Tonight was the second round of Gordon College’s Gospel Fest
2013 and there were high expectations held after the opening day’s
performances. The previous night
the fest had featured original songs by recording artist, Nayara, gospel songs
sung by the UMass Lowell Gospel Choir, a sequence of step routines performed by
the Kip Academy Step Team, a variety of spoken word pieces by Word Play, and praise
songs led by the hosts of the night, God’s Chosen Gospel Choir from Gordon
College.
Friday night’s opening concert was the first annual event of
its kind to take place on the campus of Gordon College. Directed by Gordon’s student choir
director, Craig Ramsey, the night was a huge success. Each performance was uniquely diverse and executed with
fervent excitement and excellent professionalism. The A.J. Memorial Chapel was almost fully filled with
students, family, friends and many new faces from the greater Boston community
for part one of the Gospel Fest.
With the diverse audience and exhilarating presentations, the energy in
the room was electric.
Though Friday night was a hard show to follow, tonight’s performances
did not disappoint. Gordon
continued to wow their once again large audience with a fantastic new lineup
for round two of the Gospel Fest.
With modern dance routines performed by Gordon’s own Gospel dance team,
songs of praise sung by Shanell and Alanah Percy, new spoken word by Word Play
and original songs by solo artist, Trini, the audience was on their feet once
again with enthusiasm. However, just
like the night before, it was God’s Chosen Gospel Choir that brought a whole
new level of energy and vigor into the chapel. Ramsey led an hour-long set of Gospel songs, such as
The Jesus in You Loves the Jesus in Me, His Blood Still Works and I Need You To
Survive. The audience was actively
encouraged to participate through dance and praise songs. Hands were lifted high, feet were
moving, and clapping grew louder throughout the night as Ramsey and his team
created a thrilling atmosphere of praise and worship on Gordon’s campus.
This is the first year that Gordon College has had an
organized Gospel choir. Beginning
with just a few members, the choir has grown immensely. Now the choir has over
fifty vocalists and a full band.
Schuyler Anderson’s talent on the saxophone stands out among the band
members. Electric guitarist, Richie
Dolio, blew the audience away with his solo performance during the song, Alpha
and Omega. Ramsey’s joy for leading
the choir in praise songs is contagious.
Without a doubt, God’s Chosen Gospel Choir will continue to grow under
the leadership of Ramsey.
Ramsey surprised Saturday’s audience with special guest
performers, his mother and older sister.
His inspiration and church choir director, Ramsey’s mother proved that
Craig had developed his talent and love for Gospel music under his parent’s
roof. It was obvious to all that
this intense passion and energy runs in the family.
The intensity and liveliness that filled the Gordon College
Chapel this weekend was of a unique kind.
While the performances may have ended and the audience gone home, the
impact of the Gospel Fest continues to permeate the community. Talk of Gospel Fest 2014 has already
begun and artists are being lined up for an exciting weekend to rival the one
just celebrated.
To view video footage of this event visit my Vimeo account:
https://vimeo.com/63525950
To view video footage of this event visit my Vimeo account:
https://vimeo.com/63525950
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