How to go
What: Kettering Health Network presents the second annual GospelFest featuring Francesca Battistelli, The Gathering, Berachah Valley and others
Where: Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering
When: 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23
Cost: Free
More info: 937-296-3300 or www.fraze.com
Grammy nominated contemporary Christian singer Francesca Battistelli will certainly be a big draw at the second annual GospelFest at Fraze Pavilion in Kettering on Sunday, Aug. 23, but there will be a lot more for music fans.
The free concert presented by Kettering Health Network will also feature performances by local talent such as The Gathering and Berachah Valley.
“We’re honored to be part of GospelFest,” said Amy Nicholls, leader of The Gathering. “We’re especially excited to join with people from all over the Miami Valley in celebration of our faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Lots of great musicians will be taking the stage on Aug. 23, but we’re especially excited for recording artist Francesca Battistelli.
“Her music, lyrics and infections melodies have inspired us as musicians and believers in Jesus Christ,” Nicholls said. “Francesca’s concert is the highlight! We’re just incredibly grateful to be part of it.”
Nicholls and her 14-member group are based out of The Gathering Church in Centerville and specialize in contemporary Christian music. It is The Gathering’s first appearance at Fraze Pavilion.
“Our group is a high-energy group that loves to connect with the audience,” Nicholls said. “We love to encourage folks to sing, clap and dance along to the driving rhythms and lush harmonies of songs by top Christian recording artists like Rend Collective, Newsboys, Matt Maher, Lincoln Brewster, Passion, Hillsong and more.”
Franklin-based Berachah Valley has been playing traditional bluegrass, gospel bluegrass and traditional renditions of current favorites since 2005.
“Being chosen to play our genre of music in a non-bluegrass environment is very rewarding,” said Berachah Valley guitarist Cathy Baker. “The Miami Valley is an area in which many residents have Appalachian roots. So many, many folks can relate to the music we create.
“The high lonesome sound of bluegrass gospel music captures the heart of many,” Baker said. “Our music is emotionally intense, soaring to the point, with three-part female vocals. Bluegrass gospel music reaches the heart of those folks who are rooted in American mountain music. It reaches the soul.”
GospelFest will be Berachah Valley’s second appearance at Fraze Pavilion.
“We are thrilled to share our music ministry at southwestern Ohio’s premiere neighborhood outdoor entertainment venue, the Fraze Pavilion,” Baker said. “It’s a blessing for regional and local talent like Berachah Valley to be included in this professional environment. We’re looking forward to experiencing all that a venue like The Fraze has to offer.”
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