McDonald’s USA announced Monday, multi-award winning gospel artist Fred Hammond will headline the 2012 McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour, an annual summer concert series the company pioneered as a way to bring positive, uplifting messages and entertainment to communities nationwide.
Fred Hammond is gearing up for a national summer concert series like no other. His newly released album, “God, Love & Romance” has topped Billboard gospel charts since its debut. But the Grammy/Steller/Dove award-winning artist isn’t going on tour simply to promote his latest album, he wants to lead a musical celebration that inspires the community. Tickets to Hammond’s nine-city concert tour, which is titled “Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour” and runs May 12 through June 30, are free. This is just one way he hopes to inspire others and give back to the community. Plus, an all-star lineup of special guests, including Byron Cage, 21:03, Canton Jones, Myron Butler, J Moss and VaShawn Mitchell, will join him in select cities.
Gospel music is rooted in faith and optimism. And, uplifting, free entertainment is particularly important to the community, especially during these difficult economic times. Thanks to sponsorship from McDonald’s, this concert tour will help give communities across the nation something positive to look forward to.
“I look forward to being a part of the 2012 McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour because it provides an ideal platform for sharing the hopeful messages of gospel music with audiences in diverse communities,” said Hammond, a 30-year gospel music veteran and former McDonald’s restaurant crew member. “Now more than ever, our nation’s communities need messages of hope and encouragement. My goal is to make sure everyone who attends a concert leaves feeling personally inspired and motivated to serve their community.”
Now in its sixth year, the 2012 McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour will stop in major markets, including: Atlanta, Birmingham, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Ft. Washington, Md., Jackson, Newark and Philadelphia. Concerts are free of charge, with the exception of the May 12 show in Newark, which is part of McDonald’s Gospelfest.
“McDonald’s continues to invest in the Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour because of our consumers’ rich passion for gospel music,” said Rob Jackson, McDonald’s U.S. marketing director. “McDonald’s is committed to being deeply rooted in the community and we’re honored to bring joy and entertainment to our extended family – our customers.”
“The concerts will be full of energy,” Hammond said. “There will be a range of music from my early days to my latest album. It’s going to be one big praise party.”
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 also emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community. As a part of each show, concertgoers will have an opportunity to learn more about and support Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®) and the important role it plays in helping families in their local communities. Consumers can visit www.365Black.com to learn more about the tour and for ticket information.
