- Father's Day Spectacular featuring Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, Bishop Hezekiah Walker, James Fortune and Fiya, Bobby Jones, and back by popular demand Bishop TD Jakes! -

(BLACK PR WIRE) – Roseland, NJ – Gospel fever returns to the New York Tri-State area on Saturday, June 18, 2011 at the Prudential Center (165 Mulberry Street, Newark, NJ). The auditions have started and competitors are hoping to share the stage with some of the biggest names in Gospel including superstar Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, Bishop Hezekiah Walker, James Fortune and Fiya, Bobby Jones, and back by popular demand Bishop TD Jakes.

Produced and directed by Emmy Award winning Producer, A. Curtis Farrow, McDonald’s Gospelfest is a talent competition that features many abilities. Rising stars of all colors, ages, cultures and faiths will compete in a variety of categories including Soloists, Youth Choir, Adult Choir, Praise Dance, Step, Singing Groups, Gospel Comedians, Gospel Rappers and Gospel Poets.

Tickets can be purchased at the Prudential Center Box Office or through Ticketmaster by calling 800.745.3000, or at www.ticketmaster.com. For further information, please call the McDonald’s Gospelfest Hotline at 866.898.7772.

McDonald’s Gospelfest originated in 1983 under the auspices of the McDonald’s Corporation and the McDonald’s Tri-State Owner/Operator Association. Twenty-eight years later, it has emerged as the nation’s preeminent Gospel celebration, bringing joy, inspiration, encouragement and hope to millions of Americans. Previous McDonald’s Gospelfest participants have gone on to successful careers in entertainment, including the renowned Bishop Hezekiah Walker, who headlines The McDonald’s Gospelfest celebration each year with his Love Fellowship Choir.

Over the course of the past 28 years, The McDonald’s Tri-State Owner/Operator Association has awarded millions of dollars in scholarship money. The McDonald’s Gospelfest competition has been an important fundraising event which supports education opportunities within local communities.

About McDonald’s New York Tri-State Area Restaurants
McDonald's is the world's best-known brand and is the global leader in food service. There are more than 600 McDonald's restaurants, owned by 100 franchisees, located throughout the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut tri-state area. For more information, please visit www.mcdonaldsnytristate.com.