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New published article in the North County Times

CALIFORNIAN: Gospel Fest sings for at-risk youth

by HOLLY HERNDON – For The Californian

Hallelujah – the Temecula Gospel Fest is back.

This weekend, local and regional gospel choirs will be lifting their voices to the heavens as the Temecula Gospel Fest takes over the Old Town Community Theater.

Benefitting the Oak Grove Center for Education Treatment and the Arts, the second year of this fundraising concert promises to be even bigger than its debut.

“The quality of the performers is amazing,” said Kristi Reedy, CEO of Pear Marketing and Public Relations. “The three shows are all different so the audience can expect to see a professional show that celebrates gospel and Christian Music and also benefits a great cause.”

The festival’s inception is credited solely to the efforts of one determined woman —— festival founder Stacey Dove Daniels.

“For several years Stacey had the dream of combining gospel with a fundraising event for at-risk youth who would otherwise not have the benefit of being involved in a dynamic arts program,” Tammy Wilson, CEO of the Oak Grove Center, explained. “Thanks to her dream, the festival was born and now goes into its second year. We are confident that it will continue to grow and become a signature event for Temecula.”

This year’s festival boasts over a dozen gospel and Christian musical acts and three separate shows. Many of this year’s selected performers are residents of local communities including not only Temecula but Fallbrook and Corona among others.
The high-spirited musical celebration begins on Friday night with “Spirit of the Valley,” a gospel concert featuring professional recording artists as well as local choirs and ensembles. The show will be headlined by two-time Grammy nominated vocalist Sarah Kelly.

Saturday afternoon, the “Choir Sound Off and Christian Arts Showcase,” includes not only vocalists but also dancers, dramatic readings and a performance by the event’s mistress of ceremonies, actress and poet Maura Gale.
On Saturday afternoon, choirs will also be competing for a very special prize that could potentially advance their career as performers.

“At the matinee on Saturday, nine different choirs will compete for first prize,” Reedy said. “The winning choir will be featured at the Saturday night show as well as featured on (recording artist) Vince Brown’s CD scheduled for release this November.”

Saturday evening’s concert, “Heavenly Bound – Glorious Gospel Grand Finale,” will include the afternoon’s winning choir as well as performances from a handful of musicians and vocalists including the Mighty Women of Gospel and the Temecula Mass Choir.

As an added treat for the audience and a reminder of the cause they are supporting, students from the Oak Grove Center will be performing during the festival. Friday’s concert will include the Oak Grove Rock Band and the Oak Grove Gospel Youth Choir and the Oak Grove Performance Team will both appear on Saturday.

Although the event is well-suited for those already familiar with the genre, gospel novices will also appreciate listening to the music that continues to grow from such strong roots.
“Gospel Music is a cornerstone of the American musical tradition and has grown beyond its established audience to achieve pop culture and historical relevance across the globe,” Reedy said. “The audience will take away a renewed sense of unity and joy as well as increased love for gospel.”

Source: [ North County Times ]