WS Chronicle

The first day of Gospel Fest drew a large and diverse crowd at the Dixie Classic Fair this past Sunday, Sept. 30.  The variety of acts included something for people of all ages.

The presentation is known for its soul warming variety of gospel music and performances. It is presented by The Chronicle.

The performers included: St. Paul Church Mass Choir, Radical Reverence, Divine Innocence, Heavenly Chordz Productionz, Jeremiah Salter & Nu Elevation Worship, Karlton Jones and Minister Mike featuring FOCUS.

Following the dynamic performance by the St. Paul Mass Choir, Radical Reverence jazzed up the crowd with a dance performance.  The young teens, based out of St. Paul United Methodist Church, have been performing together for several years.

“I just like to worship God and it’s fun for me being able to give off a lot of energy to the crowd,” said Daniel Shegog of Radical Reverence.  “I feed off of how the crowd reacts, so if they are hype I get even more hype when I perform.”

“I have never performed in an atmosphere like this before, but we did a lot of rehearsals to make sure we had everything together,” he continued.

Jeremiah Salter & Nu Elevation Worship have performed at Gospel Fest for a number of years.  He says they love coming to perform at the event because of the excitement of the crowd.

“We really enjoy performing here because it is great exposure for us and gives us a chance to worship,” said Salter.  “To see the crowd get so excited was great.  We are out here for one purpose, which is to impact the world and impact lives so that we change them for the better.”

Christian hip hop artist Karlton Jones uses a unique mixture of Christian rap along with the use of a saxophone.   His blend of jazz and hip hop was a crowd favorite on Sunday afternoon.

“I love that this is an event that people can hear out here at the fair when they are walking by and hear God’s praises and his music and it just draws them over,” said Jones.  “I love being a part of this event. It helps God’s word reach people.”

Jones says he started off making Christian hip hop music in college but started hanging out with the wrong crowd and began making secular rap.  After a near death experience in 2007, he decided to give his life to God and returned to Christian hip hop.

The crowd continued to grow as the day progressed.  Everyone in attendance seemed to enjoy themselves by the performances Sunday afternoon.

Karen Chambers said she was “highly impressed” with the acts that performed.  She stated she is excited to see what next week’s acts have in store.

“Next week’s artists have a hard act to follow,” she said.  “I listened to music and saw some performances that I probably never would have had the chance to see and hear if not for this event.”

The artists scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 7, include: Pastor Todd Curry, Bishop George A. Pass & NEW, Mischeal Goldsmith, Bishop Stephen Williams, Dionn Owen & Renaissance, Raymond & Kim Larkin Real Love Music, Willie Mason & Friends, Kingdom Sound and Mike Teezy, Gospel Rapper.

Gospel Fest is from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Dixie Classic Fair near the clock tower. Entry into Gospel Fest is free upon payment to get into the fair.