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Daring to “Stand Out”
by Grace Francis of VGS&L Entertainment
A declaration. A movement. A charge to today’s generation. Tye Tribbett & GA have set a precedent at their 2nd live recording in Virginia Beach on Friday, August 17, 2007 at the Rock Church. “Stand Out” is to date one of the most powerful events to reach the masses. Beginning with an animated trailer (illustrated by Parris Bowens for GA Ministries), a narrative describes the state of the world today; how worldly things have affected mankind, and the influence and power the devil has over young people. With “Stand Out” hand towels and glow sticks in hand, cheers erupted as the band, Sound Check, graced the stage. As Tye spoke from backstage with a war cry, a member of the camp triumphantly blew a shofar, summoning all soldiers of Christ in preparation for spiritual warfare.
Smoke misted through the atmosphere as GA exploded onto the stage with the title song “Stand Out,” marching and moving together with choreographed steps. The Altos and Sopranos were clad in white button-down shirts, each with its own styled personality, black layered ruffle skirts, black leggings, and black and white chucks, while the Tenors, also with black slacks, white shirts and chucks, completed the classic yet trendy look with black arm straps. Fusing the 80s, go-go, gospel, and swing, the second song brought a fresh new sound to the sanctuary. “Hold On” rocked the Rock Church with a flowing duet from Tye and his brother/Music Director Thaddaeus Tribbett, while GA doo-wopped in the background.
The first worship song of the evening, “Bless the Lord” written and lead by the incredible Jon Owens, sparked another level in the recording. Hands were raised throughout the building as the worship flowed into “I Need You” giving way to bountiful call-and-response, and “I Love Your Name,” featuring the incomparable Praise and Worship leader, Judith Christie McAllister.
“Look Up,” which appeared as an interlude on Tye Tribbett & GA’s previous Victory: Live! project was expanded, featuring Angie White-alto (featured on “Who Else But God” on Victory: Live!), and Stellar Award-winning Kierra “Kiki” Sheard. The duet by Angie and Kiki is sure to spark many post-mentions. Stepping it up a notch with a churchy stomp-clapping “He Has Made Me Glad,” powerhouse Kim Burrell belted out the lead through heavy vibrato from GA. Continuing the traditional segment with “I Made it Through,” the stomps and claps commenced into shouting.
Intermission was filled with a Word from Tye where he thoroughly explained the concept of the “Stand Out” movement. Stemming from Ephesians 6:11, he taught the relevance of the scripture, how to apply it to daily living, sacrifice and service to God, and the importance of withstanding and standing against things not of God. Being a preacher at heart, Tye utilized all breaks between songs to speak words of inspiration, bringing even more understanding about Christ and the purpose of this recording.
The second half showed how musically eclectic and diverse Greater Anointing is. “All Hail” exuded a hard rock, head-banging experience, followed by a powerful Contemporary Christian Rock “Got2 Get Outta Here,” enhanced by the stimulating mime ministry of Lights of Zion from Chicago, IL. This portion of the evening was earth-shattering as you could see the words of the song in motion through the mimes. Yet another level had been reached and the presence of God had fully saturated the building. An alter call was held, and hearts all over the sanctuary received salvation and restoration.
Continuing with the CCM segment of the recording, “Hallelujah” gave way to the praise dancers of Glory Dance Ministries (of Without Walls International Church, Tampa, FL) during the vamp. Keeping the Hallelujah Medley going, “Let Us Worship” came immediately after, maintaining the vivacious celebration of the Lord of Hosts. The third Medley song “So Amazing” was just that. This song really sparked a chord with the audience as they continuously shouted ‘I – don’t – know – what I would be – had – it – not – been for YOU!...Your love is so amazing…’ Adding to the excitement, Thaddaeus on the bass, Tye on the harpsichord, and Darnell Miller on the guitar played profusely until they playfully dropped to end the song. Next, a quintet of Tye, Aaron Camper-tenor, Angie White-alto, Shayla Stevens-soprano, and DeMaris Tribbett(Tye’s sister)-soprano presented the heavenly “Chasing After You” from high stools.
Bringing closure to the already marvelous evening, “Well Done” exemplified what we as Christians work our whole lives for; to stand before the Lord in Heaven and hear the words, ‘well done good and faithful servant,’ or as the lyrics so eloquently put it, ‘Enter into my joy, servant, well done.’ Accompanied throughout by the Glory Dance Ministries praise dancers, it was as if the heavens above had opened up and the Glory Cloud was in the midst.
As the evening came to an end, all of Tye Tribbett & GA joined together in a straight line across the stage, proclaiming once again for all to “Stand Out.” With one arm across the chest to withstand the wiles of the enemy and one arm extended out front to stand against what is not of God, this stance signifies the “Stand Out” movement which will permeate worldwide once the project is released in 2008. But don’t wait until then! You can “Stand Out” even now, using your God-given power and authority along with the Holy Spirit inside of you…which is, as Tye states, ‘the most banging thing in the world today!’
This movement has already hit the streets of Virginia Beach through Part Two of the recording on Saturday, August 18, 2007. Right on the Oceanfront, 24th Street and Pacific Avenue, the whole area was filled with words and music as passers-by stopped on the boardwalk to be a part of the “Stand Out” experience. The evening started with an open-mic session, with participants from all over the country, ranging from Oregon to Philadelphia, with a showcase of rapping, singing, instrumental music, and even comedy. GA represented “Kingdom University” with their white KU logo tees and army fatigue cargo shorts. Of course they spiced it up with the ladies wearing bright colored Reebok high-tops with rainbow-colored shoestrings and the guys wearing black custom-made Nikes with black and rainbow soles. Revisiting songs from Part One of the recording, the audience was all the more receptive. A couple new songs were revealed as well, but of course the night wouldn’t be complete without declaring the “Victory!”
The “Stand Out” weekend was truly a ministry-based event, which is no less than what is expected of Tye Tribbett and Greater Anointing. Jon Owens shared with us, describing the event as an explosive and dynamic move of God, “young people from all races and denominations will be affected by this movement.” Worship and praise on heightened levels, anointed lyrics, powerful moves, and life-changing events. This is only the beginning. Are you ready to “Stand Out?”
Stay tuned to www.vgslentertainment.com for exclusive pictures, video files, and updates from Tye & GA on the Stand Out Weekend!
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