Hallelujah!

I finally made it to the city this past Saturday and attended the Chicago Gospel Fest in Millennium Park. I got off at the Van Buren Street train stop in order to hook up with Pablo, briefly. I could hear the music as soon as I stepped onto Michigan Avenue. Pablo calls it screaming. Gospel music is controlled shouting and may be an acquired taste but I love it because of its passion, energy and spirit.

After Pablo left, I sat down across from the Beam, waiting for a friend. I enjoyed the music just as easily there. The beautiful weather brought out the crowds, many who seemed to have just wandered by, drawn by curiosity. Others came prepared with coolers and portable chairs. Unfortunately, my friend never arrived. I thought it was too late to get a good seat near the stage so I sat right outside the area on a concrete wall, people watching as I listened.

Toward the end of program, I ventured into the stage area and found a seat. The atmosphere inside was completely different. The crowd's attention was engaged. The spirit was high. The highlight for me were Pastor Donald Alford and Donald Lawrence. My only criticisms is that I could have listened to more from them.

Next weekend I hope to have an another excellent experience when I attend the Blues Fest in Grant Park. This time I hope I have someone to share it with.