Medina Community Gospel Fest returns to Public Square May 16

Public Square will be “jumping” on Saturday, May 16, in the words of Medina Community Gospel Fest promoter Valerie Freeman.

A full slate of the region’s top working gospel singing groups will perform in the square’s gazebo beginning at 3 p.m., along with food and a host of vendors. The concert is free and will take place after the Medina Square Farmers Market’s opening day.

Now in its third year on the square and fourth overall, the event started as a joke between Freeman and Dr. Thomas Ebner during a local diversity and anti-racism initiative in which the two were involved.

“After two years of just kidding with the idea, he finally wrote a check,” Freeman said. “He said, ‘We’re going to get this gospel fest started.’ If it wasn’t for him pushing me, this would have never been started.”

Following the success of the first year at the Haddad Theatre inside the Medina County Administration Building, Freeman thought, “Wouldn’t it be nice to bring it to the square?”

“We walked into the mayor’s office and laid it all out there, and here we are three years later still up on the square,” Freeman said of former Mayor Dennis Hanwell. “(He later said) the Gospel Fest is a part of Medina’s Black history … that blows my mind.”

Freeman is known communitywide as “Aunt Val” and is the founder of Aunt Val’s Crew, a nonprofit organization providing community service and social opportunities for local at-risk youth. Gospel Fest was established, in part, to raise awareness and donations for the Crew.

“They’re going to be up there working like they always do,” she said. “People can make donations and see the kids working, see that their money is actually going somewhere good.”

Backed by a house band led by Miss Tina and Bishop J. Spurlock, a dozen groups are scheduled to perform, including: The Spiritual Hi-Lites, The Fleshman Singers, Mr. Frank and The Mighty Golden Wonders, The Newport Christianaires, Unity Gospel Singers, Bishop J. Spurlock and the Nu Anointed Disciples, The Fortson Gospel Singers, The New Revelations, Pastor Marvin Watts’ Harmony, Fatboy and Friends Gospel Singers, Sean Irving’s Prayer Team, and the Fellowship Baptist Choir of Medina.

Freeman expects many musical collaborations among the Ohio-based performers, like in previous years.

“My heart is just so thankful to God that He chose me, first of all, that He allowed me to run His Gospel Fest. It’s praise unto Him,” she said. “It’s going to be just marvelous. I’m overwhelmed and in awe with all of the support.”

Vendors scheduled to be in attendance include Ernestine Price Catering, Taste of Juanita Mason's Creations Toys, Cups Cafe, Lady Spur Mobile Stylist & MUA, and many more.

To get involved with or support Gospel Fest or Aunt Val’s Crew, contact Freeman at valeriefreeman71@gmail.com.