McDonalds Tour Celebrates Gospel Music

In honor of Gospel Music Heritage Month, which takes place annually in September, McDonald’s is serving inspiration with a side of friendly banter for music fans of all ages. Starting Sept. 19 through Oct. 10, the 15th annual McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration® Gospel Tour, a long-standing event that is fostering community through the deeply rooted tradition of gospel music, will take place virtually every Sunday at 8 p.m. ET on BET Network’s YouTube channel and BET.com.

Brought to fans by McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden movement, award-winning gospel artists hailing from the Gulf Coast, West Coast, Carolinas and DMV regions will put their talent and artistry on full display while showing which region produces the greatest gospel hitmakers and hits. Multi-award-winning musician and syndicated radio personality Lonnie Hunter will host the four-part “Gospel City Playlist” series, featuring legendary gospel artists like Tasha Cobbs-Leonard and Israel Houghton, and rising gospel artists like Mali Music, Pastor Mike Jr., and the Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University, among many others.

For the first time in tour history, fans can watch the show from the McDonald’s app while reppin’ their city. In addition to viewing concerts, McDonald’s app users can also enjoy a playlist curated exclusively for the show, that includes 15 top hits from the tour artists – another first. Ahead of each show, fans can also experience a virtual red carpet hosted by social media comedian @NotKarltonBanks who will perform lively skits, host spirited interviews with tour artists and give viewers a peek behind-the-scenes.

“Faith and inspiration are a core part of gospel music, and an integral part of McDonald’s community-based gospel tour,” said Erica Campbell, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and 2021 McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour performer. “Communities need inspiration, and I am proud to join such an amazing line-up of artists to help reach gospel music lovers nationwide.”

Each year, the concert series helps raise awareness of Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®) and its mission to improve the health and well-being of children and their families, which is critically important today as the country continues battling COVID-19. Virtual concert goers will be able to donate to RHMC live at RMHC.org/ICGT2021. McDonald’s has supported RMHC for more than 40 years as the founding mission partner and continues to support global charity in a variety of ways. Since 2012, The McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration® Gospel Tour has raised more than $1.08M to help families stay close when their children are ill.

“We are excited to make the tour virtual for the second year as we celebrate 15 years of the awesome McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour,” said Harry Smith, Indiana McDonald’s Owner/Operator and Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour Owner/Operator chair. “We are committed to feeding and fostering the communities in which we operate, and this longstanding, free celebration of gospel music is one of the many ways we are uplifting and encouraging our guests, crew members and community.”