Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County presents
Gospel Fest Miami
Saturday, June 20
Arsht Plus: Gospel Trends Versus Tradition
5 p.m.
This moderated preshow conversation with Dr. Tammy Kernodle and Dr. Veryl Howard explores the evolution of the gospel sound. By revisiting key moments and where when accompaniment evolved from the traditional Hammond organ to sophisticated symphony orchestras and where singing styles turned mass choirs into praise teams, this robust discussion will take audience members on a journey that examines how gospel music has transformed over the years.
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Dr. Tammy L. Kernodle, PhD
Panelist
Artist Bio
Dr. Tammy L. Kernodle, PhD
Dr. Tammy L. Kernodle, PhD
Dr. Tammy L. Kernodle is the Park Creative Arts Endowed Professor and University Distinguished Professor of Music at Miami University in Ohio. She is an internationally recognized scholar and musician whose research focuses on African American music, gender studies in music and the impact of race on American popular culture. Her scholarship has been published in journals, reference books, edited volumes and anthologies. Kernodle is the author of Soul on Soul: The Life and Music of Mary Lou Williams, which offers a comprehensive examination of the pianist and arranger’s six-decade career. Additionally, she has been featured in several award-winning documentaries, including Mary Lou Williams: The Lady Who Swings the Band, Girls in the Band, Miles Davis: The Birth of Cool and, most recently, The Disappearance of Miss Scott, which chronicles the life and career of pianist Hazel Scott. Kernodle also serves as scholar in residence and curator for New World Symphony's I Dream a World Festival, celebrating the artistic contributions of Black composers and musicians.
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Dr. Apostle Veryl Howard
Panelist
Artist Bio
Dr. Apostle Veryl Howard
Dr. Apostle Veryl Howard
Dr. Apostle Veryl Howard is a powerful, energetic and versatile speaker, author, actress, casting director and producer. Her mission is to inspire, uplift and motivate audiences to walk boldly into their God-given purpose.
Dr. Howard is the founder of Faith Management & Talent Inc., where she has built a reputation as one of the most successful managers and promoters in the entertainment arena. In addition to managing national recording artists, she has forged an accomplished acting career. She held a recurring role on television series Double Cross, appearing opposite Taimak (Bruce Leroy Green from The Last Dragon).She also appeared in BET's The Wesley Christmas Story and The Wesley Christmas Wedding, portraying a pastor alongside notable talents such as Dorien Wilson, TC Carson and Jasmine Guy.
After believing her dream of acting had ended due to age, Dr. Howard rediscovered her passion and found renewed purpose in the industry. She has collaborated with respected names and organizations, including Dem Gibson’s Films, Octet Films, Talented Soul Productions, Michael Chin of Flameous Entertainment, Tyler Perry, David Talbert, Joshua Coates and Mark Lipsky of Coming to America. When she is not working on a film or managing an artist, she is writing books.
Beyond entertainment, Dr. Howard’s humanitarian impact is far-reaching. She received an award from President Joe Biden for her philanthropic work, and is a Global Peace Ambassador.
She has been inducted to the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Jekalyn Carr
Grammy Award-winning recording artist Jekalyn Carr began singing and ministering professionally when she was only 15 years old. Less than a decade later, she became one of the top-selling independent recording artists in gospel music.
Now 29, Carr has earned 10 Stellar Awards, four GMA Dove Awards and two Billboard Music Award nominations. Her accomplishments on the charts include many Billboard No. 1s for radio singles, albums and digital singles. Carr has had seven songs reach the Top 10. She was named one of EBONY Magazine’s coveted "Power 100" at the age of 13. Carr received a Lifetime Achievement Award from President Joe Biden. She was the first gospel artist to be inducted into the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame. Carr is also a sought-after speaker, conference host and radio personality.
Rashard Wright
Miami native Rashard Wright is a pastor, songwriter and worship leader committed to building authentic, Christ-centered community alongside his wife, Courtney Wright. As the founder of Connect Church, he leads with a passion for discipleship, family and worship that goes beyond the stage. Wright has collaborated with artists such as Todd Galberth, Darrel Walls and Psalmist Raine, as well as ministries such as Change Church, contributing to the sound of modern worship. His breakout single, "Build Your Home," has surpassed 1 million streams and continues to be sung in churches around the world. With a heart for music and ministry, Wright is focused on raising up people who are deeply connected to God, one another and their purpose.
Sisters United
Sisters United is a Miami-based ensemble of four women joined together by a shared passion for glorifying God through song. Although each member brings her own sound and ministry expression, they blend as one to create a worship experience marked by unity, strength and grace.
Made up of two senior pastors and two ministers, Sisters United is a reflection of true sisterhood, spiritual harmony and a collective passion to minister to God’s people with excellence and authenticity.
Corey Patrick Edwards
Corey Patrick Edwards is a singer, songwriter, worship leader, facilitator, choirmaster, producer and musician. He serves as associate minister of music at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Miami Gardens and is founder/executive director of the Florida Fellowship Super Choir. He was recently appointed as international regional vice president of music and worship of the National Baptist Convention USA Inc.
