Gospel Fest celebrates Black History Month

By Becky Bosshart

Thursday, Feb. 19, 2009 | 1:26 p.m.

It is expected to attract about 1,500 people to the gym in the Black Mountain Recreation Center. And it isn't an all-stars game.

The fifth annual Henderson Gospel Fest will be a two-night event with an evening of urban poetry from the heart of a young man who lost his brother to a violent crime, and a gospel concert featuring two local choirs.

Urban poet and author Kweisi Gharreau will recite original poetry selections at 7 p.m. Feb. 27. His best known work, in the book "n'nocent RAGE," describes how he forgave his brother's murderers.

Gospel singer Ken Young hosts the 6 p.m. Feb. 28 concert, which begins with 10-year-old Carrington Peterson singing "Lift Every Voice and Sing."

"We fill the house," said Tanya Myers, recreation services supervisor for the Black Mountain Recreation Center. "It brings people together, fellowshipping in honor of black history."

Young joins several other singers, including local recording artist HB the Church boy, to present a short historical piece on how music has played a part in black culture.

Young, who is also a Clark County School District Police Department lieutenant, has appeared in a variety of Strip productions, including EFX, and continues to tour with legendary singer Gladys Knight.

Mountaintop Faith Ministries choir and Ebenezer Church of God in Christ choir will perform with spoken words by Shayla Love.

"We'll have a chance to have fun with the music," Young said. "We'll have battles between the male and female groups. We'll also have a dance presentation."

Mountaintop's 40-member choir released its first album in 2008, "The Voices of Mountaintop." Young is also the youth music coordinator at the Las Vegas church.

This is Ebenezer's first performance at the Henderson fest. The 50-member choir comes from the historically black West Las Vegas church.

"It's an up-and-coming, energetic choir that is really making a lot of noise on the local gospel scene because of their presentation, style and delivery," Young said.

The event is free but tickets are recommended to reserve a seat. Pick up tickets at the Black Mountain Recreation Center, 599 Greenway Road, or call 267-4070.

The event is co-sponsored by the City of Henderson Parks and Recreation and Cultural Arts and Tourism Departments and Power 88 KCEP.

Parking is available at O'Callaghan Park, 601 Skyline Road, or Newton Elementary School, 571 Greenway Road. Free shuttle service will transport patrons from those parking areas to the center.

Becky Bosshart can be reached at 990-7748 or [email protected].