Soulsation Gospel & Jazz Concert

The Soulsation Gospel & Jazz Concert is an evening highlighting excellence in African American culture featuring Grammy and NAACP Image award winning gospel artist Hezekiah Walker with the Virginia Union University Choir. Also performing is local jazz great James Saxsmo Gates, who will be accompanied by other jazz musicians. Branden Anderson will perform his chart topping single “God Did It” mixing gospel with a blend of R&B and hip hop. And, Brown Ballerinas for Change will open the evening with a culture enriched contemporary dance performance. Masterfully weaving the evening together will be comedian Micah “Bam Bamm” White as the master of ceremonies.

Immediately following the concert is the sparkling Crystal Reception in the grand banquet hall. This VIP, red carpet, experience is available to guests who purchase an All Access Ticket.

Ticket Price:

• General Admission - $50
• All Access Pass including Crystal Reception - $75

We are excited to present this upscale program in RVA’s newest event venue, the Virginia Rep Center of Arts & Education, located in the pristine Hermitage Road Historic District neighborhood surrounded by beautiful grand homes. The venue has FREE, onsite, easily accessible parking. The unique theater design provides for an intimate “orchestra seating” experience for all concert attendees.

The Soulsation Gospel & Jazz Concert is in honor of Dr. Rodney D Waller’s 15th Anniversary as Pastor of First African Baptist Church.

Sample videos below of the music & performances as well as information about the artists.

ADA compliant venue with wheelchair seating accessibility.

We are celebrating the Crystal Anniversary of Dr. Rodney Waller who has served in ministry 25 years and has pastored at First African Baptist Church for 15 years.

Gospel singer, composer, and choir leader Hezekiah Walker, known as "the hip-hop pastor," has brought a lot of young people to gospel and choir music, and has shown that he has no problem using modern vernacular and recording techniques to expand his fan and worship base. He has been inducted into the to the Gospel Music Association Hall and has won both an NAACP Image award and Grammy.

Micah “Bam-Bamm” White has spent over 20 years in the entertainment industry as a stand-up comedian, host, and philanthropist. He has performed in four countries, and in over 80 U.S. cities in 30 states. The go-to guy for corporate comedy and hosting, White’s talents have led him to perform for 40 corporations, 30 non-profit organizations, and 20 colleges doing everything from stand-up to hosting and delivering the commencement address. He’s gone on tour with Gary Owen, has hosted and performed aboard the Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage, and has appeared in Denzel Washington’s “Unstoppable” and the Lifetime network’s “Army Wives.”

The passionate search for perfection describes James Saxsmo Gates and his career as a top-notch Jazz Musician. From his experiences performing with Art Blakey, Larry Carlton, Jeff Lorber, Alex Bugnon, Cyrus Chestnut, Chris Botti, Billy Kilson, Terrance Blanchard and many others, comes a smooth, yet blazing style and presentation. Gates Wide Open is the third commercial release for Saxsmo as a solo artist and is the beginning of a new era for Saxsmo.

Branden Anderson is an American singer, songwriter, musician, actor, entrepreneur, teacher and much sought after motivational speaker. He is most known for being the founder and member of the international award winning and chart-topping group G.I. For the last decade, the group has dominated the Billboard Charts, racking in millions of music sales/streams, and touring the world sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

An evening of Jazz in RVA is not complete without a performance by the sensational Desireé Roots. Desiree has been one of this region's most favorite performers for over 30 years with her “triple-threat” talent of acting, singing and dancing. She also serves as the co-artistic director of Virginia Repertory Theatre.

The reknowned Virginia Union University Gospel Choir as toured international and appeared on national television, including Good Morning America,

Brown ballerinas are change makers. We are dancer-led and our purpose is to use ballet to promote activism, social justice, and to increase diversity in the arts by providing annual scholarships, a mentor network, and community programs to empower young dancers.

Dr. Rodney D. Waller is the Senior Pastor of the historic First African Baptist Church of Richmond, Virginia, the third oldest African American church in the United States.

Dr. Waller has led the congregation in expanding its ministry footprint through passionate worship and engaging in purposeful outreach. Dr. Waller’s desire is that, as the church First African Baptist is actively engaged in the community, proclaiming the Word of Christ, doing good deeds whenever and wherever possible to make a positive impact. He is best known for his gifted preaching, visionary leadership and love for teaching God’s Word.

Dr. Waller earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy and Religious studies from Virginia Union University, a Master of Divinity from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University, and a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Virginia University of Lynchburg. He participated in the UK African American Preaching Festival in London, England. While in London, he studied at Oxford University under the leadership of Dr. Joel Gregory. Most recently, Dr. Waller pursued studies in Business Administration and earned an Executive MBA in Church Administration from Virginia Union University.

First African continues to grow under Dr. Waller’s leadership. He has a purpose focus on ministry to youth and young adults and seeks to minister to an intergenerational congregation through preaching and teaching the Word of God with power, conviction, and simplicity. Dr. Waller’s visionary spirit has led him to create on the job training initiatives to prepare students and young adults for career opportunities in media technology and business. He has also provided internships for college students.

Pastor Waller serves in leadership roles for various non-profit organizations including the Board of the Children’s Home of Virginia Baptist and serves as the current Chair. Most recent, Dr. Waller serves as Director of Faith-Based Initiatives at VUU. He is a member of the Hampton Ministers’ Conference Executive Board, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

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