GospelFest 2021

GospelFest is New England’s largest Gospel music celebration. Now in its 21st year, GospelFest showcases both national and local gospel talent, blending contemporary and traditional gospel melodies. Performers this year include Rich Tolbert Jr, The Worship Bandits, and the Mayor’s Community Gospel Choir. This event is free and open to the public. Attendees are welcome to bring a chair or blanket to the concert venue, Playstead Field at Franklin Park.

This is an entirely outdoor, open-air event.  It is encouraged, but not required, to wear masks. Hand sanitizer will be available on-site.  Individuals who are not fully vaccinated are still at high-risk of spreading COVID-19.  If you are not fully vaccinated, you should avoid large social gatherings. If you do plan to attend, avoid congested areas, wear a mask to cover your nose and mouth, and maintain 6 feet of physical distance as much as possible. To find a location to get vaccinated, check our COVID-19 vaccine website.

This annual event is produced by the Mayor’s Office of Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment in partnership with the Faith Collective.

About the headliner

New York City native Rich Tolbert Jr. grew up in church, singing and leading worship by age 10. As a young adult, Tolbert was part of the five-member ensemble Livre’ (Portuguese for “free”), which debuted at an anniversary event for the Bronx Mass Choir where they were discovered by Alicia Keys. The group went on to release a series of singles, including “Amazing,” which hit the Top 40 of Billboard’s Hot Gospel Radio chart, and “I Will Be Alright,” which hit the Top 20, along with the full-length album, "Jericho: Tribe of Joshua". After the group disbanded, Tolbert continued to write and perform as a solo artist, penning the hit song “Miracle Worker” before releasing his No. 1 debut album, "Never Be Defeated".