Gospel Concert Changes Venue

Gospel Fest, a concert of gospel music presented by area soloists and choir, is moving to a new location.

Rosilee Walker Russell, executive director of the Academy of the Arts at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, said she expects this year’s new venue to be an exciting change for everyone, whether on stage or in the audience.

Gospel Fest 2013 is at 7 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Arkansas Best Performing Arts Center at the Fort Smith Convention Center, 55 S. Seventh St. The concert, in its third year, will include the format of the first two concerts, with both returning and new talent taking the stage, said Russell of Fort Smith.

“The choir size will be close to 225 participants this year,” Russell said. “The music is again focused on southern gospel, black gospel and timeless hymns - this is what everyone wants, and we love presenting it.”

Russell, Dawayne Stamper and Robert Wight also will be playing piano favorites, she said.

“This year’s concert includes the very popular pre-concert music of men's southern gospel by a men’s quartet with some of the music ministers singing in this,” added Russell.

The concert repertoire will include “God is So Good,” “Crown Him with Many Crowns,” “I Bowed On My Knees and Cried Holy,” “Victory in Jesus,” “It is Well with My Soul” and “Assurance Medley.”

Russell said many of the popular soloists are back -Barry Law, Pam Camp and Brian Gary, all of Fort Smith.

Other guest soloists for the event include Dru Baker, Susan Haines, Rosilee Russell, Chuck Blesch and Brandon Willey, all of Fort Smith; Andy Anderson of Barling; Stamper of Lavaca; and Wight of Alma. The Academy Children’s Choir and Chorale also will perform.

“The last two years were tremendous concerts, with musicians from throughout the region all pulling together to provide a very special event,” she said.

“The community loves this event, and we expect a sell-out. I would get tickets early.”

The UAFS Academy is the sponsor of the event. Proceeds will benefit young people in the arts through the Academy.

Religion, Pages 6 on 02/02/2013

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