Since 1852, the Indiana State Fair has been known as an event that offers something for everyone to enjoy, including those who like to “get their praise on.”
That is why, for the last decade, the fair has presented the annual Pepsi Gospel Music Day concert. The event has become a popular attraction during the fair’s last day and a way to close festivities on a joyous, inspirational note.
This year’s event will feature some of the most popular gospel recording artists in the nation, such as New Direction and the Chicago Mass Choir. The concert, scheduled for this Sunday from 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., is free with general fair admission and will take place on the Free Stage.
“The Free Stage is a perfect venue for this, and we love being able to offer fairgoers a full day of gospel music by some very talented artists,” said Andy Klotz, publicity and media relations manager for the Indiana State Fair Commission. “It’s a great day and one of the many unbelievable values we are happy to offer our visitors.”
Thousands attend Gospel Music Day every summer, and have come to recognize it as an event that can be counted on to present some of the best quality music in the gospel genre. Past artists have included Rodnie Bryant, Lamar Campbell, Ricky Dillard, Donald Lawrence, Lorraine Stancil, 3 By Faith, Hezekiah Walker and many others.
More than 20 artists are expected to appear this weekend, each having about 10 minutes to share some of their popular gospel favorites.
National headliners New Direction and Chicago Mass Choir will be joined by a series of dynamic local artists who also have a significant following, including gospel hip-hop sensation Nue Breed, Joshua’s Troop, vocalist Sharon “Bunnie” Moore, Eli Johnson & Free Worship, the Judah Band, Brian Reeves, Shawn Cowherd and City Wide Dancers, and Pat Carson and Answered Prayer.
Artists with regional notoriety also will arrive to join in on the praise and worship, including the group New Generation of St. Louis, and Valerie Coleman of Columbus, Ohio.
“I think the fact that we have had this event for over a decade speaks volumes to how well people have responded to it,” Klotz said. “We are happy to have an event for people of faith, where they can enjoy some of the greatest contemporary gospel music.”
You can e-mail comments to Brandon Perry at Brandon-recorder@indy.rr.com.
