It’s that time again everyone. It’s the time of year when GMA Dove Awards fever and all things Dove Awards captivate Gospel music devotees from everywhere. The musical hues and focus of traditional Christian music singles and groups literally put their ‘best foot forward’ to compete for a chance to win the coveted Dove-shaped award.
2017 marks the 48th year for the awards show. As always, the mixed crowd won’t be disappointed. Venues will be packed before the show and on the day of the Tues., October 17, show as well. Since 1970 the GMA Dove Awards have honored outstanding achievements and excellence in Christian Music. The show celebrates our rich musical diversity. Awards are presented to individuals representing modern Rock, Rap/Hip Hop, Pop/Contemporary, Inspirational, Southern Gospel, Urban, Bluegrass, Country, Worship and more.
Business to formal attire is generally the flair on awards day and throughout the pre-event showcases. Children under the age of five years old are not permitted. A parent or a legal guardian must accompany minors under the age of 16. This is basically done to assure the safety and enjoyment pleasure of everyone.
The Dove Awards fanfare is comprised of a minimum of three equal areas of interesting and memorable excitement: 1) nominations/voting, 2) pre-show-showcases and actual awards taping and 3) after-party receptions.
The GMA Dove Awards community includes: agents, artists, church leaders, managers, promoters, radio personnel, record company executives, retailers, songwriters and other industry visionaries.
Top names in the media and gospel music industry have joined forces with key sponsors and up and coming talent. This year’s event will be held at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena. As in years before, Lipscomb students will contribute their time, participating on various levels.
On Sunday, October 15, the doors of Nashville’s 5814 Nolensville Road (at Old Hickory Blvd.) Princess Hot Chicken opens their doors at 6:15 pm to welcome guests to a celebrity filled pre-show event. All are welcome to join TV/radio personalities and co-hosts Treva Gordon and Kevin Kennedy (of the Kennedy Law firm) and the multi-Grammy/award winning Rev. Wess Morgan.
Tickets are $10, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit selected ministries. Also onboard this celebrity packed line up are publicist Benita Bellamy; Stellar Award winning radio host Lady Shaunte’ Garrett; Deborah A. Culp, a.k.a. #GodsWriterGirl; the Joy Boyz; and more.
Meet and greet Elder Howard Young and Ron Elliott Briggs with ‘Yes Lord Radio’ (YLR) on Monday, Oct. 16, at Nashville’s Kingdom Café, located at 2610 Jefferson St., from 11 am to 2:15 pm. The YLR team says, “Bring your business cards, camera phones and a hearty appetite to network and prepare to join in the fun of this pre-Dove event.”
Last of all, but certainly not the least, the Nashville Doves Showcase will take place on Sunday, Oct. 15, beginning at 7 pm. Bro. Jeffery Wilford, owner of East Side Gospel Music store and the founder/CEO of the multi-award winning Volunteer Mass Choir, hosts the event at the Manna From Heaven Center, located at 3510 W. Hamilton Avenue. All are slated to be events bringing their own style, pizzazz and fit to the industry and Music City as a whole.
