THE Grammys’ salute to gospel music saw the industry’s movers and shakers at their best and this year’s event was one of major significance.The event was the official kick-off to their 50th anniversary and Grammy president Neil Portnow was quoted as saying this was the first time the event had been held outside of the Los Angeles area. Members were allowed to invite a limited number of guests from the public.

Among the members attending the stellar event at the Lincoln Theatre in Washington, DC was Bermuda’s own L.A Virgil, who shared her experience with the Mid-Ocean News from her Pennsylvania home.

She told me: “Mr. Portnow stated that the Lincoln Theatre, where the event was held in the nation’s capital, was a fitting venue to hold such an event.

“Now the Lincoln Theatre is the only theatre that used to allow blacks to watch movies and plays back in the days of segregation.

“President Bush and his wife, Laura, sent special acknowledgements that were read by the President’s aide,” said Ms Virgil.

Also present was the new vice-chairman of the Recording Academy’s board of trustees, Jimmy Jam. The musical director was Donald Lawrence and the hosts for the evening’s event were Yolanda Adams and Donnie McClurkin.

“The honourees were Dr. Bobby Jones, who let me test my new camera on him, Michael W. Smith and the Clarke Sisters, who apparently the ushers had mistakenly placed beside me, my aunt and a few friends,” said Ms Virgil.

“As a result Karen Clarke Sheard stood by us patiently waiting to be seated and when it was all said and done I was able to share a few laughs and camera tests with their close family relatives.”

The event had a profound impact on Ms Virgil, who gushed how the performers had perfect pitch and the sound and lighting were top-notch bar none.

The scores of celebrities present included such heavy-hitters as Yolanda Adams, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Byron Cage, Crystal Lewis, Donnie McClurkin, Kierra KiKi Sheard, Ricahrd Smallwood and BeBe Winans.

Ms Virgil was touched by the performers’ sincerity through their testimonials and thanking God for their talent.

“Practically all of them shed tears of joy and effortlessly allowed the Holy Spirit to take over that auditorium.” she said.

“Every one of the honourees spoke of how this award meant the most to them. Karen Clarke Sheard gave her personal testimony and started to do a ‘Holy Ghost’ dance as she praised the Lord for allowing her to live and go through her health battle to see this day,” she said.

Ms Virgil dispelled the misconception that many of the industry performers are aloof and jaded.

“They were so humble that you forgot their celebrity status, like BeBe (Winans) who gladly took a business card from me for his sister.

“At the end of the day, these gospel artists walked the walk of what it is to wear on their sleeves the humbleness of Christ. I say this because I have been to several events and you can tell the difference in celebrity attitude.”

The first-hand experience had a positive impact on the seasoned veteran whose tireless efforts have paved the way for many young local artists.