Choir celebrates 15-year anniversary and album release
The choir sang beautifully throughout the evening during the anniversary on Sunday, April 23.
Photo by Timothy Ramsey
BY TIMOTHY RAMSEY
THE CHRONICLE
Dionn Owen and Renaissance have been a staple in the Winston-Salem area for well over a decade. From Gospel Fest at the Dixie Classic Fair, performing at concerts or releasing CDs, the choir is well known in the gospel community and beyond.
On Sunday, April 23, Dionn Owen and Renaissance celebrated their 15-year anniversary at Macedonia Worship Center. Along with celebrating their anniversary, the choir also released their third studio CD, titled “In the Moment.”
Owen stated he was excited about releasing the new album to the public and for those in attendance at Macedonia Sunday evening.
“I am just so very excited because of what we had to endure to get this CD done,” he said. “Everyone just did a miraculous job on it and we just thank God for what He has done.”
The program’s emcee was Bishop Stephen Williams. Owen and Renaissance sang a number of songs, some old and some new. They also gave a community presentation award to Bishop Todd Fulton for his work with food justice in the city of Winston-Salem.
“I am just so glad that the people of the community has chosen me to be a pillar rather than me choosing it for myself,” Fulton said. “I am just so honored that they decided to bestow this honor upon me and I will continue to work for the people.”
Owen said he is anxious for the people to hear their new music. He says from the people he has spoken with in person and on the radio they are “excited to just get the CD in their hands and finally be able to listen to it.”
“This album is not similar to our past work; its a different flavor and tone,” Owen went on to say. “We went in a different direction this time and we used more local artists this time to highlight out own people for a change.”
“Healing, hope and deliverance are some of the things I hope people get our of this album. We went through a lot putting this together and you can tell in our music. The pain, triumphs and victories we went through definitely come through in our music.”
Edna Smith, a 15-year veteran of the choir, said she was eagerly anticipating the release of the choir’s new CD. She said she hopes the people enjoy it as much as they like performing it for them.
“I just want to thank God for 15 years on this choir,” Smith said. “I am the oldest member of the choir at 74 years old and I’m just thankful for the fellowship and bond we all have. These 15 years have been great, and I look forward to 15 more.”
