Gospel Fest marks its ninth year celebrating Black History Month

In honor of Black History Month, Gospel Fest is returning to Henderson to offer two days of African-American entertainment and culture.

"It is important because black history is a part of American h istory," said Kurt Williams, recreation manager of the Black Mountain Recreation Center, 599 Greenway Road, where the event is scheduled. "Twenty years ago, there was no program in Henderson to reflect that."

Before Gospel Fest was an idea, there was a series of luncheons during February that paid tribute to the African-American community.

As the luncheons grew, the idea to have an actual event known as Gospel Fest developed. Tanya Myers, the event coordinator, said this is the ninth year for Gospel Fest.

"We wanted to move it to the evening and add gospel music," Myers said.

Gospel Fest commemorates what the African-American community has done for entertainment and cultural arts.

"It is really important to highlight what African-Americans have done for this country," Williams.

When they first started, Myers and Williams said they had to search for artists to perform.

"Now artists ask us if they can perform," Williams said.

Attendance has increased over the years, Williams said. About 1,200 to 1,500 people are expected to attend this upcoming Gospel Fest.

Gospel Fest is slated to begin at 7 p.m. Friday with the musical "Hiram and Nettie." A matinee performance also has been scheduled for noon Saturday. Admission is free.

Williams said the musical is about two slaves from two different worlds who fall in love at a plantation.

This is the first time that a theatrical production will be part of Gospel Fest.

"We wanted to do something to make the event grow," Williams said.

The event also is slated to feature different styles of gospel music, including Southern traditional, contemporary and urban contemporary from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday. Local groups such as Victory Missionary Baptist Church's Voices of Victory and Men's Choir and Remnants Ministries Choir are slated to perform .

Other nationally known gospel singers such as Helen Baylor also are expected to perform.

Both singers and performers volunteer their time and talents to be at the event.

"They just want to be a part of it," Williams said.

The event also is expected to feature vendors, some of whom will showcase African-American art, clothing, food and jewelry.

Williams said Myers works tirelessly throughout the year to secure donors, vendors and artists.

"Probably right after this event in March we will start reaching out to people," Williams said.

After this year's event, Williams said, organizers will determine whether they will bring back the theatrical portion.

For more information, visit hendersonlive.com.

Contact Henderson/Anthem View reporter Michael Lyle at mlyle@viewnews.com or 387-5201.