June 20-22, 2025 Gospel Fest Miami 2025
Knight Concert Hall
Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County presents
Gospel Fest Miami
FRIDAY, JUNE 20
GOSPEL—The Gospel Train screening
7 p.m.
From acclaimed scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Gospel explores Black spirituality in sermon and song. From the blues to hip-hop, African Americans have been the driving force of sonic innovation for over a century. While musical styles come and go, there is one sound that has been a constant source of strength, courage and wisdom from the pulpit to the choir lofts on any given Sunday: gospel. The first episode of PBS series Gospel takes the gospel train north to Chicago, where Southern migrants Thomas A. Dorsey, Mahalia Jackson and Sister Rosetta Tharpe blended the melodic sounds and instrumentation of blues and jazz with lyrics about God’s goodness. Like the blues, gospel would become a commodity, but one built by Black-owned publishing companies such as Martin and Morris and sustained by Black audiences.
The screening of The Gospel Train will be followed by a conversation with Dr. Bobby Jones, a Grammy Award winner and pioneering figure in gospel music.
The History of Gospel panelists
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Dr. Tammy L Kernodle, PhD
Moderator
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Dr. Walter T. Richardson
Panelist
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Dr. Bobby Jones
Panelist
SATURDAY, JUNE 21
Gospel and Civil Rights
5 p.m.
This engaging discussion will illuminate how gospel serves as a tool for freedom, empowerment and resilience during pivotal times in American history. Attendees will learn how music inspires hope and mobilizes change through culture, faith and activism in the quest for justice and equality.
Gospel and Civil Rights panelists
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Dr. Tammy L. Kernodle, PhD
Moderator
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Dr. Walter T. Richardson
Panelist
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Kevin Bumpers
Panelist
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Otis Kemp
Panelist
Michelle Williams featuring Hezekiah Walker with Otis Kemp and Gamaliel Fleurantin and Community Sounds
7 p.m.
Michelle Williams is a Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, author, actress, mental health advocate, entrepreneur, designer, television host and member of one of the most successful recording groups of all time, Destiny's Child. She has garnered widespread acclaim for her versatile talent, making significant contributions to music and theater.
Beyond her artistic achievements, Williams is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness. Open about her own struggles with depression, she has become a powerful voice in the fight to break the stigma surrounding mental health. Her memoir, Checking In: How Getting Real About Depression Saved My Life and Can Save Yours, chronicles her journey and serves as a beacon of hope for others. She further explores mental health through her follow-up guided journal, The Daily Check-In: A 60-Day Journey to Finding Your Strength, Faith, and Wholeness, and her podcast, Checking In, where she engages in meaningful conversations with guests about mental wellness.
Hezekiah Walker is an esteemed gospel singer, songwriter and pastor known for powerful vocals and heartfelt performances. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Walker began his musical journey at an early age, singing in church choirs and honing his skills. He rose to prominence in the early 1990s as founder and leader of the Love Fellowship Choir, a renowned gospel ensemble that garnered widespread acclaim for energetic and uplifting performances.
Throughout his career, Walker has released critically acclaimed albums such as Live in Atlanta at Morehouse College, Family Affair and Azusa: The Next Generation. His music blends traditional gospel with contemporary elements, creating an engaging musical experience that resonates with audiences worldwide. Walker's signature song, "Every Praise," became a major gospel hit and solidified Walker's status as a prominent figure in gospel music.
Aside from his musical achievements, Walker is a dedicated pastor. He serves as senior pastor of the Love Fellowship Tabernacle in Brooklyn, where he provides spiritual guidance and leadership to his congregation. Known for his charismatic preaching style and commitment to spreading the message of God's love, Walker has become an influential figure within the Christian community. Walker's contributions to gospel music and ministry have earned him numerous accolades, including Grammy, Stellar and Dove awards. His passion for music and devotion to his faith continue to inspire and uplift people of all backgrounds, making him a beloved figure in gospel music and the church community.
