The Alaskan Project: Together We Stand, featuring International Gospel Singer, and Composer, Minister Norris Garner and friends. This live recording was from the 2007 Together We Stand Gospel Fest, held in Fairbanks, Alaska. The grand finale concert featured the workshop mass choir and a delegation of gospel guest artists from across the country. Those who traveled to Alaska to fellowship in song with the dozens of singers in the Together We Stand, Gospel Fest Workshop Choir were Minister Norris Garner, John Tillery, Dr. Clarence Eggleton, Isaiah D. Thomas, William Taylor, and Valerie D. Johnson. Together with the choir, the group sang the glory down, and possibly even melted an iceberg or two. This is indeed an anointed project with the best songwriters in the world, Minister Norris Garner and “Doc” Clarence Eggleton, Robert Anderson, Isaiah D. Thomas, and John Tillery. Church choirs and solo artist will be singing these songs for years to come. From track 1 to track 11, the listener will be inspired and uplifted. The project has a fresh sound with new and original compositions. The title track “Together We Stand” sends a message to the world that you are my brother and you are my sister. We are one… Let’s Stand Together! Track 1, featuring Stellar Award winning song writer, Isaiah D.Thomas singing “Jesus We Lift You Up” will get you up and ready for a “praze” party on any day of the week. The Alaskan Project is so powerful it has wakened the dead, meaning the saints and those who walk around with their heads down. The track “He Restored Me”, with Gospel Rap Artist, out of Atlanta is Jena Buie, originally from North Pole, Alaska, gives her personal message of how the Lord can restore you. Jena sings with William Taylor from North Carolina. His soulful voice gives the song a fresh anointing. This CD is packed with the best production work and arrangements. Several up tempo and traditional performances, including the pulse-pounding “Leaning and Depending on Jesus,” featuring Tamara Hornbuckle and Nique Ernest, make this CD a joyful ball of energy. Garner himself lends his many talents to a number of tracks, most especially on two pieces written in the old-school tradition, “I Want the Lord to Use Me” with Richard Wiley and “Holy Spirit” with John Tillery. The choir sparkles on a powerful and bone-chilling delivery of “Hold On”. They give this spiritual song the appropriate gravitas. The dramatic singing harmony of soprano, Valerie Johnson, and alto Angela Reaves touches the heart of the listeners. A snippet of Psalm 113 sung during “Praise the Lord With Me”, featuring Gabriel Cross and Robin Williams, asking congregants to praise “from the rising of the sun to the going down of the same,” takes on a whole new meaning when rendered at latitude where, depending on the time of year, that could be months! The final track, “Praying”, featuring Norris Garner and John Tillery, is a hip slapping, hand clapping song that benefits from a “choirtet” treatment, complete with quartet-style guitar riffs. Quick cuts between a number of the tracks, coupled with enthusiastic singing and effervescent responses from the audience, make The Alaskan Project: Together We Stand a fine ambassador of the 2007 session. A portion from the sale of this CD benefits the Fairbanks Rescue Mission. The Visionary of this project is Minister Anthony W. Buie. In September 2001, Anthony had a vision from the Lord. The image of “The Cross-before the Flag” was created. From this vision Anthony knew what his assignment would be… to put God back in front of America with song and praise. Two of the most powerful symbols we recognize are the Cross and the American flag. Ministers Garner and Anthony Buie share the same vision. They both believe that we have the power to change the world, that gospel music is life changing, and that original music can transcend cultures and continents. Minister Garner’s dream in life is to uplift, motivate, encourage, empower and make a positive impact in someone’s life. “We are on a Divine Assignment”, says Minister Buie, “It is our hope that we can take this vision to the world.” Not just another song; not just another concert; not just another music workshop, but the message that was penned by Dr. Clarence Eggleton of Berkeley, CA: “You are my brother; you are my sister, Lets Stand Together. Together We Stand is a symbol of unity Together We Stand is bringing families back together Together We Stand is building relationships Together We Stand is winning souls to Christ Together We Stand is respecting each other’s differences Together We Stand is