Gospelfest celebrates tradition

by Jay Aguila
Staff Writer

The African American Student Alliance and the Institute for Multicultural Research and Campus Diversity presented Gospelfest Sunday in Dailey Theater.

The Gospelfest, a celebration of gospel music and American tradition, welcomed performers of all music types and backgrounds.

“We are trying to exhibit different types of gospel; we had praise dancers, hip hop gospel, jazz gospel, R&B gospel and ended it with a traditional gospel group so that the people can see the spectrum of what gospel music is,” said Keisha Bentley, the cross cultural programs director.

An energetic and talented host Angela Perry, a ULV alumna, began the Gospelfest with a beautiful rendition of the Negro National Anthem.

From the rhythmic sounds of the Shikana Glory Praise Team, the gospel rap of Meek, the r&b of Angel, and the acapella verses of Aalis, the fest was a blend of old school and new school for today’s generation.

Although Gospelfest seems to have a greater significance to the African American community, people of all backgrounds were encouraged to celebrate the music and the Lord.

“It gives them a chance to praise and worship god in their own way, no matter what religion they are, whether they are spiritual or not, this is their way to celebrate and praise God,” said Lakia Sims, coordinator of the Gospelfest.

The Gospelfest was targeted toward the whole La Verne community, but it traces back to primarily African-American roots.

“It is something that you can trace back to Africa, the Caribbean and also to the South, during slavery especially in negro spirituals where it was used as a way for people to go through the underground railroad, and so we can see that journey from then to now,” Bentley said.

The performances were energetic and wonderful to watch and to hear. Artists like S.P. and Aalis gave very traditional sounds with a twist of today’s feel. The Gospelfest came to a close with the Heavenly Tabernacle singing traditional gospel music.

The first Gospelfest was held at ULV in 2002 and after this performance, it is planned to be a tradition for years to come.