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Gospel Fest

Compliments of www.barbadosgospelfest.com

Israel and New Breed, the 2007 Grammy Award winner for Best Traditional Gospel Album, captivated and electrified the audience when they appeared at the 16th Annual Barbados Gospelfest.

Israel and New Breed at Barbados Gospelfest 2008

Adrian Agard, Executive Producer of Barbados Gospelfest recently made the announcement as he presented an overview of the headline and supporting artistes in the line-up for this year’s festival of music and artistic expression in celebration of gospel.

“Israel and New Breed has achieved a synthesis of music and message that is electrifying and activating audiences inside and outside of traditional church walls. Led by singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Israel Houghton, they have amassed a legion of followers that crosses generational and racial lines with music that has become an integral component of worship in many of today’s progressive ‘now’ generation churches, and is in demand for everything from film soundtracks to commercial jingles.

We are truly blessed to have been able to engage them to minister in Barbados for Gospelfest 2008 as we continue in our quest to bring artistes who are able to promote God’s life-changing impact in the lives of everyone who comes into contact with the festival.”

Other headliners for Gospelfest 2008 were Shekinah Glory Ministry of Chicago whose ultimate purpose is reflected in the meaning of its name -- to usher listeners into the "very manifest presence of God." Shekinah Glory Ministry is not comprised of "recording artists,” but servants that worship every Sunday as the praise and worship aggregate of Valley Kingdom Ministries International, a non-denominational church in the Chicagoland area.

Christian Comedy featured for the first time in the festival with the introduction of Christian comedian Akintunde, a thirteen-year veteran stand-up comedian. Akintunde’s humorous musings on the challenges of marriage and parenting in the 21st century, as well as his clever observations about everyday life, have made him one of the most popular Christian comics working today. Last summer, Akintunde completed a 40-city comedy tour performing at churches and venues around the US. In the past two years, he has performed on the road to nearly half a million people amassing a solid fan base and sharpening his wit.

The Barbados Gospelfest while maintaining a solid record of presenting the top international artistes remains committed to the development and showcasing of established and emerging Caribbean and Barbadian artistes. This commitment is reflected in the choice of headliners Bridget Blucher of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Praise Academy New Era dance troupe from Barbados.

Evangelist Blucher began singing at a tender age in the church. On migrating to New York, her heart was set on spreading the gospel through songs. She has a unique style in ministry, being able to marry praise and worship with rhythmic Caribbean essence.

Praise Academy New Era represents a strong cadre of young dancers in Barbados who have impacted the nation while securing three National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA) awards and winning the 2007 National Independance competition against all comers. Praise Academy New Era has toured Jamaica and St. Lucia and in 2007 was sponsored by the Barbados Tourism Authority to represent Barbados at ‘Barbados Week’ in Canada.

Supporting acts include Jason Mighty of Jamaica, winner of the “It’s Time 2 Laugh” heavy hitter competition Christian Comedian RodZ of the USA, and Roger Samuels of the UK, among others.

As a wholesome family-oriented festival Barbados Gospelfest incorporates specific events that target children, teenagers and young adults. The calendar of events for this year’s 16th Annual Barbados Gospelfest is as follows:

Thanksgiving Service - Sunday May 18

HymnSpeak - Monday May 19

British American Sunset Concert - Wednesday May 21

Expressions of Gospel - Thursday May 22

Laughter & Jazz “Akintunde & Friends Comedy Night” - Friday May 23

Youth Event - Friday May 23

International Gospel Night - Saturday May 24

One Awesome Day - Sunday May 25

The Barbados Tourism Authority partners with Barbados Gospelfest to promote the festival throughout the Caribbean, the USA, Canada and the UK. Interest continues to be strong in these markets where special travel and accommodation packages facilitate persons visiting Barbados for the festival. To book packages go to www.barbadosgospelfest.com and click on the travel tab.

ABOUT BARBADOS GOSPELFEST

Barbados Gospelfest is an annual production of Gospelfest (Barbados) Inc. Envisaged to be the premier international Christian music and arts festival, Barbados Gospelfest promotes the life-changing impact of God in the lives of all those that come into contact with the festival. Now in its 16th year, Gospelfest features leading local, regional and international Gospel artistes. It also provides a platform for artistic interpretation of Gospel through dance and other expressions. The festival is family-oriented and incorporates specific events aimed at children, as well as teenagers and young adults. To find out more and/or be a part of this awesome experience visit at www.barbadosgospelfest.com.

For Further Information, Contact:

Cheryl Gill-Eversley
Publicist, Barbados Gospelfest 2008
Tel: (246) 243-0472
Email: cheryl_eversley@eversonward.com
Website www.barbadosgospelfest.com

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2006

2007

CLICK on pictures to visit the Flame Awards

Praise Academy of Dance Barbados began in 2003; it is an affiliate of Praise Academy of Dance Jamaica. Marcia Weeks and her team were at the Flame Awards this year where they picked up the award for artiste of the year, plus, dance group of the year and dance act of the year. Her son Dan Jamal-Weekes won the creative act of the year and husband, Dave Weekes, picked up the award for recording of the year with Voice in a Voice Vol 11 - The Experience Tent.

TRIBUTE TO THREE ENTRIES CELEBRATING 25 YEARS

James Leacock, Silvertones

Alex Blackman, Promise

Rev Tony Lowe

The Awards are an example of the myriad talents we have in the bosom of the Christian community.

Barbados Gospelfest was established in 1993 by the Barbados Tourist Board (BTB). The festival was the brainchild of the then Minister of Tourism Wes Hall, now Rev. Wes Hall. In 1995 the responsibility for the production of the festival was passed on to the Gospelfest Organising Committee made up of persons from the Christian community, chaired by Barbadian event manager Adrian Agard. Adrian was at the Flame Awards 2006 to pick up the sought after Vision Award.

The event was divided into six presentations covering various artists. Flame Awards are hoping that by rewarding our Gospel artistes they would see the need to aim for excellence in everything they do. CLICK to meet the winners.

Making special guest appearances along with the artistes celebrating 25 years of achievement are Rommel, Allison Norville-Forde, Jesus Army, Praise Academy of Dance (boys), Image, Sheldon Hope and Ria Greene CLICK and enjoy!