Larry Bland
Larry J. Bland, a native Richmonder, is a highly respected musician, arts administrator, producer, performer, and business professional. Mr. Bland’s multi-talents have been revealed in his accomplishments as a trailblazer in his innovations in gospel music presentation, being among the very first nationally to introduce choreographed, “gospel show choir” formatted performances.In addition, he has received numerous public service and outstanding arts administrator awards for his accomplishments in directing and coordinating special events, most notably serving as the first black to direct the City of Richmond’s June Jubilee Festival.
He has directed the Volunteer Choir for the past 40 years, touring extensively on the East Coast and the Midwest, appearing in Los Angeles before The Late James Cleveland (1981), garnering numerous awards and critical acclaim for his unique brand of musicianship and presentation. He has also directed various choirs within sacred music programs for many churches in the Richmond, Virginia and Washington, D.C. metropolitan areas.
He is a 1977 graduate of Virginia State College, receiving his B.S. Degree in Vocal Music Education. During his matriculation at VSC, he most notably founded the Virginia State College (University) Gospel Choir (1972).
He has worked professionally in the legal and entertainment industries where he contributed greatly to the success of the launch and ongoing success of the Discovery Channel’s partnership with the British Broadcasting Corporation on the domestic and international level, coordinating programming summits and providing administration in London, France and Singapore. He also worked closely with the launch events for TV-One.
Mr. Bland has several Richmond-based recordings to his credit and has accomplishments also in the secular community, having partnered his talents with the Richmond Symphony, Richmond Opera Company, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, City of Richmond Department of Parks and Recreation, United Way, March of Dimes (to name a few) and most notably with the Commonwealth of Virginia’s May 2007 Royal Welcome to Queen Elizabeth. He has also led his group in performances before former Virginia Governor Mark Warner, along with special guest appearances at The Wolf Trap Amphitheater, Constitution Hall, RFK Stadium and The Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C.
Mr. Bland has received critical acclaim for his theatrical portrayals of “Purlie ” in the musical of same title, his musical directorship of productions of “The Amen Corner”, “Don’t Bother I Can’t Cope”, as well as Chorus Master for The Richmond Opera Company’s premiere production of Scott Joplin’s opera, “Treemonisha.”
Mr. Bland’s ongoing commitment to the preservation and presentation of traditional and contemporary gospel music is most noted in incorporation of The Volunteer Choir as a 501(c)3 nonprofit arts organization. The organization continues to present limited concerts and special appearances under Mr. Bland’s artistic direction.
Mr. Bland is currently providing administration and operations management assistance for Paradigm Communications’ Richmond Free Press, a black-owned and operated newspaper in Richmond, Virginia.
1) A $10 donation plus $2.50 S&H via PayPal (below) awards you a CD copy of the 5 song EP. We will ship your CD the 1st business day after your order!
2) You can buy individual tracks for $1.50 each via PayPal (below), and the song of your choice will be emailed to you within 24 hours!
3) You may also mail a check or money order to: PO BOX 35349 Richmond, VA 23235 When Received, we will ship your CD immediately!