Second Annual Gospel Music Fest To Benefit St. Vincent’s
Event Will Also Celebrate Fr. Joe’s 20 Years at the Village

   SAN DIEGO — The second annual San Diego Unity Gospel Fest benefiting St. Vincent de Paul Village will take place Saturday, Sept. 21, at 7 p.m., at Brown Chapel, on the campus of Point Loma Nazarene University, 3900 Lomaland Drive.
The concert, celebrating Fr. Joe Carroll’s 20 years at St. Vincent’s, will feature six contemporary Christian music artists, including one of last year’s performers Tony Melendez, an internationally known singer and guitarist who plays the instrument with his feet.

    Born without arms because of a thalidomide prescription taken by his mother during her pregnancy, Melendez has performed in all 50 states and 20 countries and also performed for the pope during the Roman Catholic Church leader’s visit to America in 1987.

   The pope, after witnessing Melendez’s musical gift, stepped down 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 at the fest include His Majesty’s Musicians, Greg Magirescu, Edna T. Robinson, Greg Walton and Aaron Thompson.
Fr. Joe, the event’s honoree, is looking forward to an evening full of entertainment and compassion.

   "The 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 by calling St. Vincent de Paul Village at (619) 687-1066.

   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) 687-1066.

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