Gospel Music Fest Will Benefit St. Vincent’s
Local, International Talent Will Perform

   SAN DIEGO — The inaugural Southwest Summer Gospel Music Fest benefiting St. Vincent de Paul Village will take place Saturday, July 21, at 3 p.m., at the East County Performing Arts Center, located at 210 East Main Street in El Cajon.

   The afternoon concert will feature five contemporary Christian music artists, including Tony Melendez, an internationally-known singer and guitarist who played for Pope John Paul II during his visit to America in 1987.

   Born without arms because of a prescribed medication taken by his mother during her pregnancy, Melendez plays his guitar with his feet and has performed in all 50 states and 20 countries.

   The Pope, after witnessing Melendez’s musical gift in person, jumped from the three-foot stage on which he was standing to kiss the singer and guitarist, a gesture, Melendez says, which changed his life forever.

   Other artists performing in Saturday’s music fest include Christ the King Choir, Chris Muglia (mool-ya), Connie Salazar and San Diegans Peter Rubalcava, a 1990 Grammy-award nominee, and Donna Lee. In addition, Marisa Ronstadt, the niece of singer Linda Ronstadt, will be providing back-up vocals for Muglia and Lee.

   President of St. Vincent’s, Father Joe Carroll, is looking forward to an afternoon full of entertainment and fellowship.

   "The Southwest Summer Music Fest will feature some of the finest artists in Christian music today," he says. "It’s truly inspirational to know they are so willing to share their gifts with others and perform in behalf of the families and individuals living at the Village."

   Tickets for the event can be purchased at the East County Performing Arts Center box office. Ticket information is available at (619) 440-2277.

   For more information on the music fest, please call (858) 573-8991. For more information on programs and services at St. Vincent de Paul Village, call (619) 687-1000.

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