Anyone looking for a fun and positive way to kickoff Circle City Classic’s weekend of activities might consider the annual Gospel Music Explosion.
Often called the Classic Gospel Music Explosion, the event has become a very popular “pre-game” event and a reliable entertainment option for families.
“We always look forward to having an excellent and awesome time,” said Reginald Barney, one of the organizers of Gospel Music Explosion.
The concert is known for delivering some of the most popular names in gospel music, while showcasing the talents of singers and musicians in the Indianapolis Christian community.
This year’s event will take place Sept. 30, at the Madame Walker Theatre, 617 Indiana Ave. It will feature national recording artist Deitrick Haddon as the headliner.
Also appearing will be special national and local guests such as comedian and ventriloquist Willie Brown, modern quartet group the Brown Boys, Judah Band, the New Life Worship Center Choir, concert violinist Bennie Harris and the LSJ Mime group from Fort Wayne.
In addition, Radio One will present a surprise artist during the event.
Since its first run in 1993, the Gospel Music Explosion has been successfully presented as a partnership between Circle City Classic and Joyful Sounds Productions (JSP), a ministry operated by Reginald Barney and his wife Beverly.
The Barneys also serve as co-pastors of It Is Well Ministries, a growing church on the city’s Eastside.
Joyful Sounds Productions has programs designed to assist the hungry and homeless, care for children in need, and donate to scholarship funds.
The Barneys are hoping the Gospel Explosion will generate enough proceeds to both compensate the artists and have donations for the United Way early Readers Book Program.
Tony Mason, former director of Circle City Classic who currently works with the 2012 Super Bowl Host Committee, is looking forward to the Gospel Music Explosion and has always believed that it is an asset to the organization’s activities.
“It has upheld the dedication to spirituality embraced by the late (Rev. Charles) Williams, former president of Indiana Black Expo (IBE),” said Mason. “It makes sense for one of Classic weekend’s events to be praise and worship centered, considering it was created in part after Rev. Williams was given a divine vision.”
In past years, the Gospel Music Explosion has presented artists such as Yolanda Adams, Deitrick Haddon, Shirley Caesar, Darryl Coley, Helen Baylor, Rodnie Bryant, LaShun Pace, Rizen, and Vickie Winans, as well as gospel comedians Jonathan Slocumb and Ron Baker.
“You don’t want to miss the lineup we have for this year,” said Reginald Barney. “With the economy being low, it will provide spiritual uplift for people and praise in advance for what he is going to do in our lives. It’s going to be an explosion.”
