World Gospel Jam 2006

Bringing A World Of Gospel To Canada's Capital

OTTAWA, Canada - Black gospel music is thriving and has been experiencing unprecedented popularity in Canada's national capital over the last decade. The upcoming July 15th World Gospel Jam is further evidence of gospel's viable growth. Even though he won't readily admit it, Urban Arts Executive Director Mark S. Gordon, has undoubtedly been a major catalyst in the increased visibility this genre has gained among a rapidly expanding fan base in Ottawa that now extends beyond the Church community to more secular venues like the internationally renowned Cisco Systems Bluesfest.

Prosper & GPM

In this interview, the Ottawa-born radio host, auditor, choir director, clergyman and music promoter talks about his involvement with North America’s 2nd largest blues festival and the new initiatives aimed at broadening its reach to an increasingly diverse community.

- Mr. Gordon, you’re always in the mix of community events and gospel heavyweights that come to town. What’s on the agenda for summer 2006?

Saturday, July 15th my team and I have the privilege of showcasing World Gospel Jam 2006 at the Bluesfest. It’s an all-day gospel festival featuring gospel artists and icons from the U.S., Central America, the West Indies and Canada. It has never been done before.

- Can you tell us something about your history with Ottawa's Cisco Systems Bluesfest?

Kay Morris

My involvement with this festival dates back to about 1997 when Ray Charles was the headliner and the theme was "Seek Your Salvation at the Blues Festival". For about 8 years now, I've been a member of the programming committee, strictly programming all of the national and international gospel acts that have performed at the Bluesfest.

-Initially, how was the incorporation of gospel into a blues festival perceived?

Malcolm Williams

Many people thought it was long overdue. Many of the blues and R&B artists that you see at the festival came out of the church. Many of them have that gospel background and have gone into a more worldly or secular orientation in their music. Thus there is this mix and intertwining between blues and gospel. So it was a predicted fit. When gospel choirs decided to come, the Bluesfest executive director, Mark Monahan, as me to seek out gospel choirs, groups and soloists who wanted a forum to sing and evangelize. From then on it snowballed into what we had a few years ago with one week-end then two weekends' worth of gospel in a tent and now leading up to what we're having this year with World Gospel Jam 2006.