Fifth Annual Gospel Festival

The Fifth Annual Gospel Festival is now over. We hope you had a great time, and hope you'll be back for next year's event.

We have left the information about the 2009 event so you'll have an idea of what it's all about. Please check back about April, 2010, for information about the Sixth Annual Gospel Festival!

The Fifth Annual Gospel Festival will feature a full day of uplifting gospel music on Saturday, June 27, ending with a Grandstand Stage performance featuring Israel & New Breed, Tonex, Eddie Baltrip & Fulfillment and M.A.N.D.A.T.E Records Family featuring Jehsyn Lavelle. Please see the Grandstand Stage page for more information on this concert.

Israel Houghton has garnered acclaim as one of Christian and gospel music’s foremost worship leaders, songwriters, recording artists and producers. Engaged in full-time ministry since 1989, Israel has touched the hearts of millions through his anointed, God-inspired music. In 1995, Israel and Meleasa Houghton founded New Breed Ministries, a music ministry organization of noted musicians and singers who serve within their respective churches and tour to perform worship concerts.

Tonex is a San Diego native whose parents were ministers and musicians. Gospel music was the family's music of choice, but Tonex also had other influences, ranging from pop star Stevie Wonder to pianist/singer Billy Joel to gospel music legend Shirley Caesar. By age 10, this youngest of six siblings had recorded his own album at home. Tonex is a prolific musician, with 24 albums during a span of 14 years. He has won six Stellar Awards, a Gospel Music Association Award, and a Grammy nomination for Best Soul Gospel Album, "Out The Box."

Eddie Baltrip & Fulfillment are international recording artists from San Diego. The choir has made numerous national television appearances. Locally, they have performed with Barry Manilow, the late Eartha Kitt and many others. In the 1990s, they were the voices of The Padres baseball club's theme song. The choir was nominated for a Stellar Award in 2006 for its first national CD release, “Instrument of Praise.”

Jehsyn Lavelle is a hip-hop lyricist with a soulful and jazzy style. His name means “healer” and that is exactly what his music is designed to do. His energetic performances have taken him around the world. Lavelle is more than just a singer; he also writes, arranges and produces his music.

The festival also features more than 30 gospel artists on four stages. Scroll down to see the lineup.

A Group Sales order form for Unlimited Fair Admission tickets and other discount Fair admission and ride tickets is available in the Tickets & Promotions section of our Web site. Combine your resources with friends, family, or congregation (order early) and save money when you come to the Fair.

Great Gospel Entertainment on Four Stages!

In addition to our Grandstand Stage "big show," contemporary and traditional gospel from top gospel entertainers, both local and nationally known, will be performed on the SDG&E Showcase Stage, Coors Light Rock On Stage and Plaza Stage.

Ground-stage booking and promotional assistance provided by M.A.N.D.A.T.E. Records.

The lineup is: