Myesha and Pastor Wayne Chaney at Long Beach Gospel Festival 2015. Photo by Blair Caldwell. Courtesy Front Page Firm
Thousands came out to attend the Fifth Annual Long Beach Gospel Festival, July 19 at Marina Green in Long Beach, California.
Hosted and founded by Oxygen’s Preachers of LA reality TV stars, husband and wife, Pastor Wayne and First Lady Myesha Chaney of Antioch Church-Long Beach, the event featured some of gospel music fans’ favorite artists, including the Chaney’s reality TV show cast mate, Deitrick Haddon, Tasha Cobbs, Tina Campbell (one half of sister duo Mary Mary), Kierra Sheard, Jonathan Nelson, Myron Butler, Jessica Reedy, Brian Courtney Wilson, and Gerald and Tammi Haddon.
Pastor Chaney elevated attendees’ spirits at the city-wide worship celebration’s morning service, which was followed by an afternoon concert. As the rain began to shower down in the late afternoon, the celebration shifted to City of Refuge Church where Pastor Chaney’s cast member, and City of Refuge pastor, Bishop Noel Jones opened the church doors to the crowd. Pastor Chaney said, “For the past few years, the fragrance of Gospel Music has permeated the shores of Long Beach…This year was no different. Even in the rain, our hearts smiled seeing so many uplifted and encouraged.”
Goo Goo Atkins interviews actor Dorien Wilson on the Red Carpet at 2015 Long Beach Gospel Festival.
This year’s festival added social media to the menu, along with Periscope live coverage from the Red Carpet. Celebrity stylist, Goo Goo Atkins of WeTV’s hit show Mary Mary served as social media host. Atkins interviewed gospel performers and celebrities in attendance, such as Dorien Wilson, Judge Kevin Ross, fashion designer Kevan Hall, Torrie Hart, Aaron D. Spears, Terry Hunt, Gwen Smith, Alycia Cooper, Patrick Faucette, and London Brown.
WeTV star Erica Campbell commented on the outpouring of support at the festival, “The Long Beach Gospel Fest is absolutely off-the-chain, crazy incredible and wonderful all at the same time. It is amazing to see this many people come out and praise God.” Erica introduced sister Tina’s performance and later joined her onstage for a surprise performance.
Haddon, who serves as an executive producer of Preachers of LA stated, “Long Beach Gospel Fest is one of the biggest festivals in LA every year and you have to be here,” said Haddon. “I was honored to be asked by my friend Pastor Wayne to participate. We didn’t let the rain stop us, we just shifted over (to a new location). So next year, come on out and we’ll have a good time again!”
Deitrick Haddon performs at Long Beach Gospel Festival 2015. Photo by Blair Caldwell. Courtesy of Front Page Firm
Erica and Tina Campbell perform at Long Beach Gospel Festival 2015. Photo by Blair Caldwell
London Brown of HBO’s “Ballers” on Red Carpet at Long Beach Gospel Festival 2015.
Photo by Earl Gibson III
Courtesy of Front Page Firm
Gospel singer Jessica Reedy and fashion designer Kevan Hall pose on Red Carpet at Long Beach Gospel Festival 2015. Photo by Earl Gibson III
Kierra Sheard performs before crowd in the rain at the Long Beach Gospel Festival 2015.
Photo by Blair Caldwell
Tasha Cobbs belts out a song at the Long Beach Gospel Festival 2015.
First Lady Myesha and Pastor Wayne Chaney, Hosts/Founders of Long Beach Gospel Festival on Red Carpet at Long Beach Gospel Festival 2015.