Press

Local Artist Join National Headliner
GospelFest: Local acts join national headliner
Don Thrasher Contributing Writer
12:00 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, 2015 Entertainment
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How to go

What: Kettering Health Network presents the second annual GospelFest featuring Francesca Battistelli, The Gathering, Berachah Valley and others

Where: Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering

When: 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23

Cost: Free

More info: 937-296-3300 or www.fraze.com

​Grammy nominated contemporary Christian singer Francesca Battistelli will certainly be a big draw at the second annual GospelFest at Fraze Pavilion in Kettering on Sunday, Aug. 23, but there will be a lot more for music fans.

The free concert presented by Kettering Health Network will also feature performances by local talent such as The Gathering and Berachah Valley.

“We’re honored to be part of GospelFest,” said Amy Nicholls, leader of The Gathering. “We’re especially excited to join with people from all over the Miami Valley in celebration of our faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Lots of great musicians will be taking the stage on Aug. 23, but we’re especially excited for recording artist Francesca Battistelli.

“Her music, lyrics and infections melodies have inspired us as musicians and believers in Jesus Christ,” Nicholls said. “Francesca’s concert is the highlight! We’re just incredibly grateful to be part of it.”

Nicholls and her 14-member group are based out of The Gathering Church in Centerville and specialize in contemporary Christian music. It is The Gathering’s first appearance at Fraze Pavilion.

“Our group is a high-energy group that loves to connect with the audience,” Nicholls said. “We love to encourage folks to sing, clap and dance along to the driving rhythms and lush harmonies of songs by top Christian recording artists like Rend Collective, Newsboys, Matt Maher, Lincoln Brewster, Passion, Hillsong and more.”

Franklin-based Berachah Valley has been playing traditional bluegrass, gospel bluegrass and traditional renditions of current favorites since 2005.

“Being chosen to play our genre of music in a non-bluegrass environment is very rewarding,” said Berachah Valley guitarist Cathy Baker. “The Miami Valley is an area in which many residents have Appalachian roots. So many, many folks can relate to the music we create.

“The high lonesome sound of bluegrass gospel music captures the heart of many,” Baker said. “Our music is emotionally intense, soaring to the point, with three-part female vocals. Bluegrass gospel music reaches the heart of those folks who are rooted in American mountain music. It reaches the soul.”

GospelFest will be Berachah Valley’s second appearance at Fraze Pavilion.

“We are thrilled to share our music ministry at southwestern Ohio’s premiere neighborhood outdoor entertainment venue, the Fraze Pavilion,” Baker said. “It’s a blessing for regional and local talent like Berachah Valley to be included in this professional environment. We’re looking forward to experiencing all that a venue like The Fraze has to offer.”


The Fraze Pavilion
Berachah Valley was chosen to open for a GRAMMY® Award nominee and six time Dove Award winner Francesca Battistelli at the Second Annual GospelFest at The Fraze Pavilion in Kettering, Ohio (http://www.fraze.com.

The Wheeling Jamboree
"Berachah Valley brings to their performances a true spirit of fun and tradition along with inspiration that reaches out beyond the music. We love having them on the World's Original Wheeling Jamboree USA!" D. Heath / Exec. Dir, Wheeling Jamboree, Inc.

Don Rigsby-Two time Grammy nominee


"Berachah Valley has some intricate harmonies that will stir you. I am a fan and consider it a privilege to work with them."


Renfro Valley Entertainment Center
"I am celebrating my 60th year in the entertainment buisness this year and I know good entertainment when I see and hear it. You can count on Berachah Valley, as one of my favorites". Pete Stamper-Renfro Valley Entertainment Center, Kentucky

Jimmy Kittle- POCF Bluegrass Festival
Berachah Valley brought presence and grace to our festival stage. Their instrumentation is great and they have harmonies many bands can only hope for. Jimmy Kittle- POCF Bluegrass Festival

Alpha Dawg Records

"Their bluegrass styling has drawn comparisions to such industry icons as "The Whites", but make no mistake about it they are in a class of their own. This group of excellent musicians is fronted by three very talented female singers! Check 'em out!!

Terry Poirier-DJ, Co-owner of Newtown Sound
You all have a distinct sound that is pleasing to the ear, which means you have something unique to offer to new fans and old fans alike! Berachah Valley does not sound like other bands out there, which is a good thing! That's what drew my attention to your band!! I really do enjoy your sound!