Otis Kemp is a groundbreaking gospel artist who blends the spiritual depth of church music with the vibrant edge of Miami’s hip-hop culture. He made history in 2024 with his breakout hit “Daily Bread,” the first Billboard No. 1 by a South Florida independent gospel artist. Kemp’s debut album, Meet Me in Miami, and chart-topping collaborations such as the No. 1 Billboard/Mediabase “Everything” with Lena Byrd Miles and “Church Parking Lot” with Tasha Page-Lockhart have solidified his place as a leading voice in contemporary gospel. Offstage, he uplifts his community through his Appleseeds Performing Arts Academy and Revive 5.0 Studio, which empower youth and nurture new talent.
Gamaliel Fleurantin and Community Sounds proudly embody a vision of elevating music and fostering a new generation of multitalented artists. With a mission to engage, enrich and empower through the transformative power of gospel music, the multilingual choir weaves African-American and Caribbean traditions into an original and uplifting sound. The choir's dedicated singers bring passion and purpose to every performance, inspiring the community with traditional, contemporary and original compositions.
SUNDAY, JUNE 22
The Cultural Impact of Gospel
5 p.m.
Join us for an enlightening preshow conversation that explores the cultural impact of gospel music as the foundation and influence for many mainstream and popular genres today. An expert panel will discuss how the emotional depth and spiritual fervor of gospel have shaped rock 'n' roll, soul, R&B and hip-hop. Attendees will gain insights into the ways in which gospel's rich sounds and themes have crossed boundaries and resonated with audiences worldwide. This dialogue promises to explore the legacy of gospel music and its lasting footprint on secular music.
The Cultural Impact of Gospel panelists
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Dr. Walter T. Richardson
Moderator
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Otis Kemp
Panelist
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Myammee
Panelist
Tye Tribbett featuring Gia Wyre, Sensere and Danielle Davis & Revolution
7 p.m.
Tye Tribbett has had a legendary career. In 2024, he earned the Best Gospel Album Grammy Award for All Things New: Live in Orlando. It was the second time he won the award and marked his third Grammy win. Overall, he has been nominated for a Grammy Award 13 times. Tribbett also boasts six No. 1 albums, four No. 1 digital tracks, five No. 1 radio singles and 11 Billboard Top 10 songs. He is globally known for his charismatic, dynamic personality and range, which encompasses high-energy praise songs, intimate worship moments, African rhythms and trap beats.
With more than 30 years serving in music ministry, noted actress and award-winning recording artist Gia Wyre in 2022 released her debut EP, Meant To Be. The six-track collection is fueled by songwriting and/or producing contributions by J. Tyrone Hilton, Angela Moss Poole, Raymond Darius Jackson, Sharvis Whitted, Pamela Moore, Miche’le Barrington, Christian Cooper, Michael Poole and Whilshem Pinneck. Rapper Lil Goat and singer-songwriter Angela Moss Poole make special guest appearances. The EP's lead single, “It’s on the Way,” spent 10 weeks in the Top 20 on Billboard’s Gospel Indicator chart.
Lauded as one of gospel music’s only authentic bands, Sensere is an urban, inspirational soul act from Miami. Combining elements of funk and soul with cool harmonies and a full-bodied sound, the 10-piece band includes founder, producer and lead guitarist James “Jdubb” Wright; lead vocalists Brian Williams, Levi Knowles and Zachery "Nook" Sanders; background vocalist Micah Person; keyboardist Tre'Von Watson; drummer Chris Feltner; bassist Jaquan Hunter; trumpet player Darryl Efford; and musical director Brasen White. Sensere began their career in 2003. The group in 2008 partnered with music veteran Eddie Pugh, who helped propel the band into national notoriety. In 2011, the band released their debut album, The Soul of Future Worship Vol. 1 . This project spawned the buzzworthy single and concept music video “Got Jesus.”
In 2019, the Lord called Min Danielle Davis to start her own ministry, one that encourages people and uplifts the name of Jesus through a new sound, a movement, a gospel “revolution.” Danielle Davis & Revolution is composed of 30 members operating in the five-fold ministry. The multidenominational group represents churches and denominations throughout Florida. The diversity of the group lends to its vibrant choir sound and its passion for spreading the gospel through song. The 2021 “Choir of the Year” (Tampa Bay Gospel Awards) has shared stages with many gospel recording artists and has received numerous awards and accolades in Florida and beyond.
