Gamma Pi Member Part of Local Quintet That Harmonizes to Sounds from "Back in the Day"

It's been said that Gamma Pi has enormous and diverse talent within the chapter. If you know many of the Brothers of Gamma Pi, you know that truer words have never been spoken. Brothers of The Super Chapter are plugged into society from many different angles, and some in multiple ways. One of those men of special talent is Brother Eddie Epps, who is Chairman of the chapter's Social Action Committee. When he is not leading Gamma Pi's effort to feed the hungry, work with the homeless, salute our local seniors or work to enrich the lives of the youth of Prince George's County as part of Omega Psi Phi's commitment to Uplift, he is tearing up the stage with the soulful sounds and strutful steps of Past Tense, one of the best-known "doo wop" musical groups around town here in metro Washington.

The five-man, five-part harmony singing aggregation is backed by a five-member instrumental ensemble. They perform at venues all over, ranging from traditional concerts to dances, banquets, dinners and even aboard cruises. Their forte is "good soul"and "R&B" music from "Back in the Day" -- the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. When you listen to Past Tense ( truly an appropo name), you hear living tributes to classic singing groups like The Temptations, The Dramatics, The Spinners, The Intruders (anybody remember that smooth classic, "Cowboys to Girls"?) and The Mighty O'Jays. Their vast repertoire includes such favorites as "Love Is Here," "FireFly," "How Could I Let You Get Away," "In the Rain," "Stop Look, and Listen," "I Can't Get Next to You," "Cloud Nine" and "Backstabbers."

Many Brothers will remember last summer when Brother Epps sang the national anthem at a Washington Nationals Major League Baseball home game. Get your smooth groove on with Brother Epps and Past Tense. For booking information contact them either by e-mail at Past_Tense@yahoo.com, or call 703.863.9260.

Hey, you can take a listen right now. Click here to download a short mp3 file and listen to part of a live Past Tense performance. Listen closely for Brother Epps' name being called out during the show, and then listen to him "wail" like another famous Eddie -- as in Eddie Kendricks! Before this audio clip is over with, you'll be dancing with yourself! In case you have not met Brother Epps, he is second from left in the photo below. These guys sound good AND they are sharp, too! Give Brother Epps an e-mail shout out and congratulations! And ask him for "free" tickets to the next show...

In the Major Leagues, A Gamma Pi Man Sings "Leadoff"

The first man to take the field at the start of the Washington Nationals-Colorado Rockies Major League Baseball game on the evening of August 18 at Nationals Park actually was NOT either team's leadoff hitter. It wasn't even the umpires or the first and third base coaches moving into position to start the contest. It was, instead, Eddie Epps, of Gamma Pi chapter. And he didn't come up to the plate with a bat, a glove or a ball. He took the field with the best voice in the house when he sang the National Anthem to open the game.

Brother Epps put a new feather in Gamma Pi's cap by singing the National Anthem at a major professional sporting event in the Nation's Capital. It was a proud moment for him, his family and all of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Brother Epps is also an usher at Nats games in Section 119.

"If I never do it again, I will not forget the moment. It may have been one of the most exciting singing engagements I have had and I have been singing for a long time and at many venues," said Brother Epps, who also croons with a local group.

Brother Epps is the Co-Chairman of Gamma Pi's Social Action Committee, helping to lead the effort to assist women and children in homeless shelters, youths heading to college and seniors in need of loving attention and cheer.  In his "day job," so to speak, Brother Epps runs the Kentland Community Center for Prince George's County.

Just prior to the game, the skies were threatening. But as if God were saying.,"it's Eddie Time," the clouds parted and the rain ended allowing Brother Epps to belt out the anthem and the game to be played. The Nationals lost 4-3. Among the 18,000-plus in attendance was Gamma Pi's Brother Orlando McDowell.

Clearly, the Most Valuable Player at the Rockie-Nationals game was an Omega man, a Gamma Pi man. Read more about Brother Epps' feat at the Nationals blog, which includes photos of him projected on the stadium big screen while singing. Gamma Pi Public Relations has been informed that there is video and it will be posted as soon as it becomes available.