PHILADELPHIA, May 3, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Heavenly spirits will lift you at Penn's Landing for the 5th Annual Gospel Celebration, Friday nights in June! Traditional Gospel music and Contemporary Gospel music come together in this exciting series that is sure to lift spirits as voices are raised in song. Co-Sponsored by WDAS AM, WDAS FM, Power 99 FM, and UPN 57, Penn's Landing brings the inspiring sounds of Gospel music to the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing located on Columbus Boulevard at Chestnut Street. This is the start of the 2006 Free Concerts Series, every Friday night, all summer long at Penn's Landing. Friday Night Gospel Celebration begins at 7:30pm each week.
The series begins on June 2nd with the talented Breath of Heaven. This trio is comprised of a mixture of musicians and singers. The group's sound is a compilation of smooth jazz, cool funk, high-octane gospel, and electrifying R&B. Breath of Heaven features keyboardist and musical director Donald Robinson, vocalist and saxophonist Stacey Harcum, and on drums Garfield Williams.
Minister Chris Graham and Exalted Praise will continue the series on Friday, June 9th with their pulsating and energetic choir vocals. Minister Chris Graham, a Jam on the River performer for about 7 years, will be leading the traveling Tri-State area sensation. Graham promises with high expectations that fans of all ages will be brought their feet and up toward the Lord with traditional hymns to contemporary gospel music.
The dynamic Tony Moore and Jehovah's Chosen will glorify the stage on the night of June 16th. The group consists of the fifteen individuals, ranging in ages, who are musicians, dancers, poets and singers. Frequently traveling and appearing on stages all over the country and Canada with well-known gospel recording artists to well-known secular artists such last year's 20th anniversary performer Vivian Green, TMJC has done it all. Their newest and highly anticipated album "Action Figures/New Wave Disciples" will be released this June.
On June 23rd, Tour of Density featuring Bubby Fan and Praise Beyond will perform. This fantastic group of individuals has received a Gospel Music Workshop of America Excellence Awards nomination in 2002 for Best Contemporary Urban Group/Choir of the Year. But Bubby Fan's biggest achievement was performing in front of Pope John Paul II at the Vatican. However, he is also enthused about performing at Penn's Landing. Fann says, "To have a chance to minister at Penn's Landing just blows me away! Just think, right in the heart of Philadelphia on a Friday night where everybody is about to get into something. We have this great opportunity to catch the ear of the people."
Join us as we close out the 5th annual Gospel Celebration with Pastor Lonnie Hunter and the Bethany Baptist Church Choir. The Lindenwold, New Jersey based choir directed by Hunter will close the series on June 30th and their performance promises to raise the spirits of every soul present. This is their first, of many visits to Penn's Landing.
WDAS AM, WDAS FM, and Power 99 will take turns hosting each week. UPN 57 will also be on-site each week. Their on-air personalities will introduce performers and have promotional giveaways. These concerts are FREE to the public and seating is available on a first come first served basis.
Penn's Landing Corporation Program Director, Keeya Branson-Davis remarks, "It has been my charge to bring the best that Gospel Music has to offer, and I do my best to honor that by showcasing critically-acclaimed Gospel talent ranging from traditional Gospel Choir sounds to contemporary inspirational music. It also gives me great pleasure to present great talent from the Philadelphia region and to highlight all of the wonderful artists that we have right here in our city."
UPN 57 (WPSG-TV) is part of the CBS Television Stations division, one of the largest network-owned station groups, consisting of 21 CBS stations, 15 UPN, one WB and two stations not affiliated with major networks.
Public Programming at Penn's Landing would not be possible without our presenting sponsor Independence Blue Cross and the continued support of PECO Energy, Commerce Bank, Pennsylvania Lottery and the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation, all of whom are committed to serving the Greater Philadelphia community.
Penn's Landing Corporation is the non-profit organization responsible for funding and producing public programming at Penn's Landing. Independence Blue Cross is the presenting sponsor of the 2006 Summer Season at Penn's Landing. All events produced by Penn's Landing Corporation are FREE to the public and on the Great Plaza, the heart of Penn's Landing, Philadelphia's premier riverfront entertainment destination.
For more information on event locations and event details, please call (215) 922-2FUN or visit www.pennslandingcorp.com. The Penn's Landing Corporation website is a virtual resource for the waterfront which can help plan a visit to easily park, play and stay all day at Penn's Landing.
The Penn's Landing Corporation logo is available at http://media.primezone.com/prs/single/?pkgid=349