Michigan Gospel Festivals
Michigan is home to plenty of gospel music. It was in Detroit that the Rev. James Cleveland, a singer and composer of gospel music known as the King of Gospel music, founded the Gospel Music Workshop of America in 1968 at the King Solomon Baptist Church in Detroit. Approximately 3,000 delegates attended. Gospel music stations, venues and church choirs are found all around the state. Two major gospel festivals take place in Michigan each year.
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Thumb Gospel Music Convention
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The 13th annual Thumb Gospel Music Convention was held in 2010. It takes place in Sebewaing, Michigan on the grounds of the Bay Shore Camp. Some 3,000 visitors attend the event each year for the four-day festival. There is no admission for the Thumb Gospel Music Convention, but donations are accepted. Festivalgoers can stay at the campground. Buffet breakfasts and pit barbecues take place on the days of the event. The dining hall is open during the entire festival. Past performers have included the Royalheirs, The Thurstons, The Allen Family, The Gospelmen, Not Ashamed and the Master's Touch Quartet.
Northern Michigan Gospel Music Festival
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The Northern Michigan Gospel Music Festival was in its 35th year in 2010. It is held in Boyne Falls at the Antique Flywheelers Grounds. The two-evening event charges no admission. There is bench seating and room for lawn chairs. Food is sold by church mission groups in the area. One hour each evening, the Kids Korner offers activities for the children. Past performers have included Dale Signs, Gloria Lynne, Southern Praise, the Birdsong Family and the Toney Brothers.
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Occasional
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One-time festivals take place in Michigan. The Hope College Gospel Choir and the Black Student Union co-sponsored a gospel festival in 2010 in honor of Black History Month. Performers included Hark Up's Down Home Horns.
Other Venues
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Some gospel music venues in Michigan have concerts on an ongoing basis. Since 1995, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in Detroit not only hosts its annual induction ceremony, but also has a concert space for performances throughout the year. The Gospel Barn in Hillsdale, Michigan has weekly performances from April through November. It has been in Hillsdale since 1970.
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References
- Photo Credit piano with music image by Ivonne Wierink from Fotolia.com
