Economy Cuts Gopsel Fest Short
Three-day event reduced to two this year
Sunday, Jun 7, 2009 | Updated 2:30 PM CST
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Fantasia Barrino performed with her mother at the Chicago Gospel Music Festival this weekend.
There was a little less gospel in Chicago's Gospel Fest this year. One day's worth to be exact.
The city's annual celebration of Gospel music started Saturday and continues Sunday in Millennium Park instead of its usual three-day, Friday through Sunday, schedule. Festival organizer Pam Morris says that's because of the economy.
The festival still offers more than 25 performances. Musicians and singers will include ``American Idol'' star Fantasia Barrino with her mother Diane Barrino, The Acme Missionary Baptist Church Choir, Donnie McClurkin and Kirk Franklin.
Megan McDonald is the executive director of the Chicago Mayors Office of Special Events. She said this year's festival ``will be a tribute to the many genres within gospel music.''
Copyright Associated Press / NBC Chicago
Posted Thursday, Jul 16, 2009 - 5:20 PM CST
