Together We Sing 2024 will pay tribute to the beloved Christian and Gospel recording artist Mandisa and feature performances by multi-platinum Stellar Award-winning legend Marvin Sapp, 2024 American Idol contestant Odell Bunton, Jr., Dallas Black Dance Theatre, and more.
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO) and Project Unity today announce Together We Sing, the annual musical and special event fundraiser benefiting Project Unity’s signature community programs. In its fourth year, this incredible evening of inspiring gospel and classical music will inspire unity with multi-faith musical collaborations. Tickets for the performance start at $49 and are available now at dallassymphony.org or projectunity.net.
The annual Together We Awards will return with a special award presentation to United States Senator Reverend Raphael G. Warnock, for his work to unify multi-faith leaders across our nation to leverage the power of love and empathy for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Project Unity developed this honor to recognize champions who are working tirelessly to create new paths to confront and dismantle racism. Honorees will be celebrated during the Together We Awards reception at 6 p.m. and presented during the concert.
The soul-stirring performance will begin at 7 p.m., featuring multi-platinum Stellar Award-winning gospel recording artist Marvin Sapp; 2024 American Idol contestant Odell Bunton, Jr.; a special tribute to Christian and gospel sweetheart Mandisa, who recently passed away; a multi-faith musical moment; a special performance by the world-renowned Dallas Black Dance Theatre to music composed by DSO’s Vice President of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Impact, Glyne A. Griffith II and Melvin Wellington Lightford; Hollywood-famed orchestrator and conductor Leon Lacey; the Dallas Symphony Orchestra; and the show-stopping 200-voice Unity Choir comprised of choruses from more than 20 religious and faith organizations.
Project Unity is pleased to announce its title sponsors and co-chairs from the Dallas business and philanthropy community for this year’s signature fundraiser, including:
Cheryl Alston, Dallas Employees’ Retirement Fund
Marena Gault, Dallas Symphony Association Board of Governors
Peter Gault, Dallas Symphony Association Executive Board
Carol Glendenning, Member, Clark Hill
Don Glendenning, Partner, Locke Lord
Tracey Nash-Huntley, Community Leader
David S. Huntley, Retired, SEVP and Chief Compliance Officer, ATT
Jill Scovell, Woodbine Development Corporation
Dupree Scovell, Woodbine Development Corporation
Title sponsors for the event include Communities Foundation of Texas, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and Project Unity. Additional sponsors are listed here.
Together We Sing will benefit Dallas-based non-profit Project Unity, a collaborative effort of programming and events hosted in partnership with segments of the Dallas community including faith, business, civic, philanthropic, grassroots and government entities. Project Unity and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra have collaborated in multiple events, including Gospel Goes Classical in 2019, Together We Sing in 2023 and a Unity Concert presented at the Meyerson Symphony Center in 2020 that honored those who lost their lives to racial violence and injustice.
“We are very excited for our ongoing partnership with the DSO and to have the opportunity to bring performers and audience members of all backgrounds together to promote unity,” said Richie Butler, founder of Project Unity. “I can’t think of a better way to move forward in our mission of togetherness than through music.”
The partnership between Project Unity and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra blends community and music,” said Debi Pena, chief administrative officer of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. “We extend an invitation to everyone in Dallas to join us to witness the transformative force of music in fostering unity.”
Marvin Sapp has a new radio single, and it is a song that he just debuted on TV ONE’S Urban One Honors. Written by Sapp along with Jarmone Davis, Christopher Leach and Aaron Lindsey, “You Kept Me” is the follow-up to “All in Your Hands,” which reached #1 at Gospel radio and earned a nomination for the 54th NAACP Image Awards in the Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song category.
“You Kept Me” shines as a gorgeous ballad, offering a thank-you to God for keeping us through the highs and lows of life. “One of the emotions in this season of emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic is thankfulness and gratitude to God simply for keeping us in tact – health wise, emotionally, financially, all of it. Many people did not come out on the other side of this, we did because God kept us. You Kept Me reflects our gratitude for that,” says Sapp.
“When I first heard ‘You Kept Me,’ I knew Marvin Sapp’s iconic voice would be perfect for the song. As the producer, co-writer and musician on the song, I knew that our charge was to help explain the faithfulness of God and allow listeners to feel encouraged and blessed by the message of the lyrics,” says Lindsey. “I hope that people feel this message, even within the song’s craftsmanship. Every detail that we added – every inversion, every inflection, every arrangement, every choice – was to communicate that no matter where you are in your life, God is right there with you and will never leave you nor forsake you.”
“You Kept Me” is the second single from Sapp’s 14th album, Substance (Elev8/ThirtyTigers), which is available now everywhere digital music is sold.