not political or cultural Together We Stand is about God and Country TOGETHER WE STAND...America standing together for a miracle of kindness, coming to a city near you. Biography: Minister Anthony & Deacon Louise Buie Minister Anthony “A.W.” Buie was born and raised in Durham, North Carolina. He gave his life to Christ, at an early age. He attended Mount Calvary Holy Church where he was also a member of the Usher Board and the Choir. He is the son of the late David W. Buie Sr, and Evangelist Hattie Mae Buie of Durham, North Carolina. He graduated from Hillside High School; and continued his education in Louisville, Kentucky, where he attended the United Electronic Institute for 2 years. He left in 1971 to join the United States Air Force. Minister Buie is a Vietnam Veteran and retired honorably from military service after serving 22 years. His last duty station brought him to Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, where he retired. During his military career he owned and operated Tri Boss Productions. For over 30 years Anthony was a DJ and radio personality. When the Lord called him to do His work, he put away things of the world. Now he promotes the gifts and talents of others to glorify the Lord, through Gospel Workshops in the community. Anthony, "A.W." rededicated his life to Christ on July 4, 1999 at his 30-year class reunion. He was ordained as Deacon in 2004 and ordained as Minister in 2007 at True Victory Baptist Church in North Pole, Alaska. Anthony and his late wife Jeannette were married for 23 years. From this union they had four children. Jeanette went to be with the Lord in May 1998. In 2002, Anthony married Louise Martin Buie in Fairbanks, Alaska. She has been supporting and assisting him from the beginning of the project. Together the Buie’s have 6 adult children and 5 grandchildren. For the past 15 years Anthony has been an Account Executive for New Northwest Broadcasters. During Louise’s 16 years in Fairbanks, her community involvement and personal endeavors are extensive. Inspired by God, along with her husband, Anthony “A.W.” Buie, she co-founded Together We Stand Ministries. The purpose of Together We Stand is to unite religious denominations for the purpose of praising and worshiping the Lord in music. The Together We Stand Gospel Fest was founded in 2004 and has been held annually. Louise enjoyed a 20-year career in Newspaper Advertising. Her 8-year tenure at the Daily Union in Junction City, Kansas was followed by 3 years in Newport News, Virginia with the Daily Press Times Herald. In 1992 she secured a position with the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, where she retired from in 2001, as Director of Advertising. Louise has served the community in the following capacities: * Board of Director, Breast Cancer Detection Center (2 years) * Board of Director, Christian Women Fellowship (3 years) * President, Alaska State Pacific International Trap Shooting Association (2 years) * Member, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People * Choir Member, Trustee, Treasurer, and Deacon at True Victory Baptist Church, North Pole Alaska. Louise embarked upon her own part-time business endeavor, for over 20 years. She was a Consultant with Mary Kay Cosmetics. In January 2007 she embarked on a new career with Arbonne International as an Independent Consultant and is presently Area Manager. Her personal team of managers, “The Kingdom Builders” helps women with beauty and good health from the inside out. This gives Louise the opportunity to witness to women that need to know the love of Jesus Christ. Louise believes in using all her resources to help build Christ’s Kingdom. One such example is the purchase of home in 2007, which serves as a safe house for women and children who have experienced domestic violence. Louise also shares her life experiences with others, whether good or bad, for the purpose of sharing God’s grace and mercy. She is sincere and believes that if she, a former welfare recipient and woman who did not make all the right choices in life, others can overcome obstacles as well. She feels it is her duty as a Christian Woman is to share her testimony, of the goodness of God. Her willingness to share has brought many women to the realization that they too can excel in life. As you can see, with the Alaskan Project all who have participated in a large or small way have made a difference in the life of someone. Now you too can make a difference when you purchase this CD. A portion of the proceeds helps benefit those in the Rescue Mission. Be blessed… Together for Victory!