Smokie Norful, John P. Kee, Lecrae, Tamela Mann Among Acclaimed Gospel Music Stars to Bring Free Night of Soulful Sounds to Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA, May 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Chart-topping gospel recording artists Smokie Norful, John P. Kee, Lecrae and Tamela Mann are bringing together their different styles of the sizzling genre to Philadelphia for a one-night-only, free concert as part of the 2013 McDonald's Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour. McDonald's pioneered the annual summer concert series as a way to bring hope and inspiration to communities nationwide and this year's tour is the largest of its kind. The concert will be held Friday, May 10 at Sharon Baptist Church. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. and the soul-stirring singing starts at 7:00 p.m.

Hosted by multi-time Stellar Award winning vocalist Vickie Winans, Philadelphia gospel fans will experience a spirited night of inspirational music, with soulful sounds of contemporary gospel from Smokie Norful and Tamela Mann, traditional gospel from John P. Kee and hip-hop gospel from Lecrae. Fans can visit www.365Black.com for information on how to obtain free tickets. 

"I look forward to coming to Philadelphia to bring laughter and messages of joy and optimism to everyone who attends," said Winans, a gospel music veteran and comedian.

Now in its seventh year, the uplifting McDonald's Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour begins May 9 and runs through August 30, making stops in nine cities, including: Atlanta, Chicago, Newark, Washington, D.C and Philadelphia.

"Through this series of gospel concerts, McDonald's celebrates the rich musical heritage of the African-American community by delivering an inspirational evening of music to local communities. I look forward to this event each year. McDonald's Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour is just one of the ways the brand displays its commitment to being deeply rooted in the community 365 days a year," said Tanya Holliday, McDonald's Owner Operator.

Arriving guests will be greeted by Ronald McDonald and be the first to sample the new Blueberry Pomegranate Smoothie. Beginning at 5 p.m. special invited guests will be invited to a private Meet & Greet with the tour artists. The concert will begin at 7:00 p.m.

McDonald's launched Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour as an extension of its 365Black platform, which celebrates the pride, heritage and achievements of American-Americans year round. The multi-city concert series emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community. As a part of each show, concertgoers will be encouraged to learn more about and support Ronald McDonald House Charities^® (RMHC^®) and the important role it plays in helping families in communities around the nation — and worldwide.

Consumers can follow @McDPhilly for tour updates and join the conversation at #PhillyICGT.

About McDonald's

McDonald's USA, LLC, serves a variety of menu options, including wholesome choices, made from quality ingredients to more than 26 million customers every day. Nearly 89  percent of McDonald's 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by businessmen and women. There are nearly 300 McDonald's restaurants in the Greater Philadelphia Region.  For more information on McDonald's visit www.mcdonalds.com or log on at any of the 11,500 Wi-Fi enabled McDonald's U.S. restaurants. Visit www.mcstate.com for local restaurant, career and program information.  Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @McDPhilly for the latest news, info, events and promotions, and find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mcdonalds.

The following trademarks used herein are owned by McDonald's Corporation and its affiliates: 365Black, Inspiration Celebration, McDonald's, RMHC and Ronald McDonald House Charities. ©2013 McDonald's

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 
Yinka Adedeji 
Tierney  
215-790-4375 
908-770-0637 
[email protected]  

SOURCE McDonald's