Acts Being Sought for Youth Gospel Fest

August 18, 2009 – Lift every voice and sing.  And do so before Sept. 21.

Come Clean Inc., a Beloit nonprofit in partnership with New Zion Baptist Church, wants to host a youth gospel fest at the Janesville Performing Arts Center.

But if you’d like to participate, you must register at the performing arts center before Sept. 21.

The music fest is the idea of William Rinehart, an associate pastor at New Zion and owner of Come Clean.

Rinehart, who has been a concert promoter for almost 20 years, now has set his sights on promoting positive lifestyles for youth.

“I want to help bring the youth closer to God,” Rinehart said.

For Gospelfest, Rinehart is inviting singers, spoken word or dance performers in any style, but all must be clean and “gospel related.”

The event will be held Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 14 and 15, at the performing arts center. Performers will be divided into two categories: 16 and younger and 17 and older.

Saturday will serve as the semi-finals and Sunday will be the finals.

Judges will include representatives from record companies and winners will receive studio time with Greg “Jinx” Dolby.

Seven people have signed up so far, but Rinehart hopes to have more than 100 participants for the show.

There’s no cost to register, but each participant is asked to sell 10 tickets to the show. Ticket prices range from $11 to $30.