FREE NEW BRUNSWICK GOSPEL FEST JULY 25

Written By Mike Greenblatt
Gospel Music Festival

Middlesex County reached out to tell us about its third annual four-hour FREE Folk Live Gospel Music Festival, Saturday, July 25, downtown New Brunswick, at 2 Livingston Avenue, starting at 3:30 p.m., outside the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), with The Group Fire out of Newark (consisting of two sets of brothers who blend jazz, spirituals and rhythm’n’blues, which they call rhythm’n’church) plus Grammy Award-winning headlining artists Erica Campbell/Jonathan McReynolds. Opening acts include such local artists as Tangie Cobb, Valarie Adams, Bishop George C. Searight & Royal Priesthood, Myles Cherrette and DJ Run The Fade. Hosted by 94.7 The Block radio personality Toya Beasley and Arts Administrator Deonte Griffin-Quick, the event will house a “cooling center” and live-stream option inside the NBPAC, with onsite food and beverage vendors. Parking will be plentiful and shuttles to and from the parking areas will be provided by Middlesex County RIDE. Lawn chairs, sun protection and “cooling accessories” are encouraged.

“In Middlesex County, we know that access to free and affordable arts and culture can transform a community,” according to Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. “Events like the annual Gospel Music Festival transcend race and religion; it’s a cultural event that unites and inspires people from all backgrounds with a common passion to learn, celebrate, and immerse in live music.”

“This festival is an event dear to my heart and is a beautiful expression of what is possible when we open our minds to the rich diversity of our County,” says Commissioner and Economic Development Committee Chair Chanelle Scott McCullum. “As a Board, we invest in culture to not only better the lives of our residents but also to bolster the local economy. People will travel miles to visit us for this event, and I have no doubt that this year’s stellar line-up will draw crowds from all over the Northeast. It’s going to be unforgettable!”

For More information, visit https://middlesexcountyculture.com/event/folklive-gospel-music-festival-2026/.

Mike Greenblatt

MIKE GREENBLATT has been writing for Goldmine magazine and New Jersey's Aquarian Weekly for more than 35 years. His writing subjects fill the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

He's interviewed Joe Cocker, Graham Nash, David Crosby, Carlos Santana, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Johnny Cash, and members of The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. He was 18 when he attended Woodstock in 1969.

In addition to writing about music, Greenblatt has worked on publicity campaigns for The Animals, Pat Benatar, Johnny Winter, Tommy James and Richard Branson, among others. He is currently the editor of The Jersey Sound.

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