Multiple Award-Winning Gospel Recording Artist and Renowned Pastor Marvin Sapp Announces New Multi-Media Entertainment Production Company
Elev8 Media & Entertainment will Offer “Content at the Next Level”Bows with Label Deal from Thirty Tigers
Marvin Sapp’s seasons continue to change. Today, he announces Elev8 Media & Entertainment – a new multimedia company that will be the hub for upcoming film, television and music projects. Elev8 enters the market as the newest label on the Thirty Tigers roster, and already has a slate of releases lined up: Jamar Prince (Marvin L. Sapp, Jr.), The Chosen Vessel Cathedral Music + Arts, #Elev8 (a worship compilation comprised of winners of a national talent competition), and the next solo album from Marvin Sapp.
“Elev8 has been many years in the making. I have studied the inner workings of the entertainment business as the impact of my own music ministry expanded into new territories and new opportunities. As an entrepreneur, developing my own entertainment company was a bucket list item that I am excited about finally becoming a reality.”
Bishop Marvin Sapp
Thirty Tigers Co-founder and President David Macias says: “Marvin Sapp is a legend in the music business, and it’s beyond exciting for Thirty Tigers to be entrusted to serve him in the launch of Elev8 Media & Entertainment. We were attracted to his vision about how he wanted to start and operate his company, as well as being obviously excited about getting to work with a 13-time Grammy nominee whose music we’re fans of.”
“I’m really proud of my Dad. I respect him for everything that he does and for everything that he has accomplished. This label is something that he has talked about for a long time, and it is going to be cool to work with him creatively and as a businessperson. Even though I sing R&B music, he has done nothing but support and respect me as an artist, and that foundation is what will make this artist/label relationship successful.”
Jamar Prince
“The way this has happened is nothing but God,” says Myron Williams, Minister of Music, The Chosen Vessel Cathedral.
“For this label to develop after Bishop Marvin Sapp assumes leadership of The Chosen Vessel Cathedral, where our music department has been waiting for a moment and an opportunity to really showcase our unique giftings to the world, is proof that God is the ultimate dealmaker and divine orchestrator. It is a privilege to serve Bishop Marvin Sapp and we are honored to be able to record with him professionally.”
“We are ready to get to work,” says Sapp. “I am building a studio and, being in the Dallas Metroplex, I am surrounded by creativity and talent to really drive the musical process. I am particularly honored and elated to be able to provide a label home for my son, who has already created his own lane as an up-and-coming R&B artist. It is also a joy to release music from the music and arts department at The Chosen Vessel Cathedral, who I love doing ministry with. Due to the pandemic, I was able to work with these talented singers and musicians on various virtual promotional opportunities for my latest album. This showed me how much talent exists in my own church. Elev8 is committed to quality entertainment that elevates voices and creative gifts that need to be heard.”
Internationally celebrated, multiple award-winning Gospel recording artist Marvin Sapp has a new music project slated for later this year that he will record live at his new church, The Chosen Vessel Cathedral in Fort Worth, Texas.
The recording is set for Friday, February 21st at 7 p.m. CST, and will reunite Sapp with his musical masterminds – producer Aaron Lindsey and vocal director Myron Butler. Tentatively titled The Chosen Vessel, this album will be the follow up to Sapp’s 2017 release, Close. This will be Sapp’s first live recording since I Win, which was recorded live in 2011.
All of Sapp’s previous live recordings have taken place in his hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan, except I Win, which was recorded at Evangel Cathedral in Fort Washington, Maryland. Sapp is excited to bring the electrifying energy of the live recording experience to his new city, which has embraced him warmly.
“This recording is special to me because I’m doing it in my new home – literally and figuratively. I never imagined that I would live in and pastor in the DFW Metroplex, and now that I am here, I can’t wait to continue to connect with the community and immerse my church into this side of my ministry through this live recording,” Sapp said.
The Chosen Vessel will be released on RCA Inspiration/Verity later this year.
Phil Thornton, SVP and General Manager of RCA Inspiration/Verity, says, “Marvin Sapp continues to be one of the most powerful and prolific voices in Gospel, whose live performances and compelling songwriting always make a vibrant, profound experience that is unforgettable. Truly a don’t-miss event, I can’t wait to see the thrilling songs that Marvin and his incredible musical team have created, performing his new album in his new church live for the first time!”
In addition to being a gifted preacher, Marvin Sapp is an author, radio show host and internationally renowned singer who has enjoyed a decorated 30 year music career, receiving 24 Stellar Awards, 2 Soul Train Music Awards, 2 BET Awards, 3 Dove Awards and 8 BMI Songwriter’s Awards for sales along with many other accolades and honors from national, regional and local institutions. He is a multiple Grammy and Billboard Award nominee. Sapp was named one of Billboard’s 2019 Top 10 Gospel Artists and his greatest hits album, The Very Best of Marvin Sapp, was one of Billboard’s Top 10 Gospel Albums of 2019. Sapp became Senior Pastor of The Chosen Vessel Cathedral in Fort Worth, Texas on September 15, 2019.
