They are local hidden gems.  The talent filling many churches and hearts on Sundays is often only enjoyed by the lucky congregations.  A new Eustis event is about to change that.

The city’s inaugural Community of One Gospel Festival in Ferran Park will fill the air downtown with seven different gospel choirs beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 13, and continuing to 9 p.m.

The family-friendly festival will offer continuous live music with energetic performances by Eustis’ own Jenisis,  the Community Choir which consists of area residents, plus Fort Lauderdale’s El Shaddai Praise Team and performances by  university choirs from Bethune-Cookman University, University of Central Florida, and the University of South Florida (see schedule below).  There will also be local food and crafts vendors, and a kids zone.

Community of One Gospel Festival is the brainchild of Reverend Andrew Haywood, a Eustis resident, who is excited to bring the community together with music. “This is a great way to reach the community and touch their hearts,” says Reverend Haywood.

The festival will conclude with a special performance at 8 p.m. featuring Wess Morgan, a pastor, recording artist, songwriter and winner of a BMI Gospel Song of the Year.  Morgan has also made appearances on the Mo’Nique Show, BET’s Sunday Best and Super Bowl Gospel Celebration.

  2018 Gospel Festival Entertainment Lineup
11:00 a.m. – Gospel Choir at USF
12:30 p.m. – El Shaddai Praise Team
 2:00 p.m. – UCF Gospel & Cultural Choir
3:30 p.m. – Jenisis
5:00 p.m. – Community of One Choir
6:30 p.m. – BCU Inspirational Gospel Choir
8:00 p.m. – Wess Morgan

Admission to the festival is free. Ferran Park is located at 250 Ferran Park Drive in Eustis.   For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. To get the area’s top stories in your inbox once a month, sign up for the free monthly issue of Mount Dora Buzz.