The Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour, the longest-running brand owned gospel tour is coming back for its tenth season this May, including a stop at the famed Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. The news came in an announcement today, April 19 from McDonald’s USA. The tour’s diamond anniversary features the return of Donald Lawrencwe as music director. There will be performances Bishop Marvin Sapp, Karen Clark-Sheard, Pastor Charles Jenkins, Canton Jones, Jonathan McReynolds and famed Williams Brothers member Doug Williams.
Back by popular demand, award-winning gospel artist Lonnie Hunter will again assume hosting duties while Christian comedienne Small Fire will bring her signature comedic timing to deliver laughs. From May 25 through Oct. 15, the free concert series will share messages of hope, joy, and inspiration to communities nationwide.
As in previous years, McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour will highlight the importance of giving back to the community by supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®). During each tour stop, attendees will learn more about the Charity and the vital role it plays in helping families stay close to their ill or injured children. This increases their ability to spend more time with them and participate in critical medical care decisions for their treatment and recovery.
Over the years, the tour has helped raise more than $351,000 for local RMHC Chapters which helped to provide over 4,300 free nights for families to stay at Ronald McDonald Houses. Ronald McDonald House® and Ronald McDonald Family Room® programs across the globe have helped families save an estimated $700 million in out-of-pocket lodging and meal expenses. During most tour stops, attendees will be encouraged to donate to their local RMHC Chapter to continue enabling family-centered care for families in each community at no cost.
All concerts are free. Tickets can be obtained by visiting www.365Black.com. The multi-city tour will make stops in 13 markets, including: Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Detroit, Greensboro, Houston, Jackson, Los Angeles, Memphis, Philadelphia, Raleigh, St. Louis and Washington, D.C.
Tour dates and locations include:
May 25 – Detroit, Greater Grace Temple
June 1 – Raleigh, Wake Chapel Church
June 2 – Greensboro, Mount Zion Baptist Church
June 3 – Charlotte, The Park Church
June 16 – Jackson, Jackson Convention Center
June 22 – Philadelphia, Dell Music Center
July 22 – Houston, New Light Center
August 4 – Chicago, House of Hope
August 12 – St. Louis, Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church
August 19 – Atlanta, Changing a Generation Full Gospel Baptist Church
September 8 – Memphis, Greater Imani Cathedral of Faith
September 12 – Washington, D.C., The Kennedy Center
October 15 – Los Angeles, Taste of Soul Family Festival
Visit www.365Black.com to learn more about the 10th annual tour and McDonald’s 365Black initiative. Follow @365Black on Twitter for tour updates and join the conversation using #365BlackGospel.
