Dickson, TN  -  Montgomery Bell State Park Conference Center and Inn will pulsate with the varied sounds and rhythms of Gospel and Christian music November 19 – 22 when the Nashville-based United States Association of Gospel Entertainers and Musicians – USAGEM - produces its first annual “Gabriel Fest 2009.” 

Daniel L. Johnson, President of USAGEM, said the organization has been working with community leaders for almost one year to bring the four-day festival to Dickson County.  “We are excited about what we are expecting to happen at Montgomery Bell during Gabriel Fest 2009,” Johnson said.  “It’s going to be a great event and festival-goers will be able to see and hear both well-known, established artists in Gospel and Christian music, as well as artists who are just beginning their music ministries.  It will be a good mix, both in style and musical genres.”

Johnson said that tickets for all festival concerts will be $5, plus a child’s toy.  A portion of the ticket sales will be donated to the Dickson County Ministerial Fellowship which will divide the proceeds and give them to five Dickson County charities.  The festival will feature four separate festival concerts, plus the association’s 2009 USAGEM Awards Banquet on Saturday night, November 21.

Earlier that day at 1:30 p.m., the organization will produce a festival concert called “Gabriel Fest 2009 Potpourri” which will be hosted by Grand Ole Opry star Stu Phillips and will feature such notable acts as The Mystery Men Quartet; The Mercy Mountain Boys; Renee Martin; T. Jae Christian; and legendary Nashville songwriter Glenn Tubb. 

Phillips, who has been a star of the world’s longest-running live radio show for more than 40 years, is also a pastor in Springfield, TN, and has done many Gospel recordings, including his No. 1 Christian-Country song “Only God (Can Paint The Hills Of Tennessee).”  In addition to his Saturday afternoon performance, Phillips will preach at the association’s annual worship service at 10 a.m. the next day.

Johnson said that USAGEM is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, faith-based charitable organization of Christian entertainers and musicians who are dedicated to sharing and proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ throughout the world.  The organization was formed in 2003 when a group of approximately 15 artists met to explore ways in which they could enhance their individual ministries by bonding together with other Christian ministries.  From that small group of artists, the organization has grown to more than 240 professional members.  These artists represent five genres of Christian/Gospel music, including Southern Gospel; Black Gospel; Christian Country Gospel; Contemporary Christian; and Bluegrass/Acoustic/Folk Gospel.  

Johnson said many artists within the ranks of USAGEM have found success in the music industry, having appeared on countless television programs; winning Grammy Awards, Dove Awards and numerous other industry honors; and having written and/or performed numerous No. 1 Gospel/Christian songs.

“Many of our USAGEM artists will be performing at Gabriel Fest 2009,” Johnson said.  “If the good folks of Middle Tennessee come out and support this festival, they will receive a real musical blessing and they will also help a lot of their friends and neighbors who are in need.”

                                                      
(For more information, contact Johnson at (615) 480-4066.  You can
e-mail him at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .)