Time is running out, but tickets are still available for the 27th Annual Gospelfest hosted by Butler University at Clowes Memorial Hall.
This year’s event, taking place Feb. 17 will feature powerhouse national recording artists Pastor Donnie McClurkin, Yolanda Adams and Ricky Dillard and New G., his ensemble.
Guests will also be able to praise with Butler’s Voices of Deliverance Gospel Choir, as well as local gospel music artists who have been invited to come on stage
Organizers promise an evening of taking the rousing advice of Ephesians 1:5, “Let us praise God for his glorious grace, for the free gift he gave us in his dear Son.”
Valerie Davidson, Director of Butler’s Efroymson Diversity Center, noted that the purpose of Gospelfest is to celebrate the genre of American gospel music in a way that includes the entire Indianapolis community as well as those from other cities and states.
“It’s an evening of inspiration that brings people together from diverse backgrounds to celebrate gospel music, to be inspired and to fellowship with each other,” Davidson said.
McClurkin was the headliner for the 2008 Gospelfest, and she said Butler is “excited” that he is returning for the event after a decade. Davidson added that Adams’ appearance is also highly anticipated, saying that she “always gives such a genuine and inspirational performance.”
Davidson called Dillard “the electrifying showman of gospel” and said “it is entertaining” whenever he and his ensemble hit the stage.
New York native McClurkin has won multiple Grammy, Stellar, BET, Soul Train and NAACP Image awards throughout his career. Since the mid 1990’s, he has been best known for hit gospel songs such as “Stand,” “We Fall Down” and “I Call You Faithful.”
Adams, who is from Houston, has achieved notoriety as a gospel singer on the strength of her rich vocals that has graced “Open My Heart,” “Victory,” “Be Blessed” and other top ten gospel singles. She has also been a producer, actress and host of her own syndicated radio show.
Adams and McClurkin will reunite in Indianapolis just two months after they appeared for a well-received joint performance in December at the historic Apollo Theater in New York City.
Adams posted footage of the concert on Twitter with the caption, “My brother Donnie McClurkin and I having fun on stage at the Apollo.”
Dillard, who is based in Chicago, has become well known for his enthusiastic, urban-flavored praise both in live performances and on his 10 studio recordings. All of them have easily charted on Billboard’s Gospel Albums chart.
This year, Dillard has been nominated for five Stellar Awards in the categories of Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year, Traditional CD of the Year, Traditional Choir of the Year, Choir of the Year and Recorded Music Packaging of the Year.
Dillard recently sent a statement to supporters, describing 2018 as “a new year and a new chance to tell you that I love you all! This year we celebrate 30 years in gospel music. Thank you for your love and continued support.”
Although many people may look forward to seeing McClurkin, Adams and Dillard, Davidson noted that local artists will always be an important part of Gospelfest. Local gospel singers and musicians are showcased during the first hour of the event.
“We try to continue to have that type of local community representation,” she said. “We want to keep that local community engagement.”
Butler’s Gospelfest has been a popular event in the Indianapolis community since its start during the late 1980’s as part of the university’s annual Celebration of Diversity Program.
Originally, the concert began with local artists in close-knit venues on the campus, such as the former Robinson Chapel. Over the next decade, however, attendance grew rapidly and organizers began to bring in internationally known artists. Gospelfest was gradually moved to larger venues until arriving at Clowes Memorial Hall, Butler’s largest performing arts facility, in 2006.
“Gospelfest is very engaging and interactive,” Davidson said. “It’s the type of concert where people stand on their feet, clap, celebrate and worship in their own way. Our artists always gets the audience involved.”
Davidson thanked everyone who has supported Gospelfest, saying that one of the reasons why the event has grown over the years is because of the Indianapolis community.
“Because of their engagement and their support, this event has become successful. We want to continue to provide Gospelfest for the community because they built it into what it has become.”
For tickets to Gospelfest, call the Clowes Memorial Hall Box Office at (317) 940-9697 or visit www.cloweshall.org.
Meet Quinn
One of the Indianapolis artists appearing at this year’s Gospelfest is rising music sensation Quinn Barney, who goes by his first name on stage. As a vocalist and piano virtuoso, he is dedicated to both the art and message of the music he produces.
“The power of music moves people and helps them get to know God on a deeper level,” said Quinn. “That is what I enjoy about it.”
Quinn started playing music at a very young age and studied telecommunications and audio production at Indiana University. He has been inspired by artists such as Kirk Franklin and Donnie McClurkin, as well as traditional “power of the blood” gospel songs.
Early in his ministry, Quinn performed across the country as a member of Another Round Men’s Acapella group. As a solo artist, he combines elements of different musical genres to craft a unique gospel sound.
Quinn is currently creative director for Jay Entertainment International (JEI), a recording label. He has also been working on material for a new album. For more information visit www.jei-network.com.
