9th Annual Gospel Fest On Feb. 2 In Canton

CANTON, GA — Organizers are about a month away from the annual musical celebration of Black History Month in Canton. The ninth annual Gospel Fest will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2 at the Cherokee Arts Center in downtown Canton.

Gospel Fest IX will showcase a diverse group of talent, and will feature performances from a mass choir, praise and dance teams and soloists. Anyone who has participated in the previous eight installments of Gospel Fest is encouraged to join the mass choir for this year's show.

New voices are also encouraged to join the occasion. Along with local talent, this year's performance will feature a guest group, The Singing Brothers of Stilwell from the Martha Ellen Stilwell School of the Arts in Jonesboro.

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If you're interested in participating in the ninth-annual Gospel Fest, be sure to show up for the following rehearsal dates:

• 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22
• 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24
• 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 29; and
• 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31.

Admission to Gospel Fest is free, and the entire community is invited to celebrate Black History Month through music. This year's celebration will also be presented in partnership with Cherokee County Arts Council. Kipling "Kip" L. McVay-Stubbs has made a contribution to Gospel Fest IX in memory of Charlie Ferguson. Sponsors are always welcomed and appreciated.

The Reverend Fred Forsh will once again coordinate the music and musicians for the choir. Anyone wishing to participate in Gospel Fest should contact Forsh at 770-926-4792 or Pat Tanner, Gospel Fest coordinator, at 770-479-8676 or 404-918-6827.

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