Praise of God booms forth from music fest's gospel stage

NEW ORLEANS, La. (Catholic Online) - The words of scripture, the spirit of faith proclaimed and the booming strains of choirs all combined as powerful testimony to God in the midst of a gathering of tens of thousands of music revelers.

The Gospel Tent at the 38th annual New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, held April 27-29 and May 4-6, was the site of the steady rhythm of drummers, the sweet mellow tones of saxophones and a chorus of strong voices merging in harmony. Thousands of spectators quickly filled folded chairs and bleachers and shared in the experience of the proclamation of God's word through gospel music. Words of praise resonated with hope and peace. Some people may have walked into the tent feeling low, and left with their spirits lifted by the joy and love that filled the air. Old-time, foot-stomping gospel songs had the power to bring people to their feet. Hands began to clap, while people swayed and sang along. The power of the crescendos seemed to elevate the energy within the flaps of the sometimes standing-room-only tent and unify spectators, musicians and sound crew alike. Familiar songs, like, "The Saints Go Marching In," helped formed an even stronger bond among those gathered. A cascade stage drape of yellow, purple, orange and brown looked like rays from heaven beaming down on the performers. On Sunday afternoon, April 29, the Gospel Tent featured performances from: the Catholic St. Joseph the Worker Music Ministry, Jo "Cool" Davis, Betty Winn and One A-Chord, Val and Love Alive Fellowship Choir with the Dimensions of Faith, Higher Dimensions of Praise and Bobby Jones and the Nashville Super Choir. The songs that they shared carried message after message of faith. Stanzas like "He'll walk beside you, just like he walks with me" gave people a sense of connection, while "He lights my way when the road gets dark" screamed of hope. The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival began in 1970 and has grown to be one of the most popular music festivals in the world. People come from throughout the United States and around the world to hear a variety of music styles - jazz, blues, gospel, zydaco, Cajun and pop among others - to eat a delicious array of Louisiana-flavored food and to see an interesting assortment of arts and crafts. Of the 10 musical stages, the Gospel Tent provides music entertainment and the added gift of spiritual messages filled with faith in God, such as: "I've got light. I'm gonna let it shine, wherever I go."
"Say 'yes' to the Lord."
"I am healed."
"We come to praise the Lord."
"I'm holding in, holding on, won't let go of my faith." The last line of words reflects the reality of some of the singers and musicians who are still in the process of recovering from the aftermath of hurricane Katrina and waiting to move back into their own homes. They are still holding on and won't let go of their faith. - - - Editors note: For those interested in attending the 2008 New Orleans Festival, which will be held April 25-27 and May 2-4, more information is available at www.nojazzfest.com. - - - Mary Carty is the Home and Family editor of Catholic Online.

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