Choir Winners And Former Destiny’s Child Singer Perform in Arsht’s Gospel Fest Weekend

Gamaliel Fleurantin and Community Sounds, winners of the Arsht Center’s Gospel Choir Invitational in January, will bring its Caribbean-flavored gospel to Gospel Fest Miami Weekend (Photo by Taylor Brown, courtesy of the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts)

When Gamaliel Fleurantin and Community Sounds were announced as the winners of the Arsht Center’s Gospel Center’s Choir Invitational last January, Fleurantin described the moment as “overwhelming.”

“Joy. Gratitude. Validation. We felt seen and heard. That moment was a testimony in itself,” says the leader of the Miami-based choir.

The group won the People’s Choice Award, and were overall winners for the grand prize of $5,000 and the chance to perform at Gospel Fest Miami Weekend.

Michelle Williams, former Destiny’s Child member, gospel singer, and Broadway star in “Death Becomes Her,” headlines the inaugural Gospel Fest Miami Weekend on Saturday, June 21 at the Knight Concert Hall at the Adrienne Arsht Center (Photo courtesy of artist management)

Gospel Fest Miami Weekend takes place from Friday, June 20 through Sunday, June 22 at the Adrienne Arsht Center’s Knight Concert Hall, closing out the Center’s inaugural Gospel Fest Miami series with a weekend lineup of concerts, discussions, and a film screening.

Gamaliel Fleurantin and Community Sounds perform on Saturday, June 21 in a headlining concert that features Grammy Award winner Michelle Williams.

“Personally, it’s amazing. It’s great to be on the inaugural Gospel Fest and for them to ask me to be a part of it. So, I’m really excited about that,” says Williams, a former member of Destiny’s Child, an established gospel singer, and now starring on Broadway as Viola Van Horn in the musical “Death Becomes Her.”

“I grew up with Gospel music. My foundation is the church. I still serve in a church. So, I give my all, whether it’s on Broadway, whether it was with Destiny’s Child or myself with gospel music, thanking God for the opportunities to be a voice used by Him,” says Williams.

Michelle Williams says she’s excited to be part of the inaugural Gospel Fest Miami Weekend shown here performing in the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association’s Juneteenth Celebration. (Photo by Timothy Norris, courtesy of the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts)

Known for her gospel hit “Say Yes” featuring Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland, Williams says her Miami performance will include songs that shaped her spiritual journey. “We’ll revisit some of my old catalog and some of the songs that get me through life. There are songs that I play on a daily basis, that I use to pray and do my devotions. I want to bring people along on my journey.”

The series began in January with the Arsht Gospel Choir Invitational, where choirs from across Florida competed. From February to May, the series continued with four pop-up concerts by local artists throughout Miami-Dade County.

Festivities begin Friday, June 20, with a free screening of “Gospel: The Gospel Train,” the first installment of Henry Louis Gates Jr.’s docuseries exploring the history of gospel music. The event will take place at The Peacock Foundation Education Center, located inside the John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall, at the Arsht Center.

Following the screening, Bobby Jones, host and executive producer of BET’s “Bobby Jones Gospel,” will lead a conversation on gospel’s cultural impact in the Arsht’s Knight Concert Hall.

Jones, who received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and helped introduce artists like CeCe Winans and Kirk Franklin to national audiences, is known for his role in expanding the genre’s visibility.

A pre-show panel, held before the headlining event on Saturday, titled “Gospel and the Civil Rights Movement,” will explore how gospel music served as a tool for hope and resilience during a pivotal era in American history.

Then, at 7 p.m., Williams, the Gospel Fest Invitational winners,  gospel great Hezekiah Walker and South Florida artist Otis Kemp will perform the headlining event.

Fleurantin says audiences can expect “a journey” in their performance.

“You’ll hear a cappella harmonies, passionate worship, beloved choir classics, the vibrant sound of Kreyòl, and some original compositions straight from the heart of our ministry. We want the audience to feel every note,” he says.

Gia Wyre, one of the local artists set to perform at the Arsht Center on Sunday, June 22, is shown during a 2021 appearance at the former Arsht Free Gospel Sundays series. (Photo by Sergi Alexander/Eyeworks Production for Miami Music Project)

Gia Wyre, another South Florida act, who will perform on Sunday, described the festival as a moment of recognition for local gospel artists.

“South Florida has so much talent, and to be recognized among some of the most inspiring voices in the region is truly humbling. This festival isn’t just about music, it’s about ministry, community, and lifting people’s spirits,” she says.

A Miami native with over 30 years in music ministry, Wyre has performed at Carnegie Hall and toured with gospel artists such as BeBe and CeCe Winans, Kirk Franklin, and Fred Hammond. “During my performance, I hope to bring a message of healing, connection, and strength. I want to remind everyone that no matter what they’re going through, they’re not alone,” she says.

The final day of the festival begins with a panel discussion on gospel’s influence on mainstream genres such as soul, R&B, and hip-hop, then the closing concert features Tye Tribbett with local acts, including Wyre, Sensere, and Danielle Davis and the Revolution Choir.

Gospel star Tye Tribbet invites the audience to a Holy Ghost cardio workout. “We gon’ sweat, shout, and maybe cry a little too.” (Photo courtesy artist management)

“Man, listen… it feels like a divine continuation. I’ve always said, God moves in seasons and this? This feels like the next wave. From Free Gospel Sundays to Gospel Fest Miami, it’s like we’re upgrading from glory to glory ‘2 Corinthians 3:18’ style,” Tribbett says about the new format of the former Arsht’s Free Gospel Sundays. “I’m just grateful to still be in the mix, still lifting up Jesus, and still watching chains break through music.”

Calling the festival a “sacred block party,” Tribbett says Gospel Fest Miami reminds people that gospel music is powerful and joyful. “We need these events to remind folks that God is not boring. This is kingdom culture in real life,” he says.

 WHAT:  “Gospel Fest Miami Weekend”

WHERE:  Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami

WHEN:  7 p.m., Friday, June 20, “Gospel : The Gospel Train” screening; 5 p.m. Saturday, June 21, preshow conversation: “Gospel and Civil Rights,” 7 p.m., June 21, Michelle Williams, Hezekiah Walker, Otis Kemp and Gamaliel Fleurantin and Community Sounds; 5 p.m., Sunday, June 22, preshow conversation: “The Cultural Impact of Gospel,” 7 p.m., Sunday, June 22, Tye Tribbett featuring Gia Wyre, Sensere and Danielle Davis and the Revolution.

COST:  All events free (RSVP required) except for Michelle Williams ticketed concert. Tickets are $36-$76.

INFORMATION:  305-949-6722 or arshtcenter.org

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