Seven artists to join JoyFest – Kings Dominion! The JoyFest – Kings Dominion 2012 artist lineup is now complete! Performing at the popular Gospel music festival this year are Fred Hammond, Marvin Sapp, Martha Munizzi, Lecrae, VaShawn Mitchell, William McDowell, and Humble Tip. The event will be hosted and emceed by Comedian Bone Hampton, a frequent guest on The View and a favorite in any comedic circle.The artist Mary Mary has had a scheduling conflict of the best kind. Mary Mary’s Tina Campbell is expecting a baby, so the gospel duo will not be able to perform at JoyFest – Kings Dominion. “We are excited to have such an outstanding artist lineup for JoyFest – Kings Dominion,” said Richard Young, director of Premier Festivals. “With seven artists on the schedule, this is the most exciting lineup of Gospel greats to date!”Since 2008, JoyFest – Kings Dominion 2012 has set the bar high for offering award-winning talent and a foot-stomping worship experience. Selling out last year and gathering crowds of more than 8,000 every year, this festival is one of the most popular ones offered by Premier Festivals.Earlier this year, Gospel dynamo Fred Hammond released another hit album “God, Love & Romance,” to much fanfare. He has been nominated many times and has taken home Dove Awards, Stellars and a Grammy during his long and illustrious career.Marvin Sapp, who sang with Hammond in the group Commissioned in the 1990s, has had a remarkable career, as well. Winning multiple Stellar Awards, a Dove Award and BET Awards, Sapp is the founder and senior pastor at Lighthouse Full Life Center church in Grand Rapids. His latest album “I Win,” is set for an April release date, while the song “My Testimony” has already started making its way up the R&B and Gospel charts.Martha Munizzi is an internationally acclaimed and award-winning Gospel music singer, songwriter, author and actress. With numerous nominations, Munizzi has won two Stellar Awards, an Oasis Award and Christian Music Award. She received her first Dove Award for Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year in 2009 “Change the World.” Her newest release “Make It Loud,” is a perfect example of her capacity to bring together people from all walks and ethnicities.Hip-hop and rap artist Lecrae has already released five solo albums in his relatively short career with “Rehab: The Overdose” making its mark at the No. 1 spot on both the Hip-Hop and Christian Hip-Hop charts. Nominated for Dove and Grammy Awards, Lecrae won 5 Rapzilla awards when he came onto the scene just a few years ago.JoyFest – Kings Dominion is hosting VaShawn Mitchell, a music minister and worship leader who walked off the Stellar Award stage earlier this year with 6 awards after an incredible 11 nominations for his chart-topping CD “Triumphant.” He also got a moment in the TV spotlight for his acting debut with the Gospel Music Channel’s original play “Sugar Mommas.”William McDowell offers his debut double CD release “Arise,” which quickly hit No. 1 on both Billboard’s Top Gospel and Praise & Worship Charts. This worship leader and Gospel music artist may be best known for his worship anthem “I Give Myself Away.” This single not only topped charts, it also spawned a movement of service. McDowell recently launched www.IGiveMyselfAway.org as an information portal where many can go to find ways to volunteer contribute financially and work towards being an answer to this dying world. Also, climbing the charts is the first single release “I Won’t Go Back,” a powerful song of purpose that reveals the importance of pure worship.To top it off, Liberty University graduate Jason Lewis, aka “Humble Tip (To Increase Praise!)” will join JoyFest – Kings Dominion. He reluctantly became a Christian rapper, wanting to focus instead on his education and his dreams of being a sports agent. Deeply involved with the ministry team Strictly 4 Jesus at the university, Humble Tip wants to be an agent of change in an otherwise bleak world.“JoyFest has a tradition of bringing the best in Gospel music to this summertime festival at Kings Dominion in Doswell, VA. This year is going to be the best one, to date,” Young said.New this year is a chance for up-and-coming artists to share the stage with these great Gospel, R&B, rap and hip-hop artists! Go to Sonicbids.com and get your band in the competition. Get the most votes and you could win $500 and be the opening act at JoyFest!
JoyFest – Kings Dominion Artist Lineup is Now Complete!
