LONG BEACH, Calif.–Sweet melodies of Gospel music wafted throughout the streets of downtown Long Beach courtesy of Antioch Church of Long Beach and the city of Long Beach, which hosted the third annual Gospel Fest and Downtown worship experience, Sunday.
Hosted by KJLH’s Aundrae Russell, Gospel Fest 2011 featured an artist lineup including Grammy-Award-nominated, Dove and Stellar Award-winning artists Kierra Sheard and Trin-i-tee 5:7; three-time Stellar Award winners James Fortune and Fiya, along with Mali Music, Myesha Chaney, Micah Stampley and a multitude of other singers and musicians.
There were also guest appearances from Abraham McDonald, winner of Oprah Winfrey’s first-ever Karaoke challenge; Eric J. Chambers, host of Jazzspel on the Word Network, featuring his artists, and many more.
Performances by Mali Music, Tanika Wyatt, Keisha Renee, and Voices of Destiny rocked the house as the audience sung along, waving their hands and enjoying the performances.
The Long Beach Gospel Fest is establishing itself as the region’s premiere gospel concert, and organizers are strong advocates of strategic community partnerships. The event offered a myriad of foods and goods, service vendors, children’s arts and crafts, and community information booths.
In addition to the music, concertgoers were moved by the spoken word of Pastor Sheridan McDaniel of Worship Center Community Church.
“Where else in the world can you experience gospel by the sea in a (concert) that brings together world renowned artists, families and the entire community?” asked Pastor Wayne Chaney, event producer. Radiating positivity and unity, the Gospel Fest brought love, peace, and happiness to the community through praise and worship.
