The typical quiet scene in the Ohio Union’s West Plaza will turn to music and worship Sunday when the “Who is Ordering Your Steps” 2010 Gospel Fest takes place as part of the Annual African-American Heritage Festival at Ohio State.

“It’s all about having fun with your spirituality,” said Ashley McCormick, one of the student chairs for Gospel Fest. “It’s also about laughter. It should brighten people’s day.”

McCormick said Gospel Fest is important because African-American culture, even today, is so deeply rooted in the gospel tradition.

Although Gospel Fest takes on the spiritual aspect of African-American heritage, Doty said it is relevant for students of all races and religions because its message is universal even though the event itself focuses on Christian worship.

“Singing and dancing has always been part of African-American culture, especially during the slavery period, as a coping method because the songs have a message of hope,” Doty said. “I want students to know this is an event for people of all races, all backgrounds, all religions.”

Doty said the hopeful message of Gospel Fest is especially relevant for college students today.

“Especially with the economy and the job market, everyone needs hope,” Doty said.

McCormick added, “It’s very important to keep hold of the spiritual side even in college.”

Gospel Fest will feature multiple musical acts, such as Called II Worship and Mary Ellen, along with other performers such as mime groups, dancers and comedians. The featured act will be God’s Image, a musical group that performs both contemporary and traditional gospel music, according to their website.

McCormick said that although the event has taken months of planning, the end result will be worth the hard work.

“It gives me a better spirit that I can lift somebody else’s spirit,” she said. “While it’s exhausting, it’s going to pay off to enrich somebody else’s experience.”
Doty agrees.

“Bottom line: It’s gonna be entertaining, and we hope people walk away really just feeling good and feeling inspired,” she said.