7th Annual Hudson Valley Gospel Festival Uplifts

By Jennifer L. Warren

POUGHKEEPSIE – The power of music runs deep.

Whether it’s a heartfelt lyric that creates an elusive connection, an emotional delivery that elicits unbridled emotion or a rhythmic beat that uplifts the listener’s soul, music has the ability to create impressions far transcending sound. Gospel music, a traditional genre of Christian melodies, focused upon celebrating Jesus Christ through rich and inspiring vocals and spiritual themes, possesses the potential to provide priceless hope and comfort, particularly in challenging times. Saturday, inside of Poughkeepsie’s Family Partnership Center, all of those gifts were once again celebrated at the 7th Annual Hudson Valley Gospel Festival. Here, Gospel singers-along with praise dancers- from a host of churches spanning Dutchess, Orange and Ulster Counties in the Hudson Valley, united for an afternoon of music, praise and community celebration.

“This event is special because it’s about people coming together from different churches from different areas in the Hudson Valley to uplift the community and remind them that God is always at the forefront,” said Deacon, Dr. Dinesa Hansen-Johnson who leads the Hudson Valley Gospel Festival Choir, composed of 30 singers. “It is also an event for love; we are there in the community for one another, and that we must love one another despite what is going on; it is just so important to get the message through that we need to be a community of love helping one another out, as you just never know what someone is going through and who you might uplift or save.”

That positive vibe transcended a packed Family Partnership auditorium as the contingent of all-blue clad Hudson Valley Gospel Festival Choir took the stage for three musical selections. Moving and clapping as they paid tribute to God, the female and male vocalists tangibly showed their love through the magnetic sounds of Gospel. During one of the selections, member Ray Watkins, narrated his wife’s health journey challenge, never losing faith, as Choir members mirrored his hopeful words with moving lyrics.

“So many nights I cried. For many days I prayed, but through it all, I know, the sun is going to shine,” could be heard chiming throughout the room. “If I hold out, joy is going to come in the morning.”

The potency of the impact of the words, merging with a real life issue, mixed with music could be seen on the radiant faces of the audience as they swayed along, many with eyes closed, others looking above, all visibly moved by the moment.

“Gospel music is about so much more than just music,” Melissa Dvozenja-Thomas, Executive Director of arts Mid-Hudson, a pivotal supporter and promoter of the arts in the area and host of the event, told attendees during her Welcome Remarks. “It brings people together, and there is a very deep history and focus on community.”

More of those communal bonds were evident when Sabrina Sargent, who was accompanied by Danny McBride, took the stage for her emotion-packed, solo performance. Delivering melodic numbers containing lyrics: “The Lord is our Shepherd” and “Our Helper,” the animated Sargent, who was deeply moved by the uplifting words she was delivering, brought several audience members to their feel, arms raised above, as they connected to the intense depth of her heartfelt messages laden with hope, comfort and love.

Also performing were The Hudson Lily of the Valley Dance Team, led by Linda Molina. Clad in baby blue and white dresses, the synchronized team of six women with hands held skyward and bowing, and swaying white fabric in unison, were surrounded by such lyrics as; “I need you Lord” and “our helper,” leaving audience members mesmerized as well as energized with positivity and glory to God. Rounding out the performers were the Fishers of Men, accompanied by Dale Davenport and Garland Townsend, whose songs contained such phrases as:

“Every praise is to our God.”

“We have had our share of trials and tribulations; we are still here.”

“God is not through with us.”

The two hour event then concluded with the Finale when once again the Hudson Valley Gospel Festival Choir took the stage. Incited to leave guests feeling inspired, connected and loved, they not only provided enjoyable, live, musical entertainment, but all the other precious, memorable, and beautiful pearls Gospel music contains.

“Old people say music is the soul; it calms things, tames the savage beast within us,” said Dr. Hensen-Johnson. “When a person hears a song that relates to them, it just always makes them feel better.”