[Posted Jan. 21, 2008]

Eric Taylor & Friends Present Memorable Concert

By Rev. G. "Paris" M. Kelly

Freelance Writer

Special To the Guide

   Eric Taylor a native son of the Tidewater area, has grown in his music ministry.  His gift has been used tremendously across the denominational boundaries.  While we understand in the theological movement of the ministry, we argue doctrines of salvation and baptism; but, seemingly the music industry accepts the Pentecostal, the Methodist, the Baptist, the non-denominational musician’s gift. 
    Being able to play the violin is an exceptional gift from God and on December 9, 2007, the people of the Tidewater area were able to show Eric Taylor and his family the love that they have for him.  The event was held at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott Hotel at the 4:00 p.m. hour.  There were over 500 attendees at the pre-Christmas Celebration all with great hopes and anticipation on hearing the violinist play, on his tip toes.  Pastor Carlton McCloud of Calvary Revival Church, Chesapeake, opened the occasion in prayer, along with introducing the Master of Ceremonies for the hour.,  Mr. Kurt Williams, News Anchor, WTKR TV-3.  Dr. Robert Murray, First Baptist Church, Bute Street, Norfolk, VA led the Grace. 

     Local artists such as David and Michelle Watson, Shannon Rose, Ervin M. Alton, Tim Brown, Sandra Brown, The Elliott Family String Quartet, and national recording artists, June Sullivan, Elder Peggy Britt and Charles Stanley performed at the event.  The highlight of the event was when 10-year-old Miss Promise Paulden and Eric Taylor performed the Battle of the Violinists. 
    Jerry Robinson, Christian Comedian, AKA, “Bro. Willie Lee Goodfoot”, performed an act which reminded the audience of the character “Eugene” which is played by Martin Lewis. The Elliott Family String Quartet was amazing, with Mrs. Elliott and her three children who began to play the violin as early as two-years-old.  Branden, Justin and Sterling all started out early, but Sterling wasn’t trained on the violin; he had the task of learning the “Cello.”  Little Miss Promise Paulden is the daughter of Pastor Paulden and she really gave all honor to the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as well as to Eric and Mrs. Elliott for being her mentor and teacher. 
   Elder Peggy Britt ministered to the people of God in regards to how much the Tidewater area spends on the Gospel industry.  She expressed that “we do not support our local artists in the national arena.  I want to thank everyone for supporting this event for Eric but the support goes far beyond the Marriott.  I would love to see some of our people receive Stellar Awards and Grammy Awards because we have a host of talent out there but, the industry demands that the people must be supportive of what were are doing.” 
     The newly consecrated Bishop Darryl Scott, Jr., Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Virginia, Beach, VA, closed with final remarks and benediction.  Yet, the celebration was continued in Newport News and Hampton, VA, with Eric ending the New Year on December 31, 2007 with Gethsemane Baptist Church, Dr. Dwight Riddick, at the Hampton Convention Center.  For more information about Eric Taylor please call ELT Enterprises, Inc. (757) 850-2085 or (757) 303-8921. 

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