Bishop Marvin L. Sapp to Retire as Senior Pastor of Lighthouse Full Life CenterWill Assume Position of Senior Pastor at Chosen Vessel Cathedral in Fort Worth, Texas in September
We interrupt your after church nap to bring you HUGE news out of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Bishop Marvin L. Sapp today announced to his congregation that he is retiring as Senior Pastor of Lighthouse Full Life Center. He has accepted the personal request of Bishop Richard E. Young to assume the role of Senior Pastor of Chosen Vessel Cathedral in Fort Worth, Texas. Bishop Young is a close family friend who is like an Uncle to Marvin Sapp.
Bishop Young has been the pastor of Chosen Vessel since 1985. In April he announced that he will retire to Emeritus status effective September 14th, 2019.
“When I began considering retirement, it was the Spirit of the Lord that prompted me to call Marvin,” says Bishop Young. “Not only is there a relationship rooted in mutual respect, but Marvin has proven himself to be extremely loyal. This ministry is one that I have spent the majority of my life building, and I want it to go to the next level. I know that Bishop Marvin Sapp will be committed and will lead Chosen Vessel to new levels, and that is why I asked him to be my successor.”
Marvin Sapp’s last day as Senior Pastor of Lighthouse Full Life Center will be the first Sunday in September. He will remain as Chairman of the Board of Directors at Lighthouse Full Life Center and will continue to provide spiritual oversight. Sapp will preach his first sermon as Senior Pastor of Chosen Vessel on September 15th. The date of Bishop Sapp’s installation will be announced in the near future.
Marvin Sapp is Metropolitan Bishop within the Global United Fellowship, under the leadership of Presiding Bishop Neil C. Ellis, where he oversees more than 100 churches in 19 states. In addition to being a gifted preacher, he is an author, radio show host and internationally renowned singer who has enjoyed a decorated 30 year music career, receiving 24 Stellar Awards, 2 Soul Train Music Awards, 2 BET Awards, 2 Dove Awards and 8 BMI Songwriter’s Awards for sales along with many other accolades and honors from national, regional and local institutions. He is a multiple Grammy and Billboard Award nominee and, in 2015, was named Billboard’s Top Male Gospel Artist.
Below is the Official Statement from Bishop Marvin Sapp:
When MaLinda and I started Lighthouse Full Life Center in 2003, it was with a clear focus on building a strong church that would be a wellspring of spiritual teaching and growth in Grand Rapids – a church firmly rooted in solid bible teaching and firmly focused on serving the Grand Rapids community.
Sixteen years later, I am proud of the presence that Lighthouse has in Grand Rapids. We have been consistent in our commitment to excellence in ministry and we have been consistent in our service to the community. We also have been good stewards of our resources: the church is debt free, which facilitates the ability to focus on the most important aspect of its existence – the needs of the people.
As most people know, the personal, professional and spiritual transitions in my life over the past eight years have been tremendous. Through the divine direction of God, I have kept a focus on my family, Lighthouse Full Life Center and my work in the City of Grand Rapids while managing life-altering change. I have been content in doing so, as the Word tells me to be content in all things.
However, in August of 2017, the Lord told me that 2018 was going to be the year for me to begin again. In 2018, I received multiple prophecies about transitioning from Grand Rapids. I initially rejected them. However, reminded of what the Lord told me, I began to be more contemplative and prayerful about the many opportunities that I was presented with to possibly assume church leadership roles in other cities.
This year, an opportunity was presented that I know represents the fulfillment of the prophecies I had received. As such, I am announcing my retirement as Senior Pastor of Lighthouse Full Life Center. The first Sunday in September will be my final Sunday at Lighthouse. I will remain as Chairman of the Board of Directors at Lighthouse, and will provide spiritual oversight of the church.
On September 15th, I will become the Senior Pastor of Chosen Vessel Cathedral in Forth Worth, Texas.
I received the call directly from Bishop Richard Young that he planned to retire this year and wanted me to take over his church. After considerable prayer and counsel, it became clear to me that this request was predestined. Bishop Young was like a brother to my spiritual father, the late Bishop William C. Abney. In fact, Bethel Pentecostal Church, which Bishop Abney led for more than 50 years, was founded by Bishop Young’s father. This is why I cherish the opportunity to continue the legacy of the great men of God who have impacted my life. It is something that I know in my heart is meant for me to do.
I will announce my successor at Lighthouse Full Life Center soon. The beauty of God’s timing with this transition is that Lighthouse is not going to miss a beat. The ministry birthed by MaLinda and I is firmly established, the pastoral team is comprised of gifted spiritual leaders who will function with continued excellence and care, and the church itself is unburdened by debt.
I am confident Lighthouse Full Life Center will flourish and its legacy will continue, as I move to Fort Worth, Texas to continue the legacy that is left for me.
