[Archived] “Alexandria – gospelFEST” Inaugural Celebration on May 20 and 21

For Immediate Release: May 2, 2016

Do you want to lift your spirits while also assisting the community?  Plan to attend the inaugural celebration “Alexandria – gospelFEST” on Friday, May 20 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, May 21 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Durant Arts Center, 1605 Cameron St.

Former Mayor William D. Euille, Master of Ceremonies, will guide the audience through the history of Gospel music through the ages.  Songs for the “Alexandria – gospelFEST” will showcase a variety of Gospel music styles, including spirituals, contemporary, traditional, choral, call and response, and praise workshop music.  Participating choirs include: City of Alexandria Employee Choir, First Agape Community of Faith Church, Jefferson Houston Elementary School, George Washington Middle School, My Father’s House Christian Church, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Alfred Street Baptist Church’s Voices of Triumph, Shiloh Baptist Church, and Third Baptist Church. 

Anne D. Smith, author, “GOOD NEWS: Innovators and Originators of Gospel Music” will be on hand throughout the “Alexandria –gospelFEST.”  Historical tidbits and insights from the book will be highlighted. 

The “Alexandria – gospelFEST” is partnering with ALIVE!, Hunger Free Alexandria and ACT for Alexandria to host a community food drive.  Bring a nonperishable food item to the “Alexandria – gospelFEST” and help the hungry in Alexandria’s community.   Food items will be sent to the Alexandria Food Pantry. 

All ticket $5 per person, per day.  To pay online visit  www.alexandriava.gov/webtrac.  Children must be accompanied by one adult.

• Friday, May 20: activity #455207.01
  
• Saturday, May 21: #455207.02

The "Alexandria – gospelFEST” is a project of the Office of the Arts, a division of the Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities.

For more information, contact Cheryl Anne Colton, Regional Program Director, Office of the Arts, Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities, at 703.746.5588 or e-mail cherylanne.colton@alexandriava.gov.

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the City’s Human Rights Code and the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation or to request materials in an alternative format, contact Cheryl Ann Colton at 703.746.5565 (VA Relay 711) or e-mail cherylanne.colton@alexandriava.gov.