William McDowell, the ordained pastor, teacher and worship leader whose powerful worship song “I Give Myself Away” continues to affect thousands of people around the world, will be ministering at Barbados Gospelfest 2011.
Released in 2009 on McDowell’s debut project entitled As We Worship Live, I Give Myself Away has so far enjoyed a more than 20-week presence on the Billboard Gospel Songs charts where it peaked at number three. The track is among the most downloaded selections on iTunes and a viral recording of McDowell ministering the song has received a cumulative one million views on YouTube.
“We are very pleased that William McDowell is available to minister at Barbados Gospelfest 2011,” said Adrian Agard, executive producer of the festival. “William McDowell, as a young pastor, songwriter and producer, in addition to the many other hats he wears, has been sharing his music with people across the globe. The impact of his music has been encouraging and uplifting in a very meaningful way to the thousands who have experienced it. This is in concert with the purpose for which Barbados Gospelfest exists and we look forward to welcoming him to the island and to his touching the lives of Barbadians and visitors alike through his music.”
Now in its 19th year, Barbados Gospelfest Awesome will be held from May 21-29, 2011 at various venues including some of the most picturesque locations in Barbados. Acknowledged as the premier international Christian music and arts festival in the Caribbean, the festival comprises six events to suit tastes ranging from the traditional hymns to the modern beats that incorporate the unique rhythms of the Caribbean.
While the top USA acts in gospel music have graced the stages of the Barbados Gospelfest over the last decade, the festival includes events that give centre stage to other aspects of the performing arts, explores gospel jazz and comedy, and provides a unique platform for the showcasing and development of emerging gospel talent in Barbados, the Caribbean region and beyond. Barbados Gospelfest has featured artistes from Britain, Canada, Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana, St. Lucia, Jamaica, Dominica, and St. Croix US Virgin Islands.
The 2011 line-up of events include:
Thanksgiving Service: May 22, 2011 – Guest artistes and organizers of Barbados Gospelfest join the congregation of a local church to usher in the festival.
Hymnspeak: May 24, 2011 – featuring a combined choir enhanced by a special blend of talented musicians, dramatisations and active participation by the audience.
Sunset Concert: May 25, 2011 – Explores the rich talent of emerging gospel artistes from Barbados, the Caribbean and the international arena.
Expressions of Gospel: May 26, 2011 – presenting some of the best in the performing arts as dance, mime, drama, music and poetry are brought together in a unique blend of artistic and creative interpretations of the gospel.
Laughter & Jazz: May 27, 2011 – marries the comedy of international Christian comedians with the unique jazz stylings of local regional and international artistes to deliver an experience quite unlike any other in the Caribbean.
Saturday Evening LIVE!: May 28, 2011 – presenting top international, regional and local Gospel artistes in concert, along with other special guests.
One Awesome Day: May 29, 2011 – an exciting and impactful day of fellowship.
