Festival Comments
"The Chicago Gospel Festival was blood and life to the gospel music industry, not only in Chicago but throughout the U.S.A. People in America copied what happened in Chicago, not only in the artists that were invited were the ones people liked. It affected the entire industry; all eyes were on Chicago. That’s why I was there every year. The amount of effect the fest had on gospel music was phenomenal. "
Rev. Dr. Milton Bingham, Mt Vernon Baptist Church, Newark New Jersey;
Former Executive Director of Savoy Records
Ms. Daltonn brought Gospel Music out of the four walls of the church, to a mass multi-cultural audience The Chicago Gospel Festival was phenomenal! Appearing at the Chicago Gospel Festival enhanced the careers of many gospel artists.
Skip Barrett - Music Industry Executive;
Founder, Chicago Gospel Music Awards
"The Chicago gospel Festival was an amazing experience for Angelical Voice Choir. For us to represent the U.K. was one of the highlights of my ministry. Being greeted at the airport by legendary Gospel artists was especially special."
Rev. Simon Wallace, New Day Ministries Christian Centre, London England;
Founder & Director, Angelical Voice Choir
"The Chicago Gospel Festival was one of the most exciting events that I had attended doing my formative years of participating in performing events. First, it was in the city where Gospel Music had its beginnings, the crowds were always very supportive and responsive, and the sponsoring organization was very professional. These ingredients created an atmosphere conducive for a great spiritual high. Thanks to Sasha Dalton and her staff, it set a landmark for Gospel Fests around the nation."
Dr. Bobby Jones & New Life Bobby Jones Gospel
"Sasha Daltonn lit the torch of gospel music in Chicago when she brought gospel music to Grant Park. The Chicago Gospel Festival set the town on fire!! "
Clifton Davis, Actor/Songwriter
"Hers was a labor of love and we will never forget you Sasha for starting the Dorsey Gospel Festival. What a time we had with the reunion of the Caravans, and Andrae Crouch and others. Chicago Gospel Festival grew so big until they moved it downtown to Grant Park."
Dorothy Norwood
"Serving on the first gospel festival planning committee was so exciting. I got to work right along some real gospel legends to finally elevate the music, to which they had dedicated their lives. to center stage. Sasha had a BOLD vision and she brought the people together who could make it happen!"
Carol L Adams, PHD
"We prayed that God would open doors of opportunity through this woman who was giving us a chance to be discovered at the World's Largest Free Gospel Festival. To this day, nothing compares to the overwhelming joy of taking the stage on the lakefront in that early summer night in 1989' and watching a packed park be lifted by the sounds of this white boy and his choir being a part of history. God let us be discovered that night through the break Ms. Sasha gave us, leading to six CDs with Tyscot Records, America's oldest Black record label. Doors of opportunity continue to open because of the love shown to us by Sasha"
Lighthouse Church Of All Nations, Alsip, IL
It is really admirable how Sasha Daltonn gave Chicago her insight and ideas on this major project of presenting gospel music to the masses. From Chicago's Gospel Music Festival's conception to its execution, Sasha was the cohesiveness that made it a national model for cities across this nation. She gave us a unique perspective, collaborated with significant gospel music enthusiasts, and presented a production of a phenomenal gospel music celebration. In fact, had it not been for Ms. Daltonn's persistence and consistent due diligence we would not have the memories today of the world's largest gospel festival, presented in the home of gospel music.
Dennis E. Cole, President GMAC Music
I remember so well the excitement and the pride that we all felt to be a part of bringing Gospel Music to the masses in downtown Chicago…. Artists were coming in from all over the country and the entire city was filled with anticipation and excitement! Through the tenacious efforts of Sasha Daltonn, Chicagoans were overjoyed that Gospel music was downtown in Grant Park. It was the beginning of the citywide exposure to Gospel music that has now grown into an international love affair. Thanks for your vision, Sasha, and thank God for Harold Washington for allowing you to introduce a new festival to Chicago"
Calvin Bridges,Singer/Songwriter; Pneuma Records