Concerts, Festivals, Music
Apr 3, 2015

16TH ANNUAL GOSPEL SUPERFEST

Hundreds of Chicagoans gathered at The House of Hope Arena last weekend to watch some of the greatest voices in gospel music perform for the 16th Annual Gospel Superfest.

By : Nicole Davis

This production is the most widely distributed TV show in black gospel music history.  The show’s founder and executive producer Bobby Cartwright Jr. and his production team featured a powerful line-up this year, which included: Dorinda Clark-Cole, J. Moss, The Rance Allen Group, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Shirley Murdock, Bishop Larry Trotter, Jekalyn Carr, The Walls Group, Brent Jones, Tasha Page Lockhart and other inspirational recording artists.

The audience was ecstatic as the hosts came to the  stage. Highlights included Wendy Raquel Robinson of the hit BET series “The Game.” and “The Steve Harvey Show.” Prior to the show Robinson told Press Pass LA, that some of her favorite Gospel Artists included Dorinda Clark-Cole and J.Moss, who performed during the Gospel Fest.

Robinson walked out with actress and producer Vivica A. Fox, who is no stranger to major television shows. Fox appeared on her seventh season of “The Celebrity Apprentice,”and has starred in the movies Soul Food, Two Can Play That Game, and numerous other movies and television shows. These beautiful ladies were accompanied by Fonzworth Bentley who is well known for one of MTV’s most watched shows, “From G’s to Gents,” and “Lift Every Voice.”  There was never a dull moment with this spectacular trio, they kept the crowd laughing with their jokes and warm personalities.

The best moments of Saturday  line-up included outstanding performances by the young, vibrant, and trendy gospel artists The Walls Group. Their style and soulful voices combined presents a new generation of gospel music. They rocked the stage with songs “Satisfied,” and “ Love on the Radio.”

Not to be outdone, the legendary Shirley Murdock blew the audience away with her song “He Is The Rock.” Proving that the nigth was still full of surprises, the audience gave a standing ovation when the Rance Allen Group hit the stage with “Champion.” The group has been around for 40 years, producing some of gospel’s greatest music.

Each performance was amazing as the stage was filled with both new and old school gospel artists.  During the show well known gospel greats Marvin Winans and Richard Smallwood were presented with Lifetime Achievement Awards. Each honoree was presented with a tribute of their music and an award.

Overall, the Gospel Fest had amazing talent who used their powerful voices as a tool to deliver great performances, that kept the arena in an upbeat and energetic mood.

The Gospel Fest will air live on national television between April 27 and May 19 please check your local listings for dates and times.