Annual Gospel Fest and Heritage Tea Planned at the Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County

CAMDEN, SC – The Multi-Cultural Committee of the Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County (FAC) proudly announces plans for the annual Gospel Fest and Heritage Tea, as part of a celebration of Black History Month. The Gospel Fest will take place Saturday, February 21 at 6:00 p.m. All tickets are $8. The annual Heritage Tea Celebration will be held Sunday, February 22 at 3:00 p.m. Both events will be held in the Wood Auditorium. The Heritage Tea will be followed by a reception at the Douglas-Reed House where the student artwork is displayed. The event is free and open to the public.

The FAC’s Multi-Cultural Committee puts together these special programs that celebrate the spirit of community, with a special emphasis on Black History Month. Committee members include: Dionne Hough and Claude Eichelberger—Co-Chairs; Theresa Alexander, Denise Blanding, Kristin Cobb Ann Davis, Debra Edwards, James Frederick, Phyllis Harris, Ella Hood, Tim Hopkins, Lola Houston, Mary Jones, Kevin Little, Kimberly Little, Marie Major, Cassandra Mickle, Chandra Richardson, Elizabeth Robinson, Mollye Robinson, Bill Rozier, Debbie Bailey, Linda Shaylor, Rose Sheheen, Keith Tolen, Pamela Whitehead, Connie Williams, Ernest Witherspoon, and Katherine Wright. Sponsorship of this weekend’s celebration is provided by the Piggly Wiggly of Camden and Kohn-Spring Group, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management.

• About The Gospel Fest, Saturday, February 21, 6:00 p.m.
In its tenth year, The Gospel Fest will celebrate “community unity” through the singing of several local gospel choirs. The choirs will sing various genres of gospel music representing many styles. At the end of the evening, the audience will be encouraged to participate in a group singing with the choirs. Scheduled to appear this year are:
• Christian Musicians Guild—Dionne Hough, director
• Sanders Creek Male Chorus—Andy Robinson, director
• Bethel Worship Center—Brian Wieneke, director
• Camden First United Methodist Church—Greg Free, director
• Abundant Life Fellowship Chorale— Sam Dennis, director
• Catoe’s Chapel—James Caldwell, director

This year’s Gospel Fest is dedicated to the memory of Pastor Andrae Crouch. A special dedication will be made by committee member Chandra Richardson during the Fest. The invocation will be given by Pastor Margaret Lopez.

• About the Heritage Tea and Performances, Sunday, February 22, 3:00 pm
For more than 20 years, the Fine Arts Center’s Multi-Cultural Committee has hosted an annual Heritage Tea to celebrate diversity and showcase the myriad talents of local residents and county youth. This year, the Heritage Tea will be dedicated to the memory of Dr. Maya Angelou. A special tribute will be made by Ann Davis. In addition to performances on stage, prizes and awards will also be presented to students whose art projects are on display in the Douglas-Reed House. Entertainment for the day will be provided Pine Tree Hill Elementary School Chorus—Angie Lawson, Director; Divine Praise Dancers from Bibleway Church of Atlas Road in Columbia; and soloist Dr. Connie Long-Graham—Assistant Superintendent, Kershaw County School District.

The emcee for the Heritage Tea is Debra Edwards, a multi-cultural committee member, and Kershaw County School District former educator. The invocation will be made by Father John Zimmerman, pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church.

Other participants include James Frederick, Dr. Frank Morgan, Tim Hopkins, and Dionne Hough. A reception with refreshments will be held in the Douglas-Reed House immediately following the performance.

• About the Student Work on Display
For much of the last month, students in Kershaw County’s grades three through eight have worked on projects that focus on Africans or African Americans, past or present, who have made an impact on culture and history. Each school has selected the winning pieces to be displayed in the historic Douglas-Reed House at the Fine Arts Center during this special weekend. Awards for first through third place in grades 3-8 will be awarded. Past projects have ranged from reports with paintings to portfolios, mobiles, hand sculptures, and PowerPoint presentations. All Kershaw County schools were invited to be a part of this celebration.

Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County

For more information or to purchase advance tickets call 803-425-7676, extension 300 or visit the FAC website at www.fineartscenter.org. The Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County is located at 810 Lyttleton Street in Camden. Office hours are Monday through Wednesday and Friday, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and Thursday 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
The Fine Arts Center is funded in part by the Frederick S. Upton Foundation and the South Carolina Arts Commission, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional funding provided by the City of Camden, Kershaw County, and BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina along with donations from businesses and individuals.