If you want to add a spiritual side to your Circle City Classic weekend of football and fun, you’re in luck.
The Gospel Explosion 2014 will be held Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the Madame Walker Theatre, 617 Indiana Ave.
The Indianapolis Recorder recently chatted with Reginald Barney, co-host of the Gospel Explosion, executive pastor of It Is Well Ministries and spokesperson for Joyful Sound Productions, to discuss the gospel talent that will be performing and how the public can get on board with this joyous event.
Recorder: Joyful Sound Productions has been putting this concert on for the past 27 years. Explain your commitment.
Barney: We’re a nonprofit organization so putting on these concerts can sometimes be a challenge. But we work hard so the community has this experience and to give those who may not go to church the opportunity to hear good spiritual music.
Why is Circle City Classic such a great weekend for this concert?
That weekend draws a crowd and most importantly we get a lot of people from outside of Indianapolis. It’s also another opportunity and vehicle for people to get out and do something else. Some people may not want to go to parties.
Who’s going to be at this year’s concert?
This year, we’re going to have Krash Krew, a dance group. We’re also going to have children from the St. Luke dancers. We’ll have nationally known gospel comedian Chris Clark and gospel group Men In The Fire. Our special guests are Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson and the legendary Beverly Crawford.
Talk about Indianapolis’ gospel talent.
They’re tremendous! We have very talented people in the gospel community in Indianapolis. The Gospel Music Explosion is just another outlet for them to express their talent.
How will your special guests add to the experience?
I know Keith Johnson, and I think those in the gospel community know him and know how sincere he is. He brings something unique and special to the stage. The songs he sings are real. I can say the same about Beverly Crawford. People can relate to her music, her songs are gut-wrenching, and her songs are relevant.
What do you hope concert-goers will walk away with?
We do an altar call, and we hope they’d walk away with a great spiritual experience and know that Jesus Christ is real and he can change lives. This is just another way to do that.
All these years that you’ve done this concert, what’s it like to see praise happening in the Madame Walker Theatre?
It’s an awesome experience. You’re not restricted to a church setting. I feel people are free to worship however they want and they take advantage of that. There’s a unity and synergy – we’re all on one accord.
How can the public support Joyful Sound Productions and continue the Gospel Music Explosion for years to come?
The cost of this event is tremendous and the ticket sales don’t pay for the building and talent. The community can give their financial support at joyfulsoundsproduction.com. We also support education programs with United Way and we, in general, help people in need so the public can help us there as well.
Get ready for the Gospel Music Explosion
Date: Oct. 3
Location: Madame Walker Theatre, 617 Indiana Ave.
Time: doors open at 7 p.m. and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $15 in advance; $20 at the door
Purchase tickets at: the Madame Walker Theatre or JoyfulSoundProductions.com.
For more information, call (317) 319-0494.
