FOURTH ANNUAL GOSPEL FEST 2025, ‘TOGETHER IN HARMONY’, COMES TO NEW BERN

Tried By Fire, Inc. is pleased to announce the fourth annual Gospel-Fest on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at a new location. Previously hosted on the campus of Craven Community College, this year’s event will be held at Temple Church, 1500 Kingdom Way, with performances in the main sanctuary from 12:00 to 4:00 pm. Pastor Keith Whitfield has welcomed this year’s event to their campus. "At Temple Church, we believe in the power of the gospel to bring hope, restoration, and new beginnings. We are honored to support Tried by Fire Inc. in their mission to help post-incarcerated women rebuild their lives. Gospel Fest is not just an event, it’s a testament to the transforming grace of God and the strength of community coming together to uplift those in need," Pastor Whitfield explained.

The 2025 theme, “Together in Harmony” includes an impressive line-up of soloists, choirs, and quartets. Key sponsors for the event are Baker’s Kitchen, B/S/H/ and SpringHill Suites as the host hotel. The afternoon program is also made possible through supportive partnerships with Craven Community College and Curtis Media Group, KISS 101.9 FM.

Featured this year are recording artist Bishop Aaron Lackey, a Fairburn, Georgia-based pastor, and his UCOGIC choir, Anthony Sutton & Fresh Wind from Raleigh, NC, and Pastor David Moore & Focus, one of the finest quartets, from Greenville, NC. Gospel Music Hall of Fame 2025 inductee, and forty-year radio industry executive, Jerry Smith, will serve as host for this year’s special program. 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. “We are so pleased and excited to bring this amazing group of Gospel artists together for our fourth year’s program,” said Robert Brock, Event Coordinator.

A Gospel Workshop is scheduled for singers and musicians on Friday, May 16, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm with the Craven Community Gospel choir. Anyone interested in participating in the Gospel Fest Super Choir is encouraged to attend. Register by calling Robert Brock at 252-637-2339.

To emphasize the “Together in Harmony” 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 be on-site with food and beverages for purchase.

Advance adult tickets are $20, and tickets for seniors/teens (14-19) are $15. Tickets purchased at the event will be $27 for adults, and $20 for seniors/teens. Advance tickets can be purchased on the website, www.TriedByFireInc.org/events, or by using the QR code on the poster. Proceeds from Gospel Fest 2025 will benefit Tried By Fire, Inc. and its program, My Sister’s House, in New Bern. This transitional home 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, www.triedbyfireinc.org.

“For the last three 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.