Queens’ Jamaica Performing Arts Center soared today as the Gospel Choir Fest drew 1,500. Over 12 choirs—60 voices each—sang ‘Amazing Grace’; a Bronx soloist’s riff won X’s 7,000 clips. Tickets at $20 sold out; $6 pies sold 200. Free hymnals—300 grabbed; 60°F sun warmed. NYC’s spirit—Queens lifts.
Host Rosa Diaz, 54, kept stage warm—her intro moved 300. Soloist Jada Hill, 29, stunned with ‘His Eye Is on the Sparrow’—crowd stood. A pop-up choir workshop—100 joined; harmonies rose. New mics—clear vocals—lifted praise. Jamaica’s vibe—NYC’s soul heart.
It’s not perfect—late start; tech lagged 10 minutes. Hall tight—seats bumped. Still, 12 choirs, 1,500 voices—fest’s a hit. Post-show, Merrick Boulevard buzzed—gospel talk flowed. Weekend run—NYC sings.
Diaz’s 54—soul queen? Hill’s 29—voice star. Queens sang; NYC glowed. Gospel Fest—praise on.
