15th Annual Gospel Music Fest with Sheilah Belle
The 15th Annual Gospel Music Fest with The Belle will be etched in memory as one of the most unforgettable concerts on the East Coast. Now labeled as one of the largest Gospel concerts on the East Coast and originally scheduled for Sunday, July 13th at 5:00 PM at Dogwood Dell in Byrd Park, the event underwent a last-minute venue change due to inclement weather, including thunderstorms, high heat, possible hail and humidity. Stepping in graciously to assist was Dr. Lance D. Watson, Senior Pastor of St. Paul’s Baptist Church, located at 4247 Creighton Road in Richmond, VA, who generously opened his church doors to host the highly anticipated celebration.
Rev. Sheilah Belle—affectionately known as “The Belle”—visionary and executive producer of the event, eagerly accepted the offer, ensuring the concert would proceed at the same time but in a new location.
The Belle’s team, the B Kore Crew, arrived two hours early with enthusiasm. Initial preparations began in the church’s Choir Loft, but as a guest choir began to arrive, the team relocated to a nearby room to continue their run-through. Midway through preparations, a burning scent was detected. When members stepped into the hallway, visible smoke confirmed a fire. Simultaneously, a visitor opening the men’s restroom was met with billowing black smoke. Authorities were immediately notified, and a police officer on-site recommended calling 911 and evacuating the building.
Firefighters arrived within minutes and swiftly contained the fire to a single area. Approximately 30 minutes later, guests and participants were safely re-admitted to the building as the situation was declared under control.
At approximately 5:15 PM, Co-Host Doc Christian took center stage and kicked off an evening filled with passion and praise.
Rev. Pierce Williams, Senior Pastor of Union Baptist Church, led an opening prayer.
Doc Christian returned to introduce the Hose of the evening, The Belle who reflected on her 15-year journey producing Gospel Fest with the City of Richmond. After lighthearted banter with Doc Christian, the evening unfolded seamlessly.
The musical program featured:
- 🎶 Greg Mitchell & Greater Richmond Fellowship with guest JoJo Clarke opened with two powerful worship songs
- 🎤 Leon Medley “Rudy” delivered a smooth, upbeat performance as an acclaimed independent artist
- 🔊 Rufus Johnson, formerly of G.I., wowed the audience with commanding vocals and compelling rhythms
- 🌟 Mervin Mayo, a crowd favorite, brought the house to its feet, owning the stage with dynamic vocals and heartfelt delivery
- 🎤 Joseph “JoJo” Clarke delivered a Stellar Flawless performance that left the crowd wanting more
- 🏆 Lucinda Moore captivated attendees as she walked the aisles performing Billboard-charting hits
- 🙌 Pastor Larry Miles encouraged giving while interweaving spontaneous praise and song
- 🎹 Cora Harvey Armstrong shared personal testimony and piano-led worship
- 💖 Desiree Roots offered a flawless rendition of “Goodness of God”
- 🔥 C. Goss energized the crowd with his Gospel Hip Hop performance
- 🎼 The Legendary Ingramettes stirred hearts with traditional gospel excellence
- 🎙️ Earnest Pugh, fresh off two services and recent knee surgery, gave a spirited performance hitting unbelievable high perfect pitched notes
- 🎵 St. Paul’s Baptist Church Men’s Choir delivered a rousing finale that brought the event full circle
Reflecting on the evening, The Belle shared, “As incredible as the evening was, I’m humbled by how God strategically placed us in that building at the right time—only feet away from the fire. Had we arrived any later, the outcome could’ve been drastically different. Outside of that moment, and thanks to my amazing B Kore Crew, including Joyce Harding, Anita Pouncey Young, Carol Davis, Renada Lewis, Tye Berkely, C. Goss, Greg Mitchell, JD Lewis, Jazmine, Davis, Carrie Warwick, Dominique Stroman, Shanda-Monique Barnes and Cynthia Davis, we had a very successful evening.”
It was an incredibly successful night.”
Special thanks to:
- 🎨 Fourdeep and JT Logan for outstanding graphic design and production support
- 🎶 Patrick Newby, Music Director and House Band Coordinator
- 🖌️ Rev. L. J. Watson, for crafting intricate graphic visuals
About Gospel Fest
Since its inception, Gospel Music Fest with The Belle, has created and remained one of the most coveted outdoor events for Gospel Music on the East Coast, recognizing and amplifying the voices and talents that continues to shape the Gospel Music industry. Gospel Music Fest with The Belle also created a platform that grew into one of the largest outdoor Gospel audiences, bringing meaningful and unforgettable cultural moments that has reverberated across the Gospel community and industry.
Since becoming a music staple in the city of Richmond and on the East Coast, this event has seen crowds as large as 12,000 gather at the Dogwood Dell stage in Byrd Park.
Gospel Music Fest with The Belle in collaboration with the City of Richmond is open to everyone who enjoys great Gospel music. Soloists, Choirs and recording artists are invited every year to come out for an evening of fellowship with the community.
15th Annual Gospel Music Fest with Sheilah Belle was originally published on praiserichmond.com
