One of the city’s most popular annual gospel events, the Joyful Sound Gospel Explosion, is in danger of not taking place, even as organizers prepare its 20th anniversary run.
Every October, tens of thousands of people gather in Indianapolis for activities held during the weekend of Circle City Classic.
Many of them look forward to the annual Gospel Explosion, which presents high caliber national recording artists as well as promising local talent.
“Our main purpose has always been to draw people to Jesus Christ and uplift them. But they also have grown to expect excellence from our productions,” said Rev. Reginald Barney, who operates Joyful Sound Productions with his wife, Beverly.
Since its first run 20 years ago, the Gospel Explosion has brought to town popular music artists such as Yolanda Adams, Shirley Caesar, Deitrick Haddon and Vicki Winans, as well as gospel comedians such as Jonathan Slocumb.
Unfortunately, the recent economic downturn has made many potential sponsors hesitant to offer financial support. For the first time, the Gospel Explosion, which takes more than $30,000 to run, may not have enough resources to occur, at least at the level that repeat guests have grown accustomed to.
At first, the Barneys and other organizers had decided to take a hiatus, until receiving inquires from several people asking about a show for this year.
“We’re going to need help to make it happen and make it available for people to come,” Reginald Barney said.
Since Joyful Sound Productions is a non-profit organization, ticket prices for the Gospel Explosion are kept to a minimum. Even so, the organization has been able to give back to the community by donating proceeds to scholarships for students, Martin University, the American Red Cross and survivors of Hurricane Katrina.
This year the Barneys would like to give proceeds to the United Way’s Early Reader’s program and the Madame Walker Theatre.
Despite the need for sponsors and financial partners, Joyful Sound is moving forward with faith and planning the Gospel Explosion.
Scheduled to attend so far are J. Moss, ventriloquist Willie Brown, and local artists Minister Fred Jones & Company, the Living for Jesus Mime Group and a high school drum lime.
“We offer the best in ministry and people look forward to not only the music, but the time of fellowship,” Beverly Barney said. “It really is wonderful experience, and we would like to offer it again this year.”
For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation, contact Joyful Sound Productions at (317) 319-0494 or write to PO Box 88691, Indianapolis, IN, 46208.
