Comfort My Soul: A Gospel Music Celebration this Friday at MCC

PORT GIBSON, MS – This year’s Comfort My Soul Gospel Music Celebration will be held this Friday, September 27 at the Mississippi Cultural Crossroads in Port Gibson. The conference begins at 9:30 a.m. with sessions continuing throughout the day until 4 p.m. An exciting lineup of presenters will share historical facts along with their own experiences in gospel music and audience engagement will be a major part of the proceedings.

Gospel music is certainly a deeply rooted part of our heritage, not only in the South, but across most of America. The great state of Mississippi is well known as the Home of the Blues, but often its rich relationship with Gospel music doesn’t get the same shine.

Comfort My Soul: Shining a spotlight

The Comfort My Soul Gospel Music Celebration, first held in 2017 as part of the state’s Bicentennial Celebration, started as a way to shine a spotlight on the important role Gospel music plays in so many of our most significant life moments.

“We want people to learn something new, see a different perspective, and most of all leave remembering what a good time was had,” commented Felicia Harried, president of the Cultural Crossroads board. “Gospel music is always meant to lift the spirit and move the soul!”

Each September, Gospel Music Heritage Month is celebrated with a variety of events and activities, such as the Comfort My Soul Celebration. Other events of note include a prominent yearly Gospel Celebration at the Kennedy Center, spearheaded by the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. This celebration continues to honor the legacy and ongoing contributions of Gospel music to the cultural fabric of the nation.

“Maybe if we intentionally put more emphasis on the message of gospel music and the comfort to the soul, we would be better equipped to deal with the real-world issues bombarding us every day,” ponders Harried. “We feel stressed because of things we can’t control, but peace comes from knowing Who is really in control.”

The Comfort My Soul Conference is made possible in part by grants from Visit Mississippi and the Mississippi Arts Commission. It also receives support from the City of Port Gibson, the Claiborne County Board of Supervisors, and contributions from businesses, churches, organizations, and individuals who donate time, talent, and treasure to support MCC’s work.