Rock Artists Headline 4-Day ‘Gospel Fest’

Denise Smith, who has performed with Prince, and Jeff Fenholt, formerly of Black Sabbath, will highlight a four-day Gospel Fest ’97 Thursday through Sunday.

The free event will take place outdoors at the Overcomer’s Church at Haskell Avenue and Parthenia Street, said Dean A. Clark, evangelist and pastor of the Valley Christian Center in Mission Hills.

Fenholt, once a singer for Black Sabbath, will perform beginning at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, along with the Christian rock group Kanan.

On Friday at 7:30 p.m., Clark, who used to perform with the Agoura-based Kanan, will conduct a “Holy Ghost and Fire Revival.”

Saturday’s program will begin at 6 p.m. and feature Denise Smith, who performed under the name “Vanity.”

“My purpose is for this to be a positive influence for our young people to live a godly life,” said Clark.

“As rock musicians, we have performed in front of thousands of people. We have found that the most fulfilling life is serving Jesus Christ, which goes hand in hand with avoiding drugs and alcohol and being a good person.”

Clark said he hopes the event will also help to break down racial barriers.

“People aren’t together enough,” he said. “Even with churches, you have black, white, Hispanic and other congregations. We will all be coming together to have a time of music and to celebrate each other’s cultures.”

The fest will conclude indoors Sunday at 6 p.m. with an evening service and surprise guest, said Clark.