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Pops Pastor Mike Jr. Symphony Praise Party

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Performance Details

  • Date Saturday, January 24, 2026
  • Time 7:00 pm
  • Venue Carpenter Theatre
  • conductor Dr. Henry Panion III

Let the church say, Amen! Pastor Mike Jr. brings his award-winning sound to the Richmond Symphony stage for a ‘Gospel Symphony Praise Party.’ Experience the power of orchestral arrangements by the masterful Dr. Henry Panion III blended with the energy of live praise & worship songs.

Pastor Mike Jr.

Pastor Mike Jr. founded Rock City Church in Birmingham, Alabama, transforming it into one of the region’s fastest-growing ministries and a vibrant hub for faith and community impact. He launched his music career officially in 2019 with the debut album Live Free, which soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart. Following that, his releases I Got It: Singles Ministry, Vol. 1 (2021) and Impossible (2023) consistently dominated Billboard’s Gospel rankings. Pastor Mike Jr. has earned a remarkable collection of accolades: 28 Stellar Awards, multiple GMA Dove Awards, BET Award nominations, and now, a 2026 GRAMMY nomination.

Pastor Mike Jr. shows that faith and culture aren’t in conflict, they thrive together. Through his mission-driven work, he champions families and empowers students to dream beyond limits, all while pairing these efforts with his powerful music.

Musical moment to listen for:

His powerful anthem “Amen,” dropped in January 2025, earned a 2026 GRAMMY nomination for Best Gospel Performance/Song. The track hit No. 1 on both Billboard’s Gospel Airplay and National Gospel Airplay charts. Celebrated for its authenticity and relatable grit, “Amen” bridges spiritual depth with a contemporary tone - a signature of Pastor Mike Jr.’s ministry and music mission.

Now, that mission ignites the Gospel Symphony Praise Party. Backed by the Richmond Symphony and elevated by Dr. Henry Panion’s masterful arrangements, Pastor Mike Jr.’s dynamic praise anthems will resonate like never before. It’s more than a concert; it’s a movement of faith, music, and community coming together in one unforgettable night.

 

Dr. Henry Panion III

Dr. Henry Panion III, PhD, serves as Professor of Music & Director of Music Technology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He brings multi-genre expertise spanning gospel, classical, R&B, hip-hop, and more. A distinguished alumnus (Alabama A&M, Ohio State), he’s earned top honors including the Congressional Black Caucus Civic & Cultural Advancement Award, induction into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, and the Governor’s Arts Award.

Career highlights: then & now

Dr. Henry Panion III’s legendary partnership with Stevie Wonder spans more than three decades, defining a new era of symphonic soul. As arranger and conductor for Wonder’s acclaimed Natural Wonder tour and live album, Panion led world-class orchestras, including the Tokyo Philharmonic, in breathtaking performances of Stevie’s greatest hits. His artistry has graced stages across the globe, from the Royal Philharmonic to the Melbourne Symphony, blending orchestral grandeur with Wonder’s timeless sound. This enduring collaboration, rooted in musical excellence and cultural impact, cements Panion as one of the most influential voices in bridging classical and contemporary music.

Now, that same brilliance comes to Richmond. After decades of shaping symphonic experiences for Stevie Wonder and other music legends, Dr. Panion brings his unmatched artistry to the Gospel Symphony Praise Party. His orchestral arrangements will transform Pastor Mike Jr.’s chart-topping praise anthems into a sweeping, soul-stirring celebration where gospel energy meets symphonic grandeur in a way only Panion can deliver.