Headliner Grammy Award nominee Gospel Singer Kierra Sheard
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- On Saturday, June 28, 2025, the Art Institute of Middlesex County hosted its second FolkLIVE: Gospel Music Festival at Monument Square Park in New Brunswick, bringing together hundreds of residents and visitors for an afternoon honoring African American musical heritage, spirituality, and community. Grammy Award-winning artist Fred Hammond and Grammy Award-nominated artist Kierra Sheard headlined the event.
The festival also spotlighted local talent, including DJRuntheFade, Tangie Cobb, The Cathedral of Perth Amboy Choir, David Cross, First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens, and Marcia Sapp, with Valarie Adams returning as the event’s emcee.
The FolkLIVE series is part of the County’s ongoing efforts to provide free cultural experiences that celebrate the diverse histories, traditions, and stories that make Middlesex County a vibrant and inclusive community.
2025 Gospel Music Festival
Opening Remarks by Middlesex County Commissioner Chanelle Scott McCullum
Emcee Valarie Adams
DJ RuntheFade
Upcoming events in the 2025 FolkLIVE series include Saturday, August 23: FolkLIVE: New Jersey Folk Festival 50th Anniversary at Davidson Mill Pond Park and Saturday, September 13: FolkLIVE: Mexican Independence Festival at Elmer B. Boyd Park.
To learn more about upcoming arts, history, and cultural events in Middlesex County, please visit MiddlesexCountyCulture.com.
Here are more photos from the event.
First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens
Gospel Singer Tangie Cobb
Headliner Grammy Award nominee Gospel Singer Kierra Sheard
Headliner Grammy Award winner Gospel Singer Fred Hammond
Headliner Grammy Award winner Gospel Singer Fred Hammond
Reverend Marcia Sapp
Saxophonist David Cross
The Cathedral of Perth Amboy Choir
Middlesex County Commissioner Chanelle Scott McCullum and Middlesex County Sheriff Mildred S. Scott pictured with Gospel Music Festival Headliner Grammy Award nominee Gospel Singer Kierra Sheard
Middlesex County is bettering the lives of residents and providing economic growth opportunities to business and industry. It is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, three universities, 19 County parks, and world-class healthcare and research facilities, making it one of the nation’s most dynamic regions and a leader in life sciences, transportation, the arts, and food innovation. As one of the most diverse populations in the country, Middlesex County is home to over 860,000 residents living throughout 25 municipalities.
The County's award-winning Middlesex County Magnet Schools system and two-year Middlesex College uphold its position as #1 in the state for education and workforce development. Conveniently located between New York and Philadelphia, Middlesex County is a leading destination for businesses and residents alike to live, work, and play – and has been since the 17th century.
