SACRAMENTO, CA - The Gospel Jam series was back in California this time in Sacramento where it was not just an evening but a whole weekend affair from 14-16 August 2009. Organized by the newly launched Lighthouse Worship Center, the events attracted people from San Fransisco and the bay area, Oakland, Sacramento and surrounding areas. Invited artists included Kiki, Samu (Gospel Fathers), D Kamaa, Chiyumba, African American rapper Specified while DJ Jey of Badilika DJs and DJ Fresh were on the decks.

Fun at the park

Friday night was reserved for an evening of bowling and good-old merry making where dozens gathered at a bowling alley in downtown Sacramento. A barbeque was also organized on Saturday afternoon in a nearby park with lots of Nyama Choma, burgers and hot dogs flowing in the hot summer heat. This was also a time to catch up with old friends where some also made new ones.

At 7pm on Saturday evening, attendees headed to Lighthouse Worship Center's sanctuary for the an evening of blazing gospel music with informal gospel performances that was the Gospel Jam. DJ Fresh started the session with some tight mixes giving way to an uptempo performance from D Kamaa and Samu of ZYM. DJ Jey then took over for another dance session as the party gears shifted a notch higher. Performances then rocked the house when Specified took to the mic with amazing rap lyrics laced with tight beats. Chiyumba also belt out her powerful voice with an R&B arrangement with D Kamaa on the keys. Kiki finally made her debut on the west coast with her ever popular jams that had revellers singing along. Thereafter, the dancefloor was flooded as DJ Fresh and DJ Jey interchanged with various sets till the close at midnight.

Gospel Jam Sat night

VIEW MORE PICS OF THE EVENT

The following day was the Sunday service at the Lighthouse sanctuary where the church's Senior Pastor Ken Thubei delivered the word. Kiki also dropped some songs she rarely sings with some amazing vocal ability. Thereafter, the extreme Gospel Jam weekend continued with DJ Jey and DJ Fresh serving some heat for about 2 hours.

Lighthouse's Pastor Ken and his wife Njeri Thubei

It was truly a weekend to remember filled with lots of music, food, fun and fellowship. Lighthouse Worship Center officially launches on 6th September 2009. Prophetess Mwaka Twagirayesu of Fresh Aroma Ministries International will be the main speaker. The church meets every Sunday at 721 North B Street, Sacramento, CA starting at 2:30pm.