BAMBERG, Germany - An energetic crowd danced and sang along as Spensha Baker, trio Trin-i-tee 5:7, Deitrick and Damita Haddon, and 2008 Operation Rising Star winner Joyce Dodson performed at the Freedom Fitness Facility on Sept. 23. More than 300 people gathered around the constructed stage to experience the "Lift Up Your Spirit" tour.
The gospel-music tour landed in Bamberg amidst a jam-packed schedule of performances including shows in Heidelberg, Wiesbaden, GrafenwhAfAPr, Ansbach and Stuttgart as well as other cities. The last concert of the tour was in Livorno, Italy, Sept. 27.
Dodson's strong vocals and stage presence won over judges at last year's Operation Rising Star competition. As the first performer of the evening, she worked the crowd, asking audiences members to get on their feet and join in as she sang "The Splendor of the King," "How Great is Our God" and "I Will Praise Your Name," as well as other gospel songs.
For the second performer, Spensha Baker, "Lift Up Your Spirit" is her first time on an international tour. Just 16 years old, Baker, whose father is a sgt. major in the Army and mother is prior service, began singing when she was 9 and competed on Star Search at age 11.
"I am so honored to be here," she said to the audience. "I never get tired of performing for the Soldiers and their families. On behalf of this generation coming up, thank you for everything you do; it does not go unnoticed."
Baker has been on many promotional tours in the U.S. since the release of her first album, Out Loud, in August 2008. She said touring the world at 16 was surreal.
"It still hasn't sunk in," she said. "It'll probably sink in as I fly home."
Baker said performing on Army posts has contributed to her enjoyment of the trip.
It was something close to home, she said.
"They are amazing singers and individuals," Baker said of her tour mates. "Dietrick has really become a mentor."
Baker performed songs from her album including "Teach Me," "Hold On" and "Hallelujah."
"I'd love to keep making albums, writing songs and growing," she said of her future in the music industry.
Marcy Baker, Spensha's mom and manager, said being on tour with her daughter helps her stay focused.
"And she does homework along the way," Marcy said.
Beyond music, Baker is signed up to take a broadcasting class at her high school next semester and is considering majoring in broadcast journalism in college.
Gospel trio Trin-i-tee 5:7 performed a variety of songs including, "Dance Like Sunday," "The Kiss," "I will Lift," "Listen" and Curtis Mayfield's "People Get Ready."
Members Chanelle Hayes, Angel Taylor, Adrian Anderson have been together for more than a decade.
Anderson commented on the personal aspect of the tour.
"I'm the daughter of a Marine and a pastor and Angel's brother is in the National Guard," she said to the crowd. "We're honored to be here in Germany. Thank you for your sacrifice."
Their fifth album, T57, ranked #2 on Top Gospel Albums, #5 on the Top Christian charts and #12 on the Top R&B charts. T57 became a certified platinum record in 2008, selling over one million copies worldwide. The album was nominated for a Grammy Award and received two Dove Awards.
The Haddons were the last performers on stage. A married couple, both have produced gospel albums. Deitrick is a songwriter, singer and producer. He has worked with Tyscot, Arista and Verity labels.
Damita has released two solo albums.
After the concert ended, those with backstage passes were invited to meet and talk to the performers.
A collaboration of post and civilian organizations contributed to the performance's success.
"A variety of people both with the tour and from Warner Barracks completed the preparations," said Jack Austin, Stable Theater director. "Stable Theater has the on-post entertainment coordination duties, and in this case the concert was a joint venture between Army Entertainment and the Chapel. We took care of the logistics, with lots of assistance."
The setting, lighting and show itself seemed well received.
"A major event like this is a big endeavor involving lots of people and time, including some remarkable volunteers and other MWR and garrison agencies," Austin said.
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