WS Chronicle

The parking lot and the sanctuary of Shekinah Glory Church on Lansing Drive were packed last Sunday evening as hundreds of gospel music lovers came out to help Dionn Owen and Renaissance celebrate their 23rd anniversary. 

Owen, who is a native of Halifax, Virginia, said the choir was started as a mass choir at Macedonia Worship Center here in Winston-Salem. The choir did so well that after the performance, requests started rolling in. Although he was totally against the idea at first, Owen said he eventually came around. 

“We performed that night and they got in contact with me and asked if we could keep it going and I said no,” Owen laughed. “But they talked me into it and it’s been rolling ever since.”

Dionn Owen & Renaissance was officially formed in Oct. 2001, and held their debut concert the following January at Middle Fork Christian Church. Today, the choir is composed of members from different churches throughout the Triad. 

Since 2001 Renaissance has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Shirley Caesar, Yolanda Adams, Bishop Dreyfus Smith and The Wings of Faith, Myron Butler, Levi Norman Hutchins, The Ministers of Music and Trinity 5:7, and many more.  They have also been nominated for dozens of awards over the years, including more than five at the Rhythm of Gospel Awards Show. 

While reflecting on the past 23 years, Owen said although he was against it at first, he’s enjoyed every moment. “It’s been a wonderful journey and I’m just thankful that we’re still here,” he said. 

During the “Rebirth Reunion Concert” held on Sunday, April 28, more than 60 members of Renaissance sang old favorites as well as several new songs that were performed for the first time. There were also performances from Bishop Stephen Williams, Fresh Wind Dance Ministry, and Flow of Oil Dance Ministry.  

Clips from the concert can be viewed by visiting The Chronicle’s Facebook page. For more information on Dionn Owen and Renaissance, including booking information, visit “Dionn Owen & Renaissance” on Facebook.