Golden Hill United Methodist Church Announces Youth Arts Festival At Seaside Park

News release:

Golden Hill United Methodist Church is thrilled to announce the inaugural HeArts at Seaside Festival, coming to Bridgeport’s Seaside Park (Bandshell Area, 1 Barnum Dyke, Bridgeport) on Saturday, August 30, 2025, from 2:00 to 7:00 PM. This first annual event invites the entire community to gather for an afternoon brimming with local talent, creative expression, and the spirit of unity and justice through the arts.

HeArts at Seaside is more than just a festival—it is the public launch of Golden Hill’s HeArts for Justice youth program, a bold new initiative designed to bridge church and community by empowering young people through artistic and educational opportunities. The program’s vision is to provide a platform for youth to express their voices and concerns in music, dance, poetry, painting, and other artistic forms, all while connecting them with enriching resources in the fields of STEAM—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.

The festival will highlight the profound connections between the arts and STEAM disciplines. From the technology that powers music production and stage design, to the science of acoustics, lighting, and visual effects, and the mathematical underpinnings of painting and choreography, HeArts for Justice equips young people with the tools to innovate, explore, and elevate their artistry. The program is crafted to help youth not only perform but also understand how arts and STEAM intersect to shape the future of creative expression.

This year’s festival is led by Pastor J (Rev. Jeremiah Paul), the new pastor at Golden Hill UMC. Pastor J brings a legacy of successful community arts events, having previously hosted four acclaimed Hearts for Justice festivals in Hamden. Supported by a United Methodist community grant, Pastor J is now bringing his unique vision and passion for youth empowerment to Bridgeport.

Before answering the call to ministry, Pastor J—known professionally as Jermaine Paul—traveled the world professionally, singing with legends like Alicia Keys, featured on her Grammy-nominated single “Diary,” and ultimately winning Season 2 of NBC’s The Voice. Today, he continues to use his gifts to inspire and guide the next generation, saying, “HeArts for Justice is more than a program—it’s a safe place to be creative, to be heard, and to belong.”

Festival-goers can look forward to an exciting lineup of performances, including: FaithLock Ministries, New Prayze (of HPUMC), DJ Cross Blade, HypeMan The Entertainer, and many more creative showcases.

From music and dance to poetry, painting, and live artistic demonstrations, HeArts at Seaside promises an unforgettable celebration of Bridgeport’s vibrant talent, diversity, and community spirit. Join us in making history at the first annual HeArts at Seaside Festival—a day to uplift youth, celebrate creativity, and strengthen the bonds of our Bridgeport community.