Experience the power of gospel music as Grammy Award-winning artist Chandler Moore headlines the 2025 Chicago Gospel Music Festival on Saturday, July 12. According to the Gospel Music Association, Moore has received awards for his contributions to contemporary Christian music in collaboration with other popular artists like Chris Brown and Steven Furtick.
The festival will take place at the iconic Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, offering a daylong celebration of music that is free for the public to attend. Hosted by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), the festival honors Chicago's pivotal role in the birth and growth of gospel music.
Grammy award-winning gospel artist Chandler Moore | Photo by Drea Nicole of Drea Nicole Photography
Describing the event, Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a press release by DCASE, "Gospel music was born in Chicago and continues to offer healing, joy and unity across generations and borders." The festival will highlight both the cultural and artistic identity of the genre.
Alongside Moore's headline performance, DCASE announced the event will celebrate Don Jackson, a pioneer in gospel media, with a Mayoral Proclamation. Other performers include award-winning gospel vocalist Jekalyn Carr, the talents of Deandre Patterson and Janet Sutton in "The Chicago Unity Choir," a tribute by Lil Harry to Chicago's rich quartet tradition, and a display of emerging talent by Ray Bady and Queenie with Chicago Youth United.
Photo credit: Patrick L. Pyszka, City of Chicago
Event guidelines
Starting at noon, the festival kicks off with the "Chicago Choirs & More Showcase," showcasing local choirs and performers to celebrate Chicago's rich gospel tradition. While attending the event is free, certain restrictions apply, including a ban on outside alcohol and required compliance with safety guidelines as outlined on Chicago.gov/DCASE.
Support for the festival comes from the Lloyd A. Fry Foundation, Millennium Garages, and the Chicago Transit Authority. For those planning to attend, full event details and updates are available on Chicago.gov/DCASE, and attendees are encouraged to follow @ChicagoDCASE on social media for live updates.
The 2025 Chicago Gospel Music Festival promises to be a profound yet joyful celebration of music, culture, and community that reflects the vibrant spirit of Chicago itself.
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