For the second time in City Stages history, there was one stage, for one day which hosted one genre of music: Gospel.
Organizers for the festival teamed with area local churches for the event, which aimed to promote unity among citizens and provide family-oriented music with a Christian theme. O.C.O.C.O.S.-which stands for "One City One Church One Stage" took place on Sunday, June 15 , 2008 on the Coca-Cola Stage which is the main stage for this event.
This stage featured gospel music from Martha Munizzi, William Murphy, Canton Jones, Israel Houghton and New Breed, the Basement and the Birmingham Mass Community Choir.
Pastor Steve Green of More Than Conquerors Faith Church was instrumental in the booking of this expanded lineup. "We felt that gospel has gotten to another level, 'Pastor Green said. "It's gotten to the point where it can entertain us and serve a social cause. We're coming together to say that Birmingham is an awesome city-not forsaken, not dying, but alive."
O.C.O.C.O.S. was a gathering of people from all over the city, which consisted of musicians directed by Min. E. Tony Gaines, a choir of over 100 voices which was directed by Elder Dewayne Davis, and pageantry and dance which was directed by Min. Veronica Givhan and Min. Esther Flesh.
Here...you will see the rehearsals for the event, the preparation for ministry and the actual event. See history unfold!
