WS Chronicle

By Mayeesa Mitchell

For The Chronicle

Gospel entertainment will not remain in church on two Sundays in October. It will also be at the Dixie Classic Fair.

The annual Gospel Fest at will be from 3 to 6 p.m. on Oct. 4 and Oct. 11.

The Chronicle again will sponsor Gospel Fest.

In years past, hundreds have gathered at the Clock Tower Stage with emcees Debra Terry and Carmen Russell for the concert, and this year is expected to be no different.

For years, the concert at the Dixie Classic Fair has catered to those who enjoy listening to gospel music while exposing many to a new genre.

Within the last two years, the Gospel Fest has continued to represent the gospel genre by adding praise team and mime ministry performances in an effort to diversify the talent featured and incorporate young people into the event.

In addition to the diversified acts, there are also diverse performers.

“There are performers from all backgrounds and ethnicities,” said Terry. “It is a melting pot celebration of gospel.”

Those who attend can expect an “awesome display of gospel music, not just singing and great music, but actual ministry,” according to Terry.

The Oct. 4 line up (not in performance order) will include St. Paul Mass Choir, Central Triad Church Praise Team, Dionn Owens & Renaissance, Anointed Expressions, JH Heath Mass Choir, Raymond & Kim Larkin, Big Four Choir and Bishop Grosjean L. Stephens with Nu Sound.

The acts scheduled to perform on Oct. 11 include Bryon Strickland, Peace of Mind, Walter Johnson, Matrimony Mime, Pastor Todd Curry with St. Peter United Church of God Choir, Love & Faith Mass Choir, Saxophonist Gregory Amos and Bishop Christopher Brinson.

Terry, who is event coordinator as well as co-emcee, said these choirs and ministries were required to submit a DVD or link of their performances, a bio and photograph in August before they were selected.

“It is important to keep gospel music at the forefront,” said Terry, who has been coordinating the event for the last six years. “Other genres are represented at the fair, why not gospel? The Gospel Fest makes sure there is something for everyone.”

The concert is included in the price of admission for the Dixie Classic Fair . Get tickets now through Oct. 1 for the Fair. For advance purchase, the cost is $8 for adults, $3 for children ages 6-11, and free for children 5 and under and seniors ages 65 and older. Go to The Chronicle’s website, www.wschronicle.com and look for the Dixie Classic Fair advertisement.

After Oct. 1, the prices are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-11. The other prices remain free. Parking is available at the LJVM Coliseum lot and Groves stadium to be determined by Wake Forest University.

For additional information, call 336-727-2236 or visit www.dcfair.com.