Kirk Franklin Brings Back His Reunion Tour with Kierra Sheard, Yolanda Adams, The Clark Sisters, Marvin Sapp, and Fred Hammond
Words and Photos by Thomas Sellers IV

Well-known gospel artist Kirk Franklin recently brought his highly successful Reunion Tour to DC’s Capital One Arena, and the atmosphere was electric even before the first note was played. The show’s lineup, featuring some of the biggest names in gospel, had fans on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating a night of powerful performances.

The tour truly felt like a reunion, as all the headliners opened the show together, performing a medley of some of their greatest hits — a beautiful introduction that set the tone for an unforgettable evening.

At Capital One Arena on Sept. 29, the first solo act of the night was Kierra Sheard, a beloved gospel artist. She lit up the stage with an electric performance, delivering powerful renditions of hits like “God in Me” and “Mo’ Better.” Her vocals were nothing short of outstanding, and her energy radiated through the entire arena, filling the space with a sense of joy and worship. Kierra’s interaction with the audience made the performance feel even more personal, and the crowd responded with just as much energy and spirit.

Watch a lyric video for “Mo’ Better” by Kierra Sheard on YouTube:

Next up was the mastermind behind the entire tour, Kirk Franklin himself, and he certainly did not disappoint. Known for his infectious energy and passionate performances, Kirk had the crowd on their feet from the moment he hit the stage. He delivered some of his biggest hits like “Brighter Day” and “Don’t Cry,” and his connection with the audience was undeniable. The way Kirk poured his heart and soul into every song was remarkable, and the crowd matched his energy every step of the way.

Watch the official music video for “Brighter Day” by Kirk Franklin

Then came Yolanda Adams, the iconic gospel voice that has touched millions. Fresh off the release of her new album Sunny Days, she took the stage with grace and elegance, captivating the audience with her powerful vocals. She beautifully performed fan favorites like “Fragile Heart” and her latest single, “Church Doors.” Yolanda’s voice soared through the arena, and the audience was completely engaged by her performance. It was clear that her presence alone was enough to uplift the spirits of everyone in attendance.

Watch a lyric video for “Church Doors” by Yolanda Adams on YouTube:

Next, the legendary Clark Sisters took the stage, led by the incredible trio of Ms. Dorinda, Jacky, and Karen Clark. The crowd erupted as they sang along to timeless classics like “Miracle” and “Hallelujah.” A standout moment came when Ms. Karen Clark hit her iconic long note on “Jesus is a Love Song,” a performance that sent chills through the crowd. Their harmonies were as flawless as ever, and they brought the house down with their soul-stirring vocals, proving why they remain a force in music.

In the middle of the show, Kirk Franklin returned to take it back to the old days, performing some of his classic hits on the keyboard. What made this moment even more special was when all the headliners joined him on stage, sitting in unison as they soloed their own songs with Kirk on the acoustics. It was an incredibly moving part of the evening, filled with nostalgia and emotion, especially when Fred Hammond performed his hit song “Running Back to You,” taking the audience back to his time with the gospel group Commissioned.

After the acoustic set, Fred Hammond took the spotlight. As one of the biggest names in gospel and R&B, Fred’s presence was commanding. He performed several of his solo hits like “They That Wait” and “Please Don’t Pass Me By,” and even surprised the audience by bringing out some of the original singers from “Commissioned” to perform a few of their classics. His voice sounded as authentic and rich as ever, and his performance was one of the highlights of the night.

Stream “Please Don’t Pass Me By” by Fred Hammond on YouTube:

Following Fred was the renowned pastor and gospel singer Marvin Sapp, who gave one of the most emotional performances of the evening. With iconic records like “Best in Me” and “Never Would’ve Made It,” Marvin brought the choir out of the crowd, with many in the audience visibly moved by his passionate vocals. His performance was nothing short of soul-stirring, and it was clear that every lyric came from a deep place of worship and praise.

For the grand finale, all the headliners returned to the stage for the ultimate reunion performance, feeding off their shared love for Jesus and each other’s music. Together, they closed out the night with a tag team of some of their biggest hits, including “You Brought the Sunshine,” “Blessed,” “Melodies from Heaven,” and the fan favorite “I Smile.” It was the perfect ending to a night filled with love, joy, and praise.

Conclusion: Kirk Franklin’s Reunion Tour lived up to its name, delivering not only a night of incredible music but also a heartwarming celebration of gospel legends coming together. The spirit of unity, worship, and nostalgia filled the arena, making this show an absolute must-see for fans of gospel music. The combination of live vocals, heartfelt performances, and surprise collaborations made this tour a remarkable and unforgettable experience.

All photos below copyright and courtesy of Thomas Sellers IV!

Here are some photos of Kierra Sheard performing at Capital One Arena on Sept. 29, 2024.

Here are some photos of Kirk Franklin performing at Capital One Arena on Sept. 29, 2024.

Here are some photos of Yolanda Adams performing at Capital One Arena on Sept. 29, 2024.

Here are some photos of The Clark Sisters performing at Capital One Arena on Sept. 29, 2024.

Here are some photos of Fred Hammond performing at Capital One Arena on Sept. 29, 2024.

Here are some photos of Marvin Sapp performing at Capital One Arena on Sept. 29, 2024.

Here are some photos of the entire Reunion Tour performing at Capital One Arena on Sept. 29, 2024.