueroa- Cooper and Sunday Best Season 6 Winner, Joshua Rogers. Photo Credit: Ray Alston Media
The night began with an impressive Red Carpet Show hosted by Jeanelle Drysdale and Desmond Morrison. Some of the industry’s most notable executives and artists walked the red carpet and gave on air interviews. Guests included Khalif Townes (UGospel), Ms. Kayla (Radio Personality, Praise 103.9), Anashya Figueroa-Cooper (Gospel Recording Artist), Pastor Marlon Lock (Gospel Recording Artist), Zebulon Ellis (Sunday’s Best Finalist), Estee Bullock (Songwriter), Terrie Rimson (Indie Gospel Artist), John McClure (Sunday’s Best Finalist), Pastor Deborah Hooper, Tammy Taylor (Publicist), Kenny Taylor (Industry Executive), Craig Hayes (Gospel Recording Artist/ Radio Personality), Anita Wilson and many others. Following the star-studded Red Carpet, an intimate invite only VIP reception took place. The Root Magazine colors of green and gold was a perfect backdrop for the intimate setting, as Root paraphernalia adorned the walls and every issue of Root Magazine was turned into delightful and edible cupcakes.
VIP guests enjoyed great music, networking, hors d’oeuvre’s and customized Root Magazine cupcakes. Photo Credit: Ray Alston Media
Khalif Townes (UGospel) and Industry Veteran, Tammy Taylor enjoying the festivities at Root Magazine’s VIP reception.
Latice Crawford belts out her version of the classic “Available To You” at Root Magazine’s 5th Anniversary Concert Photo Credit: Ray Alston Media
As the night fell, the power-packed concert began and the crowd of about 800 erupted with anticipation! Starting off the night was “The Indie Explosion” Pre-Show, which featured Independent Gospel artists Andre Byrd (Brooklyn, NY), We Are The Saints (Philadelphia, PA), Khare (Baltimore, MD) and Pastor Marlon Lock (Milwaukee, WI). To the surprise of many, the Indies set the tone for what was to be an incredible night. With this opening line up of artist and the crowd participation created by host Brother Ron, you couldn’t help but bubble over with enthusiasm as each artist took the stage.
CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO-Kefia Rollerson Singing “He’s Able at Root Mag’s 5th Anniversary Concert
Red Carpet Hosts, Jeanelle and Desmond, interview Thomas TC Clay on the red carpet. Photo Credit: Ray Alston Media
CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO-Thomas TC Clay Medley LIVE at Root Mag’s 5th Anniversary Concert
Andre Byrd performs during Root Mag’s Indie Explosion
Host, Brother Ron, was the perfect host as he joked, performed skits and praised. Photo credit: Ray Alston Media
Kefia Rollerson began the second half of the concert with her heartfelt version of Deitrick Haddon’s smash hit “He’s Able” and had the church rocking, which sparked an encore performance featuring Estee Bullock and Zebulon Ellis. Latice Crawford followed with her interpretation of Rev. Milton Brunson & The Thompson Community Singer’s classic “I’m Available To You”; as she painted a vivid picture of her past dealing with domestic violence and how she overcame it. As the night grew old, the warm energy of the concert began to intensify as surprise guest, Anashya Figeroua- Cooper hit the stage to show us just how much she will never let God down performing the Walter Hawkins’ classic “Holy One.” She also showed her baby bump! Congrats to The Coopers!
Kierra Sheard in rare form during a “Praise Break” at Root Mag’s 5th Anniversary concert. Photo Credit: Ray Alston Media
CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO-Kierra Sheard smashed “Reppin My God” at Root Mag’s 5th Anniversary Concert
CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO-Kierra Sheard Praise Break at Root Mag’s 5th Anniversary Celebration
After the previous performances you would think it couldn’t get any better but Sunday Best first male winner, Joshua Rogers, lit the match that set the church on fire and created a praise party like no other. The stage was set and the night went into overdrive as Kierra Sheard took to the stage and took the crowd to the mountain top creating a fist-pumping jam session, performing songs like “2nd Win,” “Reppin My God,” “You Don’t Like What You See/Tom Ford”, that took the concert into overdrive well after midnight.
Ms. Anita Wilson in worship mode at Root Magazine’s 5th Anniversary Concert. Photo Credit: Ray Alston Media
CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO-Ms. Anita Wilson sings a favorite of the Editor-In-Chief, “Perfect Love Song”
Bishop Hezekiah Walker is presented with the Root Magazine Lifetime Achievement Award by Editor-In-Chief, Hasan James. Photo Credit: Tammy Taylor
What seemed like a planned transition was emerging artist Thomas “TC” Clay beginning his set with a jaw dropping electric guitar solo and a cover of the Top Ten hit “Latch” by Disclosure, featuring Sam Smith. Closing the night was the ever so classy, Ms. Anita Wilson’s “jazz club” atmosphere which included “You Love Me,” “Perfect Love Song,” “Jesus Will” and more. After thanking Root’s Editor-In-Chief, Hasan James, for his continued support of her career, she presented him with a rare vinyl copy of her latest album “Vintage Worship.” Motown Gospel’s top man, Myron Butler put the cap on an amazing night of performances and tributes, which also included special recognition to Bishop Hezekiah Walker as he was the recipient of Root Magazine’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Myron ended the night, or by this time the morning, with a few of his hits like “Set Me Free,” and “Speak.” However, when he tried to leave the stage at 1:30AM, the crowd still wanted more and he ended a perfect night with “Bless The Lord.”
Veteran, Myron Butler, all smiles as he sings a few crowd favorites at Root Mag’s 5th Anniversary Concert- Photo Credit: Ray Alston Media
CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO-Grammy Winner Myron Butler sings “Bless The Lord” at Root Mag’s 5th Anniversary Concert
Celebrating this 5th year milestone for the publication, Root Magazine displayed what hard work, diligence and creating lasting relationships can bring you. Root has successfully beat the negative stigma of what a business should endure by the 5 year mark. But through it all, Root Magazine will continue to represent Gospel music to the fullest for the next 5 years and beyond….
The crowd of 800 people came out for a night of worship during Root Mag’s 5th Anniversary. Photo Credit: Ray Alston Media
The dynamic House Band and BGV’s made Root Mag’s 5th Anniversary Concert come to life! Photo Credit: Ray Alston Media
