It has been a very busy summer for gospel music in Bermuda, and the excitement seems to be carrying on into September.

On Saturday, September 16, Mastercraft Promotions, in conjunction with the Department of Tourism and Bermuda Spirit AM 1230, will present Love Festival ?06 at the Fairmont Southampton Hotel?s Mid-Ocean Ampitheatre. Highlight for the conference will be Jamaican-born singer and evangelist, Marvia Providence.

Gospel music has been a part of Marvia?s life since she was a young girl, but it was not until 1985 that she, ?realised her divine purpose in life,? according to her biography at www.marviaprovidence.com, and she, ?committed her life to Christ.?

Music ministry eventually led her to Emmanuel Bible College in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, where she graduated with a bachelor?s degree in Biblical Studies in 2002.

The website describes her musical style as being ?heavily influenced by the warm sounds of the Caribbean and the traditional sounds of Southern Gospel.?

She has shared the stage with many well-known artists, including The Grace Thrillers, Kirk Franklin and Carlene Davis, and has performed across the US, UK and throughout the Caribbean.

While in Bermuda, she will perform several of her hit songs, including ?Hear My Cry, O Lord?, ?It?s Raining?, ?I feel like running?, and ?Sing praises unto God?.

The Love Festival will also feature several local artists including Jombah, Septimus, Chirors and Troy Anthony, among others.

Producer and concert organiser Harold Simons said he chose Marvia, ?because I had worked in producing Christian reggae music before, I thought we might as well get someone from the Caribbean.

?There is a gap which needed to be filled for Christian reggae and Soca on the Island.?

This concert is the first of its kind for Mastercraft Productions in several years.

?I?d like for Christians to see another side of Christian music and have a good time. Marvia?s concerts are high energy concerts and people who attend feel good afterwards.?

Part of the proceeds will be donated to Love Alive Ministries.

Tickets are $50 per person, with children under 16 only $35. Patron tickets are $100. Tickets are available at Love Alive Ministries, the Christian Book Store, the Jamaican Grill restaurants, Caesar?s Pharmacy, People?s Pharmacy, Robertson?s Drug Store, the Seventh Day Adventist Book Store, Dub City and Music Box, or by calling 737-3329 or 296-3211.

Group rates for ten or more people are also available, as are special weekend hotel rates.