Gospel singer coming to town

How to go

What: Neo Soul Night, a concert by Corey Barksdale

Where: Muont Pisgah Baptist Church, 6111Brandt Pike, Huber Heights

When: 7 p.m. Feb. 28; 6 p.m. doors open/social hour

Cost: $5

More info: Call 937-252-7188, email EJackson@mtpisgahdayton.org or go online to

Gospel artist Corey Barksdale has collaborated with Jonathan McReynolds on his duet track “Why” and also contributed as a lead vocalist for Mark Hubbard and the Voices’ “For My Good.” Now the rising gospel artist and Chicago-based singer/worship leader is coming to perform at Mount Pisgah Church in Huber Heights at the end of this month.

The Feb. 28 Neo Soul Night concert is sponsored by the church’s College and Young Professional Ministry.

“I became familiar with the gift of Corey Barksdale through a mutual friend in music ministry, Jonathan McReynolds,” said Gospel singer Tonya Baker, overseer of worship and arts at Mount Pisgah Church. “His music is beautiful and his sound is refreshing. His gift is undeniable and we believe this would be a great way to introduce his anointed music ministry to this area.”

Barksdale will be signing his original music, “You’re Irreplaceable” and “Persona,” among other worship songs. The first has been described as “a melodic love letter to God declaring His matchless presence in our lives.” The second song is about the importance of recognizing God’s purpose and original intent for our lives. Some of his musical inspirations have come from big-name singers Stevie Wonder, Springfield native John Legend and Marvin Winans.

“I’m inspired by all types of artists from all cultures and many different genres,” said Barksdale. “My major goal in life is to spread the message of faith, praise, worship and self-love to all generations throughout the world. I enjoy having the opportunity to sing life-changing songs. Gospel is more of a message than it is a sound; it matters, it has power.”

Mount Pisgah Church has two campuses; one at 1 Diamond Ave. in Dayton, and a second at 6111 Brandt Pike. There will be refreshments at the event, as well as Gospel music vendors.

“Neo Soul Night is a vehicle to display the gifts and talents of our CYP. We feature singers, musicians, spoken word artists and dance/mime ministry performers. All are welcome to attend,” said Baker.

Barksdale, a praise and worship leader at Living Word Christian Center in Chicago, has also appeared on the Word Network, TBN, TCT Network, and TLN. He was recently featured in this month’s issue of Sister 2 Sister Magazine.

“I recently became fortunate enough to work with Tracy Williamson as my publicist. Tracy and I met in Chicago at a Gospel Workshop where she was a guest panelist,” said Barksdale. “I also have a huge respect for Tonya Baker and I’ve grown to know Tonya through her amazing music and by her business relationships here in Chicago, Ill., where I reside.”

Two other Friday evening Neo Soul Night events have been planned for 2014. One is scheduled for May 9 and one for Aug. 22.

“I’m honored to work with new artist Corey Barksdale,” said Williamson of Tre7 Entertainment. “Corey is a genuine,anointed, soulful, driven and multi-talented artist who surprises you every time with his voice, writing, energy, and music. He is very rare and I cannot wait for the world to hear his timeless sound.”

Barksdale remembers his grandmother encouraging him to sing solos at church when he was 3 years old. By the age of 7, he had joined the Walt Whitman and the Soul Children of Chicago choir. When he was older, he struggled with his stringent musical identity and wanted to pursue business and entrepreneurship. During this period he ultimately decided to seek God’s original plan for his life.

“There is more to life than what we see, hear, touch, smell and taste. I want my listeners to understand and experience that by faith, and to be drawn to a lifestyle of worship where they surrender to God, acknowledge God as Lord of their life, and let God take control,” said Barksdale. “I believe God responds to praise the same way a loving father responds to the tears of his daughter. Regardless of fault, circumstance, timing, bad attitudes, sin or whatever else could get in the way, He will show up.”