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LATEST NEWS — PROJECT 27: BORN OF THE SPIRIT
Project 27 continues to grow in ways that reflect both the heart of the music and the vision behind it. As the producer, songwriter, and composer of the EP, Kevin L. Wafford has been shaping every detail of this project from the ground up, and the latest developments show just how far the journey has come.
The first official cover artwork has now been created, and it captures the spirit of the project with a level of power and elegance that sets the tone for everything that follows. The image reflects the atmosphere of worship, the depth of the music, and the excellence that defines the production. It feels like a moment lifted straight from the final showcase, and it represents the standard that Project 27 is committed to delivering.
Behind the scenes, the musical foundation is taking shape. The lineup of vocalists, musicians, and choir members has been confirmed, bringing together some of the most gifted talent in St. Louis. These are artists Kevin has worked with, trusted, and believed in for years, and now they are uniting under one sound to bring the EP to life. Rehearsal notes and arrangement drafts are already underway, and the early direction points toward a body of work that is bold, spiritual, and deeply rooted in the message of Matthew 27.
The lead single, “I Belong to God,” has officially been selected to introduce the project. Written and composed by Kevin, the song carries the same inspiration that sparked the entire EP on Easter morning. It will serve as the anchor for the rest of the music, setting the emotional and spiritual tone for the full release.
The Regional Arts Commission has confirmed its support for the 2027 Holy Week Showcase, ensuring that the community will experience the EP live and free of charge. This showcase will be the moment where the music, the message, and the people behind the project come together in one powerful night.
The donation campaign is now active, giving supporters the opportunity to directly invest in the recording, production, and performance of the EP. Every contribution goes into the music and the people who make it possible. There are no fees, no middlemen, and no wasted resources. The focus remains on honoring the craft, the talent, and the purpose behind Project 27.
Production planning continues to move forward. Studio dates are being finalized, the timeline is taking shape, and preparations are being made to document the journey from the first rehearsal to the final master. Exclusive merchandise inspired by the themes of the EP is also in development, with special editions reserved for Visionary‑level supporters.
As the project advances, the priorities remain clear: finalize the EP artwork, prepare the official cover, organize the Thank You Wall, and shape the Wrap Party experience that will celebrate the completion of the music. Every step reflects the same commitment that started this journey — to create something meaningful, something rooted in faith, and something that represents the spirit of St. Louis with excellence.
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Kevin L Wafford
Composer/ Producer
Showcase Production Experience
Kevin L. Wafford’s production experience spans from small local stages to major venues, including the Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. He produced the Our Excellence – Heritage 08 concert at Forest Park Community College in St. Louis, along with a full double‑disc live recording of the musical event — demonstrating his ability to manage complex, multi‑layered productions with both artistic and technical precision. Growing up playing in local bands and releasing original music, Kevin collaborated on his early works with his band Quiet Fire and other respected St. Louis groups such as the Ralph Butler Band, experiences that shaped his understanding of musicianship, arrangement, and live performance. Combined with his later work in television, live events, artist promotion, and public relations, he brings a seasoned, multidimensional perspective to producing a showcase like Born of the Spirit with excellence, creativity, and heart.
ABOUT MICHAEL J. LATCHISON & THE MICHAEL LATCHISON SINGING MINISTRY
Why Michael Latchison Is the Perfect Choir Partner for Born of the Spirit
Michael Latchison and the Michael Latchison Singing Ministry embody the exact spirit, discipline, and musical excellence that Born of the Spirit was created to showcase. With decades of leadership, a legacy of community impact, and a sound rooted in both tradition and spiritual depth, Michael brings a level of professionalism and heart that elevates every performance. His choir understands how to carry the emotional weight of a project, honor the message, and deliver it with power, unity, and authenticity — making them the ideal vocal foundation for Project 27’s inaugural showcase.
