The Light with Raymond Tyler
Sunday August 27th, The Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University held the first Atlantic City Black Music Festival.
The event was short but sweet and well attended.
There was standing room only as recording artist April “Chocolate Girl” Williams paid tribute to Deniece Williams. April wowed the crowd with her renditions of Let’s Hear It For The Boy and the soul classic Free. What no one knew is that when someone in the audience wanted a sample of April’s Gospel, the show would move up another level.
April broke into an acapella version of the Gospel classic “To God Be The Glory.”
The one and only Dr. Beverly Vaughn ran to the piano and accompanied April for an exciting performance that happened by chance. The crowd was moved and loud with cheers.
The festival was also an opportunity for two great people in Atlantic City’s Music history to be recognized with The AC Black Music Festival 2023 Pioneer Awards.
The first went to recording artist, vocalist and band leader Angela Burton. Burton accepted her Pioneer Award and an additional resolution from Atlantic City’s City Council. Burton discussed singing for U.S Troops in more than 30 countries as well as appearing with almost every artist that ever appeared at The Club Harlem.
The second award was given to Leon s. Bryant. Bryant’s career as a radio DJ spans over 30 years going all the way back to AC’s station WUSS 1490. Today Leon keeps the music playing at FM 91.7 WLFR. His show the House Of Classics is easily one of South Jersey’s longest running radio shows.
You can connect with Raymond Tyler via Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram @RaymondTyler2018.
