WS Chronicle

By Timothy Ramsey

For The Chronicle

Sunny skies, warm weather, and exciting performances were what the crowd was blessed with at the conclusion of Gospel Fest at the Dixie Classic Fair on Sunday, Oct. 11. This was a drastic change from last week’s rain- and wind-filled day. A larger and more energetic audience came out Sunday.

Sunday’s performances showcased a new set of acts apart from last week, including Christian rapper Byron “Bourne” Strickland, the husband and wife mime team Matrimony Mime, and saxophonist Gregory Amos, who performed a beautiful rendition of Marvin Sapps’ hit song “Never would’ve made it.” That really got the audience going.

“The opportunity, just to have the platform to bring the gospel ministry through mime in front of an audience that we wouldn’t necessarily have access to is what interested us in coming out to the Dixie Classic Fair,” said Minister Antwan Whitaker and Kia Whitaker of the mime group Matrimony Mime. Minister Whitaker went on to say: “We don’t entertain, we don’t perform, we don’t dance, we minster and have been for five years.”

When asked what she enjoyed most about performing mime, Mrs. Whitaker said, “What I enjoy most about mime is getting a chance to minister to the people, change lives and affect people in a positive way.”

The Love and Faith Mass Choir treated everyone to a few selections of soulful hymns that seemed to touch people to the core. Winston Bryan, choir director of the Love and Faith Mass Choir said, “Of our performance today, what we wanted people to take from it is to make Jesus clear and visible and to let people know that Jesus is real, he’s here today, and he’s here to stay.

Event organizer Debra Terry along with Carmen Russell served as Mistresses of Ceremonies for Gospel Fest. They entertained everyone during the changing of the bands onstage with funny banter back and forth with the crown as well as another round of raffles that kept them engaged. Many individuals stuck around for the entire event and seemed to enjoy all of the performers, especially saxophone player Gregory Amos. One audience member was asked about his performance. All she was able to muster was “that saxophone player, my God, whew.”

William and Lenay Fair said they enjoyed the singing and the praise and worship. Mrs. Fair expanded on her thoughts by saying, “I truly enjoyed what took place here today because sometimes we get out of the norm and not praise God wherever we are, but just to give Him glory here at the fairgrounds, that is a blessing to me.”