All little Jahmond Webster wanted to do was see Kirk Franklin in concert on his birthday. His mother, famed celebrity photographer Pinkie "The Picture Lady" Webster, had told him that she was going to take him and his friends to a Kirk Franklin concert at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church but she wasn't sure if he could have his ultimate wish...to meet the legendary singer in person. Being the good kid that he is he said he would be satisfied with that and so that was how things were suppose to end.Enter into the picture this writer and the favor of God. After calls to a few of my buddies... (Thanks...Carla at Fo Yo Soul, Eric Burton and Jon Shoats of New Birth) a plan was put into place to give Jahmond and his friends a night to remember!
Kirk in concert
The concert was off da chains...if you have never seen Kirk Franklin live you have really missed a top performer. If he comes to your city go see him! Kirk and his awesome team of background singers pull out all the stops and deliver all of his hits. From "Hosanna" to "Looking for You" and everything in between the party is fierce and the praise is funky. He even turned "Shoulder Lean" into a gospel song...go figure! For most of the concert you are out of your seat jamming right along with him. In between sets he runs into the audience, asks people to dance with him and engages a crowd unlike any other singer I've ever seen. Best of all this concert was free and open to the public and yes the place was packed. New Birth really knows how to put on an event for the entire family to enjoy.
Jahmond and his entire birthday party danced and even went to the front of the stage with a large crowd to party with Kirk. Afterwards Pinkie and I told the group we had a surprise for them...they were going backstage to meet Kirk Franklin! The children could not believe it.
From left:Adrian, Kirk, Jahmond, Jarvis, Brianna and Myles
Jon ushered the entire group up to meet and greet Kirk and he was wonderful with the kids. Giving all of them a hug, kissing the only girl that was with them (smile) and snapping as many pictures as he could with each and everyone of them. Kirk was "a cool dude" as Jahmond said. The kids even got a chance to eat the delicious dishes that Hospitality Director at New Birth, Jeri Greer and her team put together for Kirk and his crew.
Kirk and the birthday boy Jahmond Webster
All in all it was a night that Jahmond and his friends will never forget...nor have they stopped talking about it. Thank you Kirk for always being a true, down, and genuine brother and for making the dreams of a child that I love come true.
