Bringing Harmony to the Streets

Thousands braved chilly, damp weather Saturday on the last night of the second annual Block Party ‘97, a food giveaway and Christian music festival that drew several well-known performers.

Music ranging from Latin jazz to gospel rap boomed from two stages, one in front of the New Christ Memorial Church and the other in the back parking lot, where gumbo, burritos, incense and Kwanzaa gifts were being sold.

Despite rain showers Saturday afternoon, event organizers estimated that more than 15,000 people attended the two-day event, which started Friday night.

On both days, families queued up three abreast and around the block to receive 50 tons of free food donated by the nonprofit Christian charity “Feed the Children.”

Andrae Crouch, a Grammy-winning gospel musician and New Christ pastor, said the title of this year’s festival was “Help Heal Our Streets.”

“A lot of us are sick--whenever somebody kills somebody else because of the colors they’re wearing, they’re sick,” said Crouch, referring to gang violence in his community.

“This is to bring people together and to tell them that God wants them to live. There is ill going on, but we got to let them know what God wants for them.”

Crouch, who said it is “much easier to talk to people when they have a full stomach,” said he wanted to satisfy the hunger of bodies as well as souls.

There was also plenty to satisfy the ears. In front of the church, a youthful crowd listened to rappers rhyming about God, Christ and salvation.

Michael Davis, a 17-year-old from Pacoima, said he didn’t mind spending his Saturday night at a church as long as the scene was so lively.

“I could hear the music from my house,” said Davis, sitting with four of his buddies.

Behind the church, on another stage, traditional gospel singers were joined by well-known rhythm and blues performers like Chaka Khan and falsettos El DeBarge and Phillip Bailey, formerly of Earth, Wind and Fire.

“I just wanted to come out here and support the community,” said DeBarge, 36, formerly of the family band DeBarge.

“People are expressing their soul here--that’s what it’s all about.”

After hearing about the block party from her hairdresser, Denise Magee, 42, came with her two children and her sister from Lakeview Terrace.

“This strengthens your faith,” she said.

“If you’re depressed, this kind of thing brings joy to your heart and spirit to your mind and soul.”