Media Stop

Published on May 17th, 2019 | by Landon Buford

0

The Gospelfest Touches Down In The Tri-State

Courtesy of Marvin Chambers

NEWARK, NJ) — The 37th Annual McDonald’s Gospelfest returned to the Prudential Center on Saturday, May 11 for the gospel event of the year. This year’s event honored and celebrated the life and legacy of the “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin with an All-Star cast along with her family members.

The 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm part of the evening featured rising stars competition for all ages and cultures in categories including Soloists, Choirs, Praise Dancers, Singing Groups, Gospel Comedians, Gospel Poets, and Gospel Rappers. The gospel concert started a little late around 7:15 with Fred Hammond opening the concert and got the audience on their feet right away. Stars including Yolanda Adams, renowned Bishop Hezekiah Walker, and The First Lady of Gospel Pastor Shirley Caesar all sang a few of their award-winning hits for the crowd. Newly added to the lineup Tamar Braxton sang “Be Grateful.” Tamar dedicated the performance to her late niece Lolo Braxton who recently passed.

McDonald’s New York Tri-State Area Owners tapped Emmy Award winner A. Curtis Farrow for the 19th consecutive year. “For 37 years, New York Tri-State Area McDonald’s has been giving back to the gospel community and we appreciate it.” Curtis Farrow said.  “In my 19 years of producing this spectacular event, I must say I couldn’t be more excited about this year’s line-up. This is our 37th year featuring talent from all ages and backgrounds, and I’m so excited!”

Over thirty years later, it has become the nation’s preeminent Gospel celebration, bringing joy, inspiration, encouragement and hope to millions that attended the concert. It was a special night for Franklin’s family receiving several accommodations and citation on the evening. The Mayor of Newark, New Jersey Ras Baraka even cited the “Queen of Soul” for her longevity and contribution to the civil right movement.


Tags: , , , , , ,


About the Author

Washington State Graduate Past Interviews include Grammy Award Winner Kenny G, David Banner, WNBA President Lisa Borders, What's Trending's CEO Shira Lazar, Ice Cube, NBC's Chicago PD LaRoyce Hawkins, Family Matters Darius McCrary, En Vogues Maxine Jones, Team USA Track & Field Member Norris Frederick, James Kyson, WNBA Great Lauren Jackson, and more.


Comments are closed.

Back to Top ↑