"Gospel Talent Showdown" really brings the house down!

f you love gospel music and want to experience the wonderful ways it's expanding in new directions, then the monthly Gospel Talent Showdown at the elegant Justin's Restaurant is an absolute must. While feasting on the earthly delights of an excellent all-you-can-eat soul food buffet, you will be treated to some heavenly performances served up by people vying for the cash prize as they each showcase their unique talents in praise of the Lord.

One of the exciting things is that you never know in advance what you're going to see and hear. In addition to a variety of gospel singing styles, there may be gospel rappers, step and praise dancers or spoken word artists, many of whom have toured nationally and internationally, and have independent projects they are presently promoting.

The Gospel Talent Showdown is the soul child of Arielle Johnson, who became so frustrated with the disrespect she met working for corporate America that she left her job and founded her company, On Bended Knees. She did so in the solid belief that God is good and always makes a way.

And He has made a way, even in these hard times when financial sponsors are hard to find. Several Manhattan branches of Washington Mutual's Home Loan Division, with it's special program for first-time home buyers, stepped forward and proved to its patrons and the community that it's there to support them. It was Washington Mutual's generous sponsorship that made the most recent Gospel Talent Showdown, held on Sunday, August 24^th, possible.

This Sunday Showdown was hosted by the energetic and engaging Harold B., who has just produced his own album "I Can't Live Without Him" on Mountain Top Records. He explained that the order of the performers was drawn from a hat, and that they each had four minutes to make their presentation.

The judges were Ron Blackman, Producer of "Showtime at the Apollo;" Deborah Stewart, founder of the American Gospel Music Awards; record producer Julian Scott; and Derrick L. Garrett, President of Utopia Entertainment. The artists were evaluated on their talent, vocal ability, timing, pronunciation, appearance and stage presence.

What followed ran the gamut of gospel music from traditional, to R&B, to reggae, to neo-soul and jazz, all performed by tremendously talented people bringing it to us from their hearts.

Diondra Smith, who has a lovely voice and really knows how to use it, got the ball rolling. Next up was Daryle Clayton, who is music director at the Mount Olivet Baptist Church in Peekskill, New York. His traditional gospel style was followed by the intriguing neo-soul/jazz styling of Samar Newsome.

Before Sharon Shaw sang, she said, "I love to praise and sing about God. It's all about Him." The next artist, Magma, stated, "God has given me the grace to express anything that moves my heart in His spirit through the channel of reggae." Magma's beguiling Jamaican style was followed by gospel rap, performed by the duo Shawn Mills and Andre Griffith of Sanctified Family. They said, "We're going to break down truth from fiction in rap form. We want you to listen to the words and be blessed by it."

The final four competitors were G-Force, producer and song writer of Jahrockn Productions; DJ & Lisa, who had come all the way from Delaware for the Sunday Showdown; last month's winner Damon Harris, who hails from Philadelphia; and Heaven Sent from Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. This group started out just hanging out and singing on street corners until their lead singer, Danny, turned his life over to God. Now they try to bring a positive message to the youth.

There were also some special performances - and I do mean special - the first by the group Provenance, who really rocked the house with their down-home spirituality. Harold B. and his brother in Christ, Runaway, also thrilled the audience with their original, catchy, holy hip-hop/rhythm & blues song entitled "Clap 2 This."

Through it all, nobody envied the judges. As judge Deborah Stewart said later, "It was a quality program and really close!" Finally, they gave 2^nd runner up to Daryle Clayton, 1^st runner up to Sanctified Family, and Damon Harris once more took the prize. Stated Stewart, "His music track is tight, his voice is A-#1, his look is well put together and very appealing. When he sings you feel it. He has the total package."

Along with the sheer enjoyment and spiritual upliftment these Gospel Talent Showdowns bring their audiences, they are a blessing for the artists as well, for there aren't nearly enough venues for these types of new and innovative gospel performers.

Don't miss the next Gospel Talent Showdown from 4 to 6 pm on September 21^st at Justin's, located at 31 W. 21^st Street, between 5^th and 6^th Avenue in Manhattan. For tickets and reservations call (718) 431-5111 or (212) 252-2250, or email Arielle@Nu-Reign.com. The cover charge is $10. The brunch, if you wish to partake, is an additional $19.95 plus tax and gratuities.