McDonald’s and UMI Celebrate the Positive with the Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour

Grammy Award winner Smokie Norful returns for an inspirational evening.

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To celebrate the rich tradition of African American music that uplifts and inspires, McDonald’s will kick off its Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour in February. Back by popular demand, the gospel tour will serve up a series of unprecedented, free gospel concerts to churches, bringing a powerful and inspirational message to eight cities during Black History Month. The McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration concerts feature Grammy-award winning gospel recording artist Smokie Norful headlining the tour for the second year in a row, joined by fellow EMI Gospel recording artist Myron Butler & Levi.  The tour will visit the following cities:

“I am humbled and inspired by my continued relationship with McDonald’s through their community outreach programs,” says Smokie Norful. “It’s important that we continue to give back and that we realize giving back is the true way to keep ourselves and others feeling positive, uplifted, empowered, and encouraged.”  

In most cities, concerts will include performances by local gospel groups to showcase community talent. In addition to the gospel tour, several McDonald’s franchisees have developed their gospel celebrations. In Atlanta, McDonald’s sponsors “The Gift” Gospel talent search, a gospel singing and instrumental competition that targets Atlanta area youth, ages 6-12.  And the McDonald’s Gospelfest in New York City celebrates 25 years this year.

“McDonald's is pleased to present this Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour, featuring music that will lift spirits and inspire us all,” said Carol Sagers, Director of U.S. Marketing, McDonald’s USA. “While this musical celebration occurs at mega churches during Black History Month, McDonald’s recognizes and celebrates African American culture, heritage, and achievements all year long!  McDonald's is proud to be deeply rooted in the African American community.”

The concerts are produced by Revolver Marketing Group (RMG). Other partners include Urban Ministries Inc. (UMI), the nation’s leading publisher and distributor of educational materials for African-American churches. The 2007 concert series featured Norful, along with Vanessa Bell Armstrong and Kierra “KiKi” Sheard.

Concert tickets are available at the church venue. More information about the concert series can be found at www.365Black.com, McDonald’s portal for its 365Black programs, celebrating the African American community throughout the year, not just during Black History Month, and at www.smokienorful.com.