Gospel Fest 2013

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