Get on your feet for Gospel Fest

By AMANDA LLEWELLYN

VIEW STAFF WRITER

Gospel music is more than grouped melodies and lyrical tributes to a higher power. It's a living form of history.

Valley residents will have the opportunity to learn about that history, stomp their feet and clap along when the fourth annual Gospel Fest comes to the Black Mountain Recreation Center, 599 Greenway St., Henderson. The show begins at 6 p.m. Saturday.

"This is an event in honor and celebration of Black History Month," Gospel Fest coordinator Tanya Myers said. "Gospel singing is characteristically a part of African-American culture, and it's often identified as such. So, people will have the chance to enjoy great music and learn something about cultural history."

The event will feature the Victory Missionary Baptist Church choir and the Voices of Victory Mountaintop Faith Ministries Choir of Henderson in a two-hour showcase.

"We're proud to be able to bring this kind of diversity to the community," said Lyle Smith, director of the Nevada State College Heritage Center, one of the event sponsors. "We expect a packed house again this year. The community response is always very positive."

Smith said that the event has been very popular in years past, drawing more than 1,000 people to the center.

"We want to support events that embrace diversity and multiculturalism," Smith said. "Gospel Fest meets those standards."

Myers said she believes that the importance of Gospel Fest lies not just in the dynamic performances, but also the genre's historical significance.

"It's a part of that heritage from way back in history," Myers said. "If people were sad about the hard times, they could always sing to lift their spirits and lean on that connection to one another and God to ease that pain."

According to Myers, gospel music is unique, not because of its message, but because of the way that message is delivered.

"Of course, it's religious in nature, but there have been some R&B influences infused," Myers said. "It's music that makes you want to get on your feet."

Myers said that the event isn't just for those who are religious or for a certain demographic, but for everyone.

"We wanted to bring the community together in a way that was positive and reflected the heritage of this genre," Myers said.

Admission to Gospel Fest is free, but organizers encourage patrons to come early. For more information, call 267-4070.