He also serves as a member of the Gospel Music Council of the Adrienne Arsht Center and choral director of Miami Lighthouse for the Blind United Voices. He served as minister of music and worship at the Abyssinia Missionary Baptist Church in Jacksonville and most notably at the Bible-Based Fellowship Church in Tampa under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. Arthur T. Jones, founder of the world-renowned Florida Mass Choir. During his tenure, the Bible-based choir was blessed to open for the Live Nation “King’s Men Tour” featuring Kirk Franklin, Israel Haughton, Marvin Sapp and Donnie McClurkin.
Sunday, June 21
Arsht Plus: Worship Music & Wellness
5 p.m.
This moderated preshow conversation and Q and A with Dr. Tammy Kernodle explores the therapeutic qualities of gospel music. Featuring special moments for community singing and a guided meditation, this conversation will analyze what it means to be recentered and will investigate gospel chord structures that touch the spirit and soothe the soul.
Todd Dulaney
Todd Dulaney spent most of his life pursuing a baseball career and played professionally for five years. Now, his joy comes from serving the Lord in any and every capacity of life. He is steadfast and sold-out to God, and his eyes are focused on ministry and fulfilling His purpose. Dulaney’s dream is to write music, which ministers to the heart of God and touches the heart of man.
Born December 20, 1983 in Maywood, Illinois, Dulaney grew up as a singer and an elite athlete. After graduating from high school in 2001, he was drafted from community college in Mt. Carmel, Illinois, by the New York Mets. While refining his athletic skills, Dulaney realized that he had a higher calling. He accepted an invitation to travel and perform background vocals for gospel artist and Grammy winner Smokie Norful.
Dulaney has worked and shared the stage with many award-winning artists, including Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Jessica Reedy, Michelle Williams, Fred Hammond, Dr. Bobby Jones and Tye Tribett. God has opened many doors on Dulaney's behalf, allowing him to minister in song at churches worldwide.
Dulaney has earned three Stellar Award nominations and a Grammy Award nomination for Best Gospel Album. He is a faithful member of the ministry of Dr. Bill Winston at Living Word Christian in Forest Park, Illinois. Dulaney desires to keep the message of Christ on display.
Mt. Pisgah Mass Choir
Mt. Pisgah Mass Choir was established in 2022 at the Mt. Pisgah Seventh Day Adventist Church in Miami Gardens. The choir is composed of people who genuinely love Jesus and enjoy spreading His love through song and praise. What started as a choir of 15 people has grown to over 30 members. Mt. Pisgah hopes to grow the choir ministry and share their passion for gospel.
Deana Butler-Rahming
Deana Butler-Rahming is a native of Miami. She is the proud mother of Alexia Deshay Porter and is married to Bishop Gus L. Rahming. Butler-Rahming graduated from Miami Carol City Senior High School and received her bachelor’s degree in music education from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. She holds specialist degrees in reading from the University of Miami and in educational leadership from Barry University.
Deana Butler-Rahming was selected by the Jubilate Committee to serve as director of the Gospel Chorale in Barcelona, Spain. She is a current member of the Miami Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Incorporated. Butler-Rahming began singing at the age of 4 and has performed with artists such as Queen Latifah, Betty Wright, CeCe Winans, J. Moss, Kiki Sheard, Mary Mary, Luther Barnes and Bobby Jones. Her incredible voice has led her to perform at the Apollo Theater, sing the national anthem for the Florida Marlins and perform throughout Europe. She was honored to open and minister in song at the Night of Praise in Macon, Georgia, alongside Yolanda Adams, Bishop William Murphy, Roy and Revelation and Le’Andria Johnson.
Butler-Rahming is also an actress, and has worked with playwrights and directors such as Michael Matthews, Philip Michael Thomas, Renza Yarbrough-Bing and Sonya Welch. She received the 2021 South Florida Legend Award from the Miami-Dade Alliance of Gospel Music Professionals Gospel Music Network. She serves on the Miami-Dade Alliance Board of Directors and is a member of the nationally known group Revelation S.E.E.D. She has recorded a solo project, My Destiny, which includes the single “No Shacks in Heaven.” Butler-Rahming has been a music teacher with Miami-Dade County Public Schools for 30 years and currently teaches at Palm Springs Elementary School.
Second Chapter
Second Chapter was founded in 1990 by William "Ponch" Orange, Laster Wilson, Willie Bailey, Andre Williams and the late Michael Fulgers. Their 1994 debut, Feel the Spirit, peaked at No. 23 on the Billboard gospel charts and produced the hit title track and "The Train," the group’s "national anthem." They followed this in 1998 with Through It All, which secured a spot in the Billboard Top 100 with favorites such as "Stand Still Jordan" and "I’m Holding On." Their 2010 release, A New Season, continued their momentum, garnering heavy radio airplay with "Turn It Over to Jesus" and "Lord You’ve Been Good to Me.”
Second Chapter have performed with artists such as Shirley Caesar, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Kirk Franklin, Frankie Beverly & Maze, Kris Kross, the late Betty Wright and Kool & the Gang. Reflecting on nearly four decades of service, Orange remains steadfast in the group's mission, declaring, "We are going to run on and see what the end is going to be, because the best is yet to come." Whether delivering traditional quartet harmonies or contemporary arrangements, Second Chapter continue to be a definitive voice in gospel music.
Supporting Sponsors
Adrienne Arsht Center
Inspirational Bon Mot Series by Adrienne Arsht
