Gospel Music Fest: Singing ‘Glory to God’ for a great cause

Joyful sounds from multiple groups in the Archdiocese of New Orleans participated Sept. 15 in the 11th annual Office of Black Catholic Ministries’ Gospel Music Fest, held this year at Corpus-Christi-Epiphany Community Center in Gentilly. The free event was an opportunity to showcase the many talents of choirs from across the archdiocese as well as highlight African-American culture and history. Among the participants were: The Royal Boys Choir directed by Reginald Varnado; Our Lady Star of the Sea and the Archdiocese of New Orleans Mass choirs directed by Richard Cheri; St. Katharine Drexel directed by Sylvia Thomas; St. Andrew the Apostle directed by Greg Merritt; St. Joseph the Worker  directed by Henry Washington; Academy of Our Lady Choir directed by Clark Knighten; and Voices of Peter Claver directed by Veronica Downs-Dorsey. In addition, non-perishable canned food was collected for Second Harvest Food Bank.

Photos by Christine Bordelon | CLARION HERALD
 

The Royal Boys Choir participated with tight harmonies and exuberant choreography.

Richard Cheri directs Our Lady Star of the Sea Choir members.

St. Andrew the Apostle Choir also performed. The choir was directed by Greg Merritt.