The Thomas Dorsey Festival will celebrate its 31st year with a three-day gospel and jazz event in June. The Thomas A. Dorsey Birthplace and Gospel Heritage Festival returns to Villa Rica from June 27–29, celebrating its 31st year with a weekend of music, culture, and community.
Born in Villa Rica, Thomas A. Dorsey (1899-1993) is recognized as the “Father of Gospel Music”. He penned 3,000 songs, a third of them gospel, including “Take My Hand, Precious Lord” and “Peace in the Valley“. Recordings of these sold millions of copies in both gospel and secular markets in the 20th century.
The Thomas A Dorsey Festival began in 1994, seeking to honor his vision, legacy, and contribution to music. Admission to all events on Saturday and Sunday are free.
Friday Night Jazz kicks off the festivities with a 31st Anniversary Black, White & Red Gala on June 27 at 7pm. This year’s elegant event takes place at Villa Rica High School, located at 600 Rocky Branch Road. Entertainment will be provided by The Mose Davis Trio featuring Leonard Julien. Tickets are $40 via Eventbrite and space is limited. Formal attire in black, white, and red is requested.
Saturday Afternoon Gospel begins at 3pm on June 28 at Mt. Prospect Baptist Church (133 Thomas Dorsey Drive) and features performances by Paul Porter & The Christianaires, the Thomas A. Dorsey Birthplace Choir, and Dr. Eddie Robinson.
At 6:30pm, the celebration continues in downtown Villa Rica at The MILL Amphitheater for Saturday Night Blues, with live music from The Ray Howard Band (an Earth, Wind & Fire tribute) and Cocomotion. The evening concludes with a fireworks display after dark. Barbecue and other local food vendors will be on-site throughout the evening.
The festival wraps up on Sunday, June 29, with Sunday Afternoon Gospel at 4:00pm, again held at Mt. Prospect Baptist Church. The Thomas A. Dorsey Birthplace Choir celebrates its 31st anniversary alongside special guests including the Columbus-Phenix-Atlanta Choral Union, Reginal Jefferson & The Royal Priesthood Chorale, and Dr. Prince Yelder and Choir.
Tim Collins is the founder and publisher of Chapel Hill News & Views (2000), Villa Rica/Temple News & Views (2008) and Paulding News & Views 2019.He has been in advertising since 1983 and publishing since 1985.
