Award winning gospel artists to take the stage for East Kentucky Gospel Fest this Friday and Saturday

By Roberta Cantrell

BSN Editor

The Gospel sing is in its second year and started with a dream, prayers and a leap of faith according to Shona Smith, who is a member of the group Living Waters and a Female Horizon Vocalist of the year for Christian Voice Awards in 2015.

Lawrence County Tourism received a grant for the first year which was such a success that organizers decided to continue the event this year. Tourism is also sponsoring this year.

Smith, is also a five-time nominee five years in a row for Female Bluegrass Vocalist in the Diamond Awards.

She, along with Violet Maynard started the festival in 2023 that included singers, songwriters and musicians from all over the United States most having ties with Eastern Kentucky.

“Those who come are in one mind and one accord,” Smith said. “We are all in it for the same purpose and that’s to share our ministry with others lifting up the name of Jesus to a lost and dying world.”

Smith said that most of the artists performing in the two-day event are award winners.

Maynard, who also had this vision of having a gospel fest in the Lawrence County area, and along with her family rose up the gospel music charts with “He Rose Again” and “One Sweet Day” both written by Betty Bartley of the band Living Waters.

The gospel event is free to the public however they are accepting “love offerings”. There will be concessions and free parking as well.

April 26, the doors will open at 4:30 p.m. with the concert starting at 5:30. On April 27, the doors will open at noon with music beginning at 1 p.m., with a break in between and then again at 5:30 p.m.

The community center is located on 205 Bulldog Lane in Louisa.

For more information contact Maynard at 614-496-1618, Smith at 606-686-3632 or by email at eastkygospelfest@gmail.com.