“THE MINISTRY & THE MISSION”
A Calling That Became a Legacy
The Michael Latchison Singing Ministry (MLSM) was founded in June 1985, when Michael J. Latchison felt led to form a community singing ministry while working at Beaumont High School. What began as a spiritual assignment has grown into the oldest active community gospel choir in the St. Louis Metropolitan area.
For more than 40 years, MLSM has stood as a ministry built on faith, consistency, and a deep commitment to serving people through music.
A Ministry of Firsts
Under Michael’s leadership, MLSM became the first African American choir to minister at:
St. Stanislaus Catholic Church
Christ Prince of Peace Catholic Church
They have also ministered at Powell Symphony Hall for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations and performed at major citywide events, including the City Wide Gospel Fest at Kiener Plaza.
Service Beyond the Stage
MLSM is known for hands‑on community outreach:
Feeding the homeless
Supporting Epworth Children’s Home
Thanksgiving baskets and winter essentials
Donations to Annie Malone Children’s Home
Christmas toy drives
This is a choir that sings with purpose — and serves with heart.
“THE IMPACT & THE FOUNDER”
Honors & Recognition
MLSM’s influence has been recognized across the region:
Christian Service Award — Missouri Progressive Missionary Baptist State Convention
Music Ministry of the Year Award — Missouri Association of Black Ministers
Five mayoral proclamations
Three city resolutions
A Highway 70 billboard celebrating their 30th anniversary
These honors reflect the ministry’s cultural, spiritual, and civic impact.
The MLSM Sound
The choir is known for its:
Traditional gospel foundation
Full, powerful ensemble sound
Spirit‑led delivery
Intergenerational membership
Professional presentation
Their music carries the weight of history and the fire of lived experience — a sound shaped by decades of worship and community.
Michael J. Latchison — The Founder
Michael is more than a director. He is a builder of people, a keeper of tradition, and a leader who has sustained a ministry for over four decades. His motto — “A family bonded together by love” — is the culture he created and the legacy he continues to shape.
A Note on Collaboration
Michael’s ministry continues to inspire and influence new generations of artists and producers. His work intersects with community‑driven projects across St. Louis, including collaborations connected to “Memories On and On,” a World AIDS Day single produced by Kevin L. Wafford (KLR1) with engineer Ryan Lewis.
Born Of Th e Spirit Showcase Music Director
Musical Director – Ralph Long
Ralph Long is a respected St. Louis musician whose work spans decades of gospel, church, and live performance leadership. Known for his steady musicianship, strong ear, and ability to bring out the best in vocalists and instrumentalists, Ralph has supported choirs, ministries, and local artists across the region. His experience includes directing church ensembles, collaborating with community musicians, and shaping the sound of numerous live worship and gospel events throughout St. Louis. Ralph’s musical integrity, professionalism, and deep roots in the STL music community make him an ideal fit for the artistic and spiritual goals of Project 27: Born of the Spirit.
About the music:
LATEST TRACKS — I Belong To God
The musical journey of Project 27 begins with the lead single, I Belong to God, a song written, composed, and produced by Kevin L. Wafford. Even before the full production is complete, this track already carries the identity and spiritual weight that will define the entire EP. It was born in a quiet moment at the piano, where a simple progression opened the door to a declaration that felt both personal and universal.
The heart of the song rests in the message God spoke as He shaped and molded the believer. The chorus reflects on that moment of spiritual formation — the assurance that no one else can control the destiny of someone God has molded Himself. It speaks to the truth that as God molds, He also speaks, reminding the soul that there will be no other God before Him. This message becomes the anchor of the track, a reminder of identity, protection, and divine ownership.
Musically, I Belong to God blends the warmth of gospel with the intimacy of testimony. The early arrangement notes point toward a sound that rises from a personal confession into a full-room worship moment, supported by choir, musicians, and the atmosphere that Project 27 is known for. Though the final recording is still in progress, the direction is clear: this song will set the tone for the entire EP.
As additional tracks develop, each one will carry its own message and its own moment of inspiration. But the journey begins here, with a declaration that speaks to the core of the project — a reminder of who we belong to, and the God who shapes every step of the way.