Just like R&B music, Gospel inspires and relates to our lives. In celebrating that sound, gospel and R&B recording stars are converging upon Chicago's 25th Annual Gospel Music Festival !

Set for this weekend, June 6 and 7, the 25th annual celebration will feature a rare mother and daughter performance from Fantasia and Diane Barrino!

In addition to the duo, Grammy and Stellar Award winning brothers in Gospel, Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin and Jonathan Nelson, will take the stage to perform songs from each of their respective 2008/2009 albums. Franklin, touring after wrapping BET's 'Sunday Best', will perform songs from his Grammy winning effort "The Fight of My Life" while McClurkin will perform songs from the 2009 live album "We Are One Live".

Best of all, the Chicago Gospel Music Festival has FREE admission !

Beyond the Gospel Festival, which features well over thirty performances, Chicago is known for its plethora of dining options, tours and of course famed attractions like the Sears Tower and Oprah Winfrey Show studio. More than anything, Chicago is beautiful this time of year with events ranging from jazz to 'foodie' festivals taking place.

If you're near the Chicago area, this is the time of year to check out the 'Windy City'. (for more information on Chicago events, dining and travel options visit choosechicago.com)

Other acts taking the stage during the 25th Annual Gospel Music Festival, which includes two stages, are Sunday Best's Maurice Griffin, Fred Nelson, III, Shekinah Glory Ministry, The Mighty Bells of Joy, New Direction, Lee Williams & The Spritual QC's, and Lady LaVarnga Hubbard.

With that said, let's take a look this event by date.
(for an full brochure on the 25th Annual Gospel Music Festival click here)

Scheduled Itinerary
(Subject to change)

Saturday, June 6
Walgreens Day Stage

- Alfred Wheeler & Blessed
- Ebone’
- Maurice Griffin (Maurice Griffin is the BET Sunday Best contestant)
- The Celestials
- Felica Welch & Friends
- New Orleans Heritage Festival Artists-The Voices of Distinction
- The James’
- Lady La Varnga Hubbard  

Jay Pritzker Pavilion

- The Voices of Acme Missionary Baptist Church Choir
- Shekinah Glory Ministry
- Jonathan Nelson featuring Purpose
- Fred Nelson, III presents: "An Evening of Gospel Elegance" featuring Rodrick Dixon, The Divine Divas (Felicia Coleman-Evans, Connie Kinnison & Elizabeth Norman-Sojourner) and (GMAC) The Gospel Music According to Chicago Mass Choir
- The Quartet Special featuring Doc McKenzie & The Hi-Lites
and Lee Williams & The Spiritual Q-C’s
- DONNIE McCLURKIN




Sunday, June 7
Walgreens Day Stage

- Evelyn Turrentine Agee
- The Mighty Bells of Joy
- The Gospel Crusaders
- The Genessee Travelers
- The Christland Singers
- Doc McKenