4th Annual National Gospel Music Heritage Month Celebration “Evolution of Gospel 2012”

Washington D.C. — Gospel music advocates, musicians, organizers and supporters will gather Sunday, September 16, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. at the Warner Theater to kick off nationwide festivities surrounding the 4th Annual Gospel Music Heritage Month Celebration.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) explained, “From the African American spirituals to Elvis Presley, Mahalia Jackson and Rev. James Cleveland, this unique American music has united generations, classes, and cultures. It is only fitting that we honor Gospel music’s place in both the history of the United States and in our daily lives.”

Since September 2008, Congresswoman Jackson Lee has led the efforts to ensure the contributions, history, and sound of Gospel music are recognized and honored throughout our nation. She has passed resolutions for the past four years designating the month of September as Gospel Music Heritage Month.

This year’s event will be held at the Warner Theater. Grammy-award winning Gospel artist Yolanda Adams will headline this incredible event which is free and open to the public.  In addition, the concert will feature.

Verity Records Gospel recording artist Crystal Akins.  Also performing are Gospel artists Maurette Brown-Clark, Damita Haddon, Lil Mo and Phillip Bryant, and 7 Sons of Soul.  Additionally, there will be a special guest appearance by the Washington Society for the Performing Arts’ Men and Women of the Gospel Choir.  Don Jackson of the Stellar Awards, Charley Humbard of Gospel Music Channel, and DC’s own Gospel music icon, Shirley MK Berkeley will be honored during the evening’s festivities as well. The event will be produced by Ernest Walker of Walker Entertainment Group.

Carl Davis, Chairman of Gospel Music Heritage Month Foundation, commented, “We are excited to return to our nation’s capital for this fourth year of celebration of Gospel Music Heritage Month.  It is an honor to be supported by gifted Gospel artists who are lending their gifts to emphasize the importance of educating and entertaining the public about the art form of Gospel Music,   The Warner Theater is the perfect stage from which to launch this year’s emphasis.”