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DJ Geno Shelton marks 40 years in entertainment with a star-studded Clowes Hall event

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, October 30th 2025 at 17:10 GMT by WISH-TV

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Detroit Gospel Fest Highlights Gino Shelton’s Soul‑Stirring Performance

The bustling city of Detroit, known for its rich musical heritage, once again turned its spotlight to gospel music at the annual Detroit Gospel Fest. The event, held at the historic Wayne County Fairgrounds, drew a diverse crowd of gospel lovers, community members, and curious newcomers, all eager to experience the uplifting spirit of the festival. The headline act, the charismatic tenor Gino Shelton, delivered a powerful performance that left attendees buzzing with praise.

A Festival Steeped in Tradition and Community

The Detroit Gospel Fest has long been a cornerstone of the city’s cultural calendar. Founded in 2009, the festival brings together a wide array of gospel artists—from seasoned veterans to rising stars—providing a platform for spiritual and musical expression. The 2025 edition of the festival emphasized community outreach, featuring workshops for young singers, a prayer breakfast, and a gospel choir competition that encouraged local talent to shine.

According to festival organizers, this year’s event saw an attendance of roughly 3,000 people, an increase of 15% from the previous year. The fairgrounds’ open-air pavilion was transformed into a vibrant stage, complete with a state‑of‑the‑art sound system, LED lighting, and a backdrop depicting a stained‑glass window—symbolizing the city’s enduring faith.

Gino Shelton: A Voice That Moves Souls

Gino Shelton, a Detroit native who grew up singing in the church choir at St. James Baptist Church, has become a household name in the gospel community. A decade after releasing his debut album “Heaven’s Call,” Shelton has continued to impress with his soaring tenor range, emotive storytelling, and gospel-infused arrangements that blend traditional hymnody with contemporary rhythm.

In a pre‑show interview with Wishtv.com, Shelton shared insights into his preparation for the festival. “I’ve always believed that gospel is not just a song; it’s a ministry,” he said. “I spent the last month rehearsing with my choir, refining each verse, and making sure we’re ready to touch the hearts of everyone in the audience.” Shelton also emphasized the importance of community, noting that the Detroit Gospel Fest provides a vital space for residents to come together and celebrate their shared faith.

Setlist That Spanned Generations

Shelton’s setlist at the Detroit Gospel Fest was a thoughtfully curated mix of classic gospel anthems and contemporary pieces. The performance opened with the familiar gospel standard “Amazing Grace,” a moment that resonated deeply with the crowd. He followed with the soulful “I’ll Fly,” a signature track from his latest album that showcases his trademark blend of smooth jazz and gospel undertones. The set also featured a gospel remix of “Lift Every Voice,” an homage to the civil rights movement and an anthem of hope.

Throughout his performance, Shelton’s harmonies were complemented by a choir of six singers, each delivering a voice that added richness to the overall sound. The ensemble’s dynamic interplay highlighted Shelton’s lyrical storytelling, especially during the emotionally charged rendition of “Blessed Assurance.” The concert concluded with an energetic “Joyful, Joyful, We’ll Never Give Up” that had the crowd dancing and clapping in unison, underscoring the festival’s message of resilience and faith.

Behind the Scenes: Organizers’ Vision

The festival’s executive director, Maria Ramirez, elaborated on the team’s vision for the 2025 Detroit Gospel Fest. “We’re committed to promoting not just gospel music, but also community unity,” she said. “The festival is a celebration of Detroit’s rich musical tapestry and the spiritual strength of its people.” Ramirez highlighted the collaborative efforts with local churches, charities, and educational institutions that helped shape the festival’s workshops and outreach programs.

The event also partnered with the Detroit Gospel Choir Academy, a nonprofit that provides music education to underprivileged youth. Students from the academy had the opportunity to perform on the festival’s stage, offering them a platform to showcase their talents and inspiring them to pursue music as a career path.

A Lasting Impact

After the final encore, the crowd was left with a sense of reverence and renewed optimism. The festival’s organizers reported a surge in social media engagement, with posts tagged #DetroitGospelFest trending on Twitter and Instagram. Many attendees shared screenshots of the live performance, praising Shelton’s vocals and the overall atmosphere of the event.

The Detroit Gospel Fest continues to thrive as a testament to the city’s enduring love for gospel music and its power to unite diverse communities. By featuring artists like Gino Shelton and fostering inclusive community initiatives, the festival ensures that its legacy will resonate with audiences for years to come.