McDonald's Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour Returns with Donald Lawrence & More

McDonald's USA today announced the ninth annual return of its Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour. This year's line-up features celebrated and talented gospel acts, including music director and songwriter Donald Lawrence, vocal powerhouse Yolanda Adams, evangelist and the "Rose of Gospel" Dorinda Clark-Cole, the incomparable choral-master Ricky Dillard, urban inspirational artist DeWayne Woods, Stellar Award nominee and BET Network's "Sunday Best" season six winner Tasha Page-Lockhart and Christian comedienne Small Fire all sharing one stage. Stellar Award winning artist and radio personality Lonnie Hunter will host the nationwide tour. Beginning May 13 and running through Oct. 17, the free concert series will share messages of love, hope and inspiration.

"I couldn't pass up an opportunity to join this unique tour with so many of my phenomenal peers," said Clark-Cole, a member of one of gospel's most notable families. "The tour will certainly be filled with exciting, soul-stirring music."

As with past years, McDonald's Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour will emphasize the importance of sharing love and giving back to the community by supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the Charity and the important role it plays in helping to keep thousands of families together while their ill children receive critical medical care. Attendees will also be encouraged to donate to their local RMHC Chapter to help neighboring families served by the Charity.

"At McDonald's, we are committed to sharing love and giving back in our local communities and we look forward to bringing people together to enjoy inspirational music while highlighting such a worthy cause like RMHC," said William Rhodes, McDonald's U.S. marketing director.

Concerts are free of charge. Fans can visit http://www.365Black.comto obtain tickets. The multi-city tour will make stops in 14 markets, including: Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Detroit, Greensboro, Houston, Indianapolis, Jackson, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Raleigh, St. Louis and Washington, D.C.

Tour dates and locations include:

• May 13 Detroit, Greater Grace Temple
• May 14 Chicago, House of Hope
• May 15 Milwaukee, Abundant Faith Church of Integrity*
• May 20 Raleigh, Wake Chapel Church
• May 21 Greensboro, Mount Zion Baptist Church*
• May 22 Charlotte, The Park Church*
• June 19 Jackson, Jackson Convention Center
• June 26 Houston, New Light Church
• July 10 Philadelphia, Dell Music Center
• July 19 Indianapolis, Indianapolis Convention Center Indianapolis Black Expo*
• August 9 Atlanta, Georgia World Conference Center Neighborhood Awards
• August 28 St. Louis, Greater Grace Church
• September 14 Washington, D.C., The Kennedy Center Gospel Music Heritage Awards
• October 17 Los Angeles, Taste of Soul Family Festival

*Select artists will perform.

McDonald's Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour is an extension of the brand's 365Black platform, an initiative that celebrates the pride, heritage and achievements of African-Americans year round. Dr Pepper also returns as a tour sponsor, showing its appreciation and commitment to the African-American community.

To learn more about the tour and McDonald's 365Black initiative, visit http://www.365Black.com. Follow @365Black on Twitter for tour updates and join the conversation at #365BlackGospel.

About McDonald's

McDonald's USA, LLC, serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to approximately 27 million customers every day. Nearly 90 percent of McDonald's 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by businessmen and women. Customers can now log online for free at approximately 11,500 participating Wi-Fi enabled McDonald's U.S. restaurants. For more information, visit http://www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter @365Black and Facebook http://www.facebook.com/mcdonalds. To learn more about the 365Black initiative, visit http://www.365Black.com.

About Ronald McDonald House Charities

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), a non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation, creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and wellbeing of children.Through its global network of local Chapters in 60 countries and regions, its three core programs, the Ronald McDonald House , Ronald McDonald Family Room and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile , and millions of dollars in grants to support children's programs worldwide, RMHC provides stability and resources to families so they can get and keep their children healthy and happy. All RMHC-operated and supported programs provide access to quality health care and give children and families the time they need together to heal faster and cope better. For more information, visit http://www.rmhc.org, follow RMHC on Twitter (@RMHC) or like RMHC on Facebook (Facebook.com/RMHC Global).

About Dr Pepper

Dr Pepper, a brand of Dr Pepper Snapple Group (NYSE: DPS), is the oldest major soft drink in the United States. Since 1885, the23 flavors of DrPepper have earned legions of fans that enjoy its unique, refreshing taste. The brand is available in Regular, Low Calorie, Diet, Caffeine Free and Cherry varieties. DPS is a leading producer of flavored beverages, marketing Dr Pepper and 50-plus other beverage brands across North America and the Caribbean. For more information, visit DrPepper.com or DrPepperSnapple.com. For the brand's latest news and updates, follow Dr Pepper at Facebook.com/DrPepper or Twitter.com/DrPepper.

Trademarks and/or registered trademarks used herein are owned by their respective companies and organizations.

2015 McDonald's

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SOURCE McDonalds USA