Gospel-Fest 2024

Tried By Fire, Inc. is pleased to host the third annual Gospel-Fest on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at Craven Community College, with performances from 12:00 to 4:30 pm on the Campus Lawn, 800 College Court. State Farm Insurance, Tom Gingrich Agency, is the key sponsor of the event and this year’s theme, “Like A Good Neighbor.” Visit New Bern is also a major sponsor of Gospel Fest 2024. This afternoon program is made possible through supportive partnerships with the Craven Community College and Public Radio East.

Beverly Crawford, a Gainesville, Florida-based pastor, recording artist, and Stellar-Award winner, is this year’s featured guest Gospel performer. New Bern’s own Bonita Burney Simmons, a nationally and internationally recognized award-winning Gospel artist, will open the afternoon with her usual rousing performance, followed by other local and regional artists. A Gospel Workshop is scheduled for singers and musicians on Friday, May 10, 2024, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm with guest artist Beverly Crawford. Anyone interested in participating in the Gospel Fest Super Choir is encouraged to attend. Register by calling Robert Brock at 252-637-2339. Cost is $25 and includes a 2024 Gospel Fest t-shirt and light dinner.

To emphasize the “Like A Good Neighbor” theme, there will be multiple exhibitor booths from community non-profit agencies and vendors, as well as educational interactive booths, to provide information on services and products available in New Bern and Craven County. Food trucks will also be on-site with food and beverages for purchase.

VIP tickets at $50 include a reception with the artists and VIP seating for the performance. Adult tickets are $15, and seniors and teens (13-19) are $10. Tickets purchased at the event will be $20 for adults, and $15 for seniors and teens. Advance tickets can be purchased at www.TriedByFireInc.org/events or VisitNewBern.com, or by using the QR code. Proceeds from Gospel Fest 2024 will benefit Tried By Fire, Inc. and its program, My Sister’s House, in New Bern that provides safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental housing and services for justice-involved women. Tried By Fire, Inc. is a registered 501-c-3 non-profit organization, and all donations are formally acknowledged. Checks can be made payable to Tried By Fire, Inc., and mailed to P. O. Box 12691, New Bern, NC 28561, or made online at the organization’s website.

“For the last two years, Gospel Fest has been well received by a joyful audience, so we are excited and proud to bring this major event again to Craven County and introduce some truly amazing Gospel performers to our community,” said Bonita Simmons, Executive Director of Tried By Fire, Inc. “Bringing my passion for the genre of Gospel music, together with my mission to create My Sister’s House in New Bern as a safe shelter for women working on reentry when they are released from incarceration, is such a special opportunity and blessing for me. We promise to again present a very professional and inspiring show that will definitely have the audience smiling and moving with the music,” she explained.