WS Chronicle

Praise is what they do The Anointed Mime Ministry performs during the 2015 Gospel Fest at the Dixie Classic Fair on Sunday, Oct. 4, during the first phase of Gospel Fest. Sundays’ event was accompanied by cloudy skies, rain and wind. The weather is expected to be better for the second phase, which will be Sunday, Oct. 11. 

By Timothy Ramsey

For The Chronicle

Day one of Gospel Fest at the Dixie Classic Fair was held on Sunday, Oct. 4 in Winston Salem.

As with the Awakening Festival the week before, Sundays’ event was accompanied by cloudy skies, rain, and wind. With the inclement weather, the crowd was somewhat subdued at the onset of the concert but everyone’s mood quickly rose as the St. Paul Mass Choir took the stage and had everyone bobbing their heads.

There were familiar faces from previous years, such as the JH Heath Mass Choir, Raymond and Kim Larkin, The Big 4 Choir and Pastor Grosjean with NU Sound.

Anthony Bailey of the Big 4 Choir said, “We have come here to not only give God His praise, but we have come to support the other groups as well.

Dr. Raymond O’Neal of the Renaissance Choir added: “I enjoy the fellowship, the coming together to lift up the name of Jesus. To let some crying person know that God is the answer to everything regardless if you’re sick or going through whatever, God is the answer.”

The Renaissance Choir, which also participated in the Awakening Festival, was a crowd favorite and has been for many years at Gospel Fest.

Dionn “Maestro” Owen, director of the Renaissance choir, said “Ive never been on the stage with Mercy Me, Jeremy Camp, or Kirk Franklin and it was totally different, but God really blessed us and I really enjoyed the unity that we had there.”

When asked what he enjoyed most about Gospel Fest, Owen replied, “I love it when we all come together. It’s not about just one particular group that’s singing, everybody supports everybody, and that’s what I really like about it.”

There was a diverse group of performers, from contemporary artists, traditional choirs, and there was even a mime group, so there was something for everyone, young and old alike.

The organizers of the event also held raffles in between acts and gave away many prizes to the audience members, who were excited to participate. There were even individuals that stopped by to enjoy the music that was not previously aware that the event was taking place, but just heard music and came to watch.

Benita Matthews of the Big 4 Choir said, “I just enjoy gospel music, and this is some good gospel singing tonight.”

Bobby and Emma Chavis said they came out to cheer for Raymond and Kim Larkin, who attend the same church as well, and participate with the praise and worship team.

The Gospel Fest will continue next weekend on Sunday, Oct.11 at 3 p.m. at the Dixie Classic Fair, and with better weather a larger crowd is expected.