Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake and West Angeles Church of God gave the ultimate gift to droves of patrons who set-out to worship at the church’s 10th Annual “Christmas at the Cathedral” concert on December 13.
The full-house event was free to the public, with church members and local residents decked out in high-heels, large and in-charge hats, studded dresses and pin-striped suits.
Grammy award-winning and currently nominated gospel artist Tasha Cobbs hit the scene to perform and also shared with the Sentinel why she’s filled with joy this holiday season.
“I’ve been trying to think of how to say ‘I’m thankful and grateful,’ and there are some things that God does that just blows your mind and you have no words for it, so I just have to give Him a thank you,” Cobbs said.
When asked what keeps her going, Cobbs said, “It’s the testimonies. I could be tired, traveling day after day, but when I get on the stage and see that people’s lives are being touched, that’s what keeps me going.”
Cobbs is currently still on the road for her “One Place Live Tour” with plans to make it to the West Coast.
The very beautiful and hilarious actress, comedian and now reality TV show personality, Kym Whitley, and her “rock rough and tough with my afro puff” “Raising Whitley” co-star ,Wendell James, also stopped by to let loose with the Sentinel at the holiday gospel concert. Whitley spoke with us about the new OWN Network series which details her unique family she calls “The Village.”
“It’s a show about my family, it’s my village, and we’re all raising Joshua together. We’re trying to show the world that they don’t have to do it alone, that they can build a village, and that blood does not make a family, but love does,” Whitley said. When asked what else is going on in Whitley’s life, she humorously stated, “James needs to join a church.”
James responded by stating that he’s actually a member of West Angeles, and that Whitley attends both the “8 a.m. and 11 a.m. services at Bedside Baptist.” Whitley comically replied saying, “The fact is I’m focused, I even pass my own plate around.”
We also caught up with actor Courtney B. Vance, husband to actress Angela Bassett, and long-time member of West Angeles. Vance said that he enjoys attending the annual event with his family every year.
“The reason is Jesus and we want to make sure we want to make sure we bring that feeling into our household,” he said. Vance recently wrapped up “The O.J. Simpson Story,” where he stars as the late Johnnie Cochran. The mini-series is scheduled to air on Fox February 2, 2016.
Judge Mablean Ephriam also shared her thoughts about the event. “Christmas at the Cathedral is always a gospel night full of tapping and great singing, so I’m looking forward to Tasha Cobbs, I love her music of ministry, and George Wallace, the man is crazy and I love his comedy.”
Judge Mablean is staying busy with her new TV show, “Justice with Judge Mablean” and working on the release of her new book, “Look Deep before You Leap: Tools to Survive a Relationship.”
Lastly, the Sentinel engaged 102.3 KJLH Radio Program Director Aundrae Russell with a brief interview about the event, where he says he looked forward to seeing Dottie Peoples and the other feature performers.
Regarding KJLH’s recent 50th anniversary, Russell said, “Most radio stations that have been around for a long time are long gone. For us to be here 50 years in this community, I think it’s a wonderful thing with all the history and all the tradition along with it.” Russell added that Southern California listeners could expect some big surprises in 2016.
Christmas at the Cathedral continues to serve as a staple gospel event in the Los Angeles community, one that brings joy and cheer to the hearts of many during the holiday season.
