San Diego, CA – Soulful and spiritual music with a message resonated through the air of the Webster Community on September 20th as more than 30 bands, choirs, dancers, and solo artists performed at the 2008 San Diego Praise Fest. The first ever Christian music street festival in San Diego drew an estimated crowd of more than 5,000 people from all over Southern California, some as far away as Los Angeles, who came to listen to the diverse line up of Christian musicians.
“I think the fact that people came out of their homes and watched the shows from their lawns and front porches was a testament to the quality of the entertainment. The event would not have been a big success had it not been for the cooperation and support of the Webster Community” said M.A.N.D.A.T.E. records A/R Rep Ghia Ransome.
The festival spanned four blocks of Federal Blvd. between Euclid Avenue and 48th Street with three large stages, an open-air marketplace, a kid’s fun zone with games and rides, a community health pavilion, a food court, and an education row.
The Open Air Marketplace featured a range of vendors from Christian and political apparel to massage therapy. The Education Row and Community Health Pavilion supported the Praise Fest goal of providing resources to a San Diego community that is often left out of the loop on topics relating to health and education. Representatives from University of San Diego, San Diego State University, Alliant International University, and Bethel Seminary participated by providing information to parents and students. Health agencies, such as Rady’s Children’s 10 mobile, The Palavra Tree, and Neighborhood House Association improved awareness by providing information and resources on health issues affecting the San Diego community.
Jini Hogg spokesperson for San Diego State’s Educational Opportunities Program said "San Diego State University (SDSU) was proud to be a part of the first annual Praise Fest that took place in the culturally rich community of Southeast San Diego. We want the community to know that SDSU and the Office of Educational Opportunity Programs value diversity and access to higher education. It was a pleasure informing families about college admissions, scholarships, financial aid and planning for college. We look forward to supporting more community initiatives in the future."
The audience remained jam-packed all day at the Church house stage as the more traditional gospel groups, such as the San Diego Multicultural Choir, CLC Praise Choir, and Distinguished performed. Often labeled non-traditional fans, urban/hip-hop lovers bobbed their heads to the sounds of artists like Nova Page, Eternal, Audience of One and Clister on the Gospel Urban Youth Stage. “I am so happy that the Praise Fest featured young artists that have testimonies and music relevant to those of my generation. I particularly enjoyed the performances by Nova Page and the couldn’t stop chanting with Jehsyn Lavelle’s song “Brand New Day”, raved 23 year old festival volunteer Meikiel Willingham.
The Main Stage (located at the intersection of 49th St. and Federal Blvd.) featured groups such as The Bayview Baptist Gospel Dance Troupe and Cheryl Dearing & Blessed. Every hand was clapping by the time the headliner and national recording artist, Brent Jones & the TP Mobb hit the stage, who performed songs from his latest album, as well as some of his past hits. You could not find a dry face in the crowd once Brent Jones began to sing the melodic audience favorite, “Midnight.”
The day’s festivities were closed with a collaborative performance by Brent Jones and the TP Mobb and M.A.N.D.A.T.E. recording artists Jehsyn Lavelle, Archie Robinson & New Birth Praise, Gwen Matthews and Family, and Evangel. The final act of the 1st Inaugural San Diego Praise Fest was a prayer for safety, health, and prosperity for residents of the San Diego community and the nation at large.
Between each act, festival-goers lined the streets unified hand-in-hand as prayers for the community, the region, and nation were led by religious leaders in the greater San Diego community. In addition to providing live gospel music, the San Diego Praise Fest succeeded in its goals to register new voters, conduct health screenings, provide educational resources, and encourage recycling.
While there was competition from the wide array of events taking place in San Diego, the Praise Fest accomplished their attendance goal of more than 5,000 people. Festival attendee, Oscar Martinez said, “The festival was like a breath of fresh air. Our city often hosts music events but I find it rare that gospel music is ever at the focus. Before the Praise Fest there was definitely a void. I was happy to bring my family to an event with an actual purpose. It was great to see all the people working in collaboration to serve & worship our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ!
The event could not have taken place without the funding and participation of dedicated sponsors like Councilmember Tony Young, Neighborhood House Association, TV One, M.A.N.D.A.T.E. Records, Inc., CRW Enterprises, University of San Diego, Pazzaz,Inc., Jacobs Family Foundation, Project New Village, The Diamond BID and several San Diego Churches.
Councilmember Tony Young was ecstatic about the day’s events saying, “It was as honor to partner with the San Diego Praise Fest Coalition. I believe this was a welcome addition to the community events that occur in Fourth District. The unity felt from the thousands of people of various cultures gathering in celebration was a sight to be seen. The San Diego Praise Fest has a promising future in San Diego.”
