VHS

Gospel Concert #4 Orig.

VHS tape containing footage of gospel performances on an outdoor mobile stage in the Detroit Historical Museum's parking lot during the 1990 Detroit Festival of the Arts. The video opens with the character generator-made titles "The Detroit Historical Museum Presents The Fourth Annual Gospel Concert, Sept. 23 - 1990." The program opens with a welcome from Sylvia Williams from the Detroit Historical Museum, followed by another introduction by the mistress of ceremonies Deborah Smith-Barney of the Michigan Chronicle and University of Michigan, who encourages audience involvement. She explains that the program is sponsored by the Health Alliance Plan and Detroit Historical Museum.

The first act is Sequence of Harmony, a five member acappella gospel group. They perform a musical introduction, Canaan's Land, and Dem Dry Bones. The camera fades out from the third song.

After a brief clip of Smith-Barney's introduction, The Ridgeway Sisters take the stage with Darryl Houston providing accompaniment on the organ. They perform Let Us Go into the House of the Lord; Savior, Lead Me; and Safe in His Arms.

The third act captured on the tape is an unidentified violinist who performs with a pre-recorded backing track. He performs I Go to the Rock, and How Great Thou Are, and the Clark Sisters' You Brought the Sun Shine.

The forth act is Jamel Morrison, a singer who performs original songs, using pre-recorded backing tracks. He mentions that he usually performs with his son. His set features the songs When You're Walking Your Own Way You Are Walking Away from Christ, Blood of Christ, and a third song which does not include an introduction. The camera pans to the audience area during this performance.

The next segment on the tape is Deborah Smith-Barney introducing Sequence of Harmony for another set, however this performance was not recorded.

The next act which is captured on the tape does not receive an introduction, but consists of three singers, an organist, and a guitarist. They perform two songs by Richard Smallwood--Holy Holy; and Jesus, You're the Center of My Joy--followed by Mary Mary's Thank You.

The final act on the tape is Toni Booker and Booker Productions, a large choir with a band. Their performance incorporates parts of Whitney Huston's The Greatest Love. They also move into the crowd for the end of their set.

The video is on a 3M T-120 tape with a handwritten 3M label on the side. The tape is housed within a black cardboard 3M T120 sleeve.