(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Middlesex County, as part of its FolkLIVE free community event series, will host its third annual Gospel Music Festival in New Brunswick (2 Livingston Ave) on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 3:30pm to 7:30pm. This year's star-studded lineup features multi-Grammy-winning performer Erica Campbell—known both for her solo work and as part of the dynamic "Mary Mary" duo—and Billboard chart-topper Jonathan McReynolds as the headliners.
The Group Fire, an acclaimed gospel group based in Newark, will be performing at this event for the first time alongside other local artists, including Tangie Cobb, Valarie Adams, Bishop George C. Searight & Royal Priesthood, and DJ RunTheFade. This free, outdoor concert showcasing an important aspect of African-American culture and history will be emceed by Toya Beasley, host of 94.7 The Block, and nationally recognized arts administrator Deonté Griffin-Quick.
"In Middlesex County, we know that access to free and affordable arts and culture can transform a community," said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. "Events like the annual Gospel Music Festival transcend race and religion; it's a cultural event that unites and inspires people from all backgrounds with a common passion to learn, celebrate, and immerse in live music."
"FolkLIVE Gospel Music Festival is an event dear to my heart and is a beautiful expression of what is possible when we open our minds to the rich diversity of our County," said Middlesex County Commissioner and Chair of Economic Development Committee Chanelle Scott McCullum. "As a Board, we invest in culture to not only better the lives of our residents, but also to bolster the local economy. People will travel miles to visit us for this event, and I have no doubt that this year's stellar line-up will draw crowds from all over the Northeast. It's going to be unforgettable!"
Year after year, this family-friendly Gospel Music Festival has featured legendary and famed artists, including Hezekiah Walker, Jekalyn Carr, Fred Hammond, Kierra Sheard-Kelly, and many notable local talents such as The Jenkin Brothers, Lenore Davis, David Cross, Tawanda Muslim, and many others.
Middlesex County serves as a state-designated Regional Folklife Center, supporting the cultural and traditional expressions of the County and Central New Jersey. The FolkLIVE event series, including the Gospel Music Festival, not only underscores the County's commitment to honoring the diverse cultures of its residents but also fosters inclusivity and promotes acceptance within communities regardless of differences. This is part of the greater investment and effort by Middlesex County to ensure that arts, culture, and history are accessible to all residents.
For more information on free and affordable arts and culture events and programs, visit middlesexcountyculture.com.
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.
