Valley Gospel Fest

Ashley Cleveland

Jonathan White

On the banks of the great Ohio River and in the heart of the City of Murals, Gospel music will ring out throughout the day with an outstanding line-up of talented artists. Saturday, May 10, 2008, the first annual Valley gospel Fest will take place at the Louis Berkman Amphitheater located next to the Old Fort Steuben.  The event is scheduled from noon until 7:00P.M. and will include several artists lifting their voices in Praise for this Gospel celebration.

Three times Grammy award winner, Ashley Cleveland as well as Jonathan White, Curtis Lewis and the Aliquippa Church in the Round Gospel Choir, the Word of Life Singers, Seasons and the Martin Luther King Choir make up the line-up.

Bring your lawn chair and plan on spending the day listening to one of Nashville’s most in-demand session singers.  Ms. Cleveland has performed on more than 300 albums, including those of John Hiatt, Emmy Lou Harris, Faith Hill, Jars of Clay, Don Henley, Amy Grant, Etta James and Michael McDonald.  The evening will conclude with a fireworks salute provided by Bob Neal.

Admission is FREE.  We will be asking for a donation of non-perishable food items or a monetary donation that will be given to the Urban Mission Ministries.  This event is being sponsored by the Community Foundation of Jefferson County Glory to Christ Fund and hosted by Starkdale Presbyterian Church.  Keith Murdock, Foundation board member, will act as the master of ceremonies for the concert.

This will be an opportunity for the churches in the tri-state area to unite in an ecumenical event which we are sure will be just the beginning of a long history of unity and celebration. We are extending an invitation to all the churches in the Ohio Valley to be a part of this event by hosting a booth to give away merchandise or sell baked goods, crafts or cookbooks.  There is a limited amount of spaces available, so please call the church office immediately.  They will be assigned on a first come first serve basis.  The City of Steubenville has graciously committed to closing off a portion of Third Street for the use of the churches.  

In case of rain, the event will be moved to The First Westminster Presbyterian Church located at 235 N. Fourth St. Steubenville, Ohio.

Questions can be directed to the Starkdale Presbyterian Church office at 740-264-5309 or by email at Starkdale@sbcglobal.net