Are You Going to the Chicago Gospel Music Festival?
Gospel Music Festival Return to Chicago
The 25th Annual Chicago Gospel Music Festival returns to Millennium Park June 6 and 7 for a celebration packed with gospel music stars. This milestone event kicks off the 2009 lakefront music season with gospel music artists Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin and a special appearance by Fantasia featuring Diane Barrino headlining the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Celebrating 25 years of gospel music at its best, the festival offers national, international and local gospel music performances beginning at 11:00 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. both days and admission is FREE.
On Saturday, June 6 Donnie McClurkin brings his heart-felt lyrics from his recently released album We All Are One (Live in Detroit) to the Pritzker Pavillion. Before McClurkin takes the stage, The Acme Missionary Baptist Church Choir, recently named the best church choir in the U.S., will kick off the Pritzker stage followed by Shekinah Glory Ministry and the dynamic sounds of Jonathan Nelson featuring Purpose. The Quartet Special will feature Doc Mckenzie & the Hi-lites and Lee Williams & The Spritual QC’s.
Kirk Franklin, will close the festival on the Pritzker stage. Franklin’s latest release The Fight of My Life, is one of his most dynamic and stylistically varied of his career. The first single, “Declaration (This is it)”, is a burst of affirmative energy and gospel soul sound. His jazz-kissed pieces with hip-hop grooves are why Kirk Franklin is one of the most successful gospel music artists of his time.
Opening the Jay Pritzker Stage on Sunday will be Dr. Charles Hayes & the Cosmopolitan Church of Prayer Choir followed by the dynamic youth choir, New Direction. A Touch of Chicago’s Gospel Pioneers and Legends will feature such acclaimed artists as Professor Almond Dawson, Evangelist Verlene Moore, Reverend Walter Veal & Dr. Yolanda Freeman, followed by the award-winning Evangeline Turrentine-Agee.
Just before Franklin takes the stage on Sunday, 2004 “American Idol” winner Fantasia will wow the audience. The special performance with her mother Diane Barrino will showcase the gospel music roots shaped by her family.
Gospel music enthusiasts are invited to enjoy uplifting entertainment on Saturday and Sunday at the Walgreens Day Stage and the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge Gospel Youth Tent. Performances feature local choirs, quartets and more with gospel music sounds sure to make this weekend one to remember.
Admission is FREE and performances begin on Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7 at 11:00 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. Entertainment at the Pritzker Pavilion begins at 4:30 p.m. both days. For more information and updates on the Gospel Music Festival call the Mayor’s Office of Special Events (312) 744-3315 or visit www.chicagogospelmusicfestival.us.
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