Milledgeville Baldwin County Allied Arts hosted Gospel Fest May 17 inside Allen’s Market.
Gospel Fest was an annual event hosted by Allied Arts to bring the community together to experience one of the oldest forms of music. It usually takes place outside at the Black Heritage Plaza beside Allen’s Market but, due to rain, was moved inside the market.
“Gospel Fest is an event that Allied Arts has hosted for numerous years. It took a break during COVID but returned last October,” said Rebekah Tobar, executive director of Allied Arts. “We had about 100 attendees at the October Gospel Fest, and many requested for us to host another fest during the spring time so this was our first concert in the spring.”
The spring concert was performed by The Elbethel Baptists Church Choir, Shantez James, and led by Master of Ceremonies Willie Davis. Victor Tucker provided and ran all the sound equipment. According to Tobar, about 50 people attended the two-hour concert.
“The Elbethel Baptist Church Choir did a fantastic job encouraging the audience to sing, dance, and interact alongside their music,” said Tobar. “The biggest takeaway from events like this is seeing our community express cheer and be active.”
“It’s a ton of fun for the community and for us to host,” said Kristin Allen, program director for Allied Arts. “We connect with our performers through social media, local connections, and more and then pass on that connection to the people who come out to experience their songs, grace, and have a good time.”
As the first bi-annual year of the festival, Allen and Tobar reported that they believe the second concert went well, despite being moved inside. Both also stated that Davis, who also sponsored the event, made good use of the space inside the market to keep energy high.
“Willie Davis provided his own talent and charisma to the event as a way to sponsor and support the event. Everyone loved him,” said Tobar.
Allied Arts is looking for sponsors like Davis to help offer support to continue Gospel Fest for many years to come. Sponsors can provide monetary support, volunteer, or provide their own talents to add to the festival.
“Sponsorships and community involvement in our events are very important not only to keep these events going but to connect the art resources we provide back to the community. Each sponsor helps to give art education and activities to the wider Milledgeville and Baldwin County community,” said Allen.
The next Gospel Fest is planned for Oct. 4 in the Black Heritage Plaza. Tobar and Allen stated they hope to include food vendors as a part of the next festival and are still discussing further details. If you are interested in sponsoring an event or would like to learn more about Gospel Fest, call 478-452-3950 or email rebekah.tobar@ milledgevillealliedarts. com.