JOIN CECE WINANS AND J. MOSS - McDONALD'S PRESENTS "INSPIRATION CELEBRATION GOSPEL TOUR 2009" - UMI and McDonald's Celebrate Gospel Music

For many, gospel music is a source of expressing Christian belief. It uplifts and inspires, taps into deep soulful emotions, and provides an outlet to celebrate the rich tradition of African American music.

The tradition of gospel music is nothing new to UMI. One of the earlier covers of UMI's teen publication, Inteen®, was graced by none other than gospel music legend, Andrae Crouch. Dr. Melvin Banks, founder of UMI, could sense the spiritual ties between gospel music and the Christian lifestyle and wanted to share that with the Inteen® audience.

In honor of celebrating our traditional and spiritual ties to gospel music, UMI has partnered with McDonald's to bring you the 3rd annual McDonald's Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour. The gospel tour is a series of unprecedented concerts that bring a powerful and inspirational message to all in attendance. Past concert attendees have enjoyed the soul-stirring ministry of Smokie Norful, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Kierra "Kiki" Sheard and Myron Butler & Levi. "This concert series gives UMI the opportunity to fellowship with our customers, while experiencing these dynamic artists," says UMI President Jeff Wright. "We are excited to have the opportunity to partner with McDonald's in this way and hope that these concerts will be the first of many positive joint programs for our community."

Headlining the 2009 McDonald's Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour will be recording artist CeCe Winans along with J Moss. GRAMMY, Stellar and Dove award winning artist, CeCe Winans, released her first album in 1985 with brother BeBe Winans. Her latest solo album is described as a variety of styles and movements, spanning energetic urban gospel, beautifully orchestrated balladry, and joyful corporate worship. Opening for CeCe Winans is Zomba recording artist J Moss. Newer to the gospel industry arena, but equally a blessing, J Moss has gained industry notoriety writing and producing for several artists, including Karen Clark-Sheard, Hezekiah Walker and Trin-i-tee 5:7.

Tickets for the concerts are required for entry. General Admission tickets are free and available at the host church and area churches noted on concert website www.mcdonaldsgospeltour.com. In addition to concert information, website visitors will have the opportunity to upgrade their General Admission tickets to Sponsor's Passes for the concert, providing concert entry, access to the artist meet and greet session and admittance to the reserved seating area. This concert is certain to be an event that you and your congregation will not want to miss.

The tour will begin on May 8 in Dallas with additional dates in the following cities:

May 8 - Dallas, TX (Friendship West Baptist)

May 9 - Houston, TX (Windsor Village United Methodist Family @ the KBC)

May 14 - Philadelphia, PA (Deliverance Evangelistic Church)

May 15 - Detroit, MI (Greater Grace Temple)

May 16 - Chicago, IL (Christ Universal Temple )

May 23 - Atlanta, GA (Ray of Hope Church)

May 24 - Norfolk, VA (Southeast Virginia Arts Association Festival)

June 13 - Newark, NJ (McDonald's Gospel Festival - Prudential Center -- THIS IS NOT A FREE SHOW. For ticket information, go to www.ticketmaster.com)

September 6 - Washington, DC (Black Family Reunion Celebration - The National Mall)

www.mcdonaldsgospeltour.com