Black Arts & Cultural Festival Gospel Night

July 31 | 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. | Empire State Plaza Convention Center

Featuring an Evening of Inspirational Musical Devotion With Melvin Crispell, III, Crystal Aikin, and Rich Tolbert, Jr.

Portrait photograph of gospel singer Melvin Crispell, III.
Friday, July 31 | 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. | FREE
Empire State Plaza Convention Center
Experience the power of gospel music, with soulful voices that lift your spirit and inspiring performances that celebrate faith and unity.

 

Performance Schedule
5:00 p.m. | DJ Kick-off
5:15 p.m. | Local Gospel Showcase with Rev. Joy
6:45 p.m. |  Melvin Crispell, III, Crystal Aikin, and Rich Tolbert, Jr.

Featuring Two-Time GRAMMY Award Nominee
Melvin Crispell, III

Melvin Crispell, III, hails from a rich musical legacy. His father, world-renowned musician Melvin Crispell, Jr., composed and played on award-winning songs for some of gospel music’s biggest artists. His mother, Tunesha Crispell, was a celebrated gospel singer whose voice was featured on several well-known choir recordings along with a critically acclaimed solo project. With the sudden death of his father at 16, followed by the untimely demise of his mother at 18, Melvin was able to overcome through his relationship with God and music, and that the trauma was not the end of his story.

In 2019, he competed on and won the ninth season of BET's Sunday Best. After winning, he signed with RCA Inspiration and released his debut album, “I’ve Got A Testimony” in 2020, which was followed up by his live sophomore album, “No Failure”, in the Summer of 2023.

Through his own journey of healing and overcoming, “No Failure” serves as a transparent message of hope and a reminder that “there is no failure in God.” This sentiment is reflected throughout Melvin’s journey in the Gospel Music industry, as he has been blessed to be a two-time Stellar Award winner, a six-time Stellar Award nominee, a two-time GRAMMY Award nominee, and a four-time Dove Award nominee.
Gospel singer Melvin Crispell smiles as he looks at the camera. He is wearing a gold jacket.

Thank you to our Sponsors

Logo for JAMZ 96.3 and CDTA

JAMZ 96.3 | CDTA

Must Know Before You Go Bag Policy for Indoor Events

The following bag policy is in effect for indoor events:

  • CLEAR plastic, vinyl or PVC bags no larger than 12" x 6" x 12" will be allowed.
  • Small clutch bags no larger than 6" x 9" will be allowed and do NOT need to be clear.
  • Larger and other types of bags will not be allowed in. There is no storage or check-in for prohibited bags.

For patrons with young children in attendance, diaper bags are allowed and subject to search.

Opt-In for Emergency Notifications Text ESP26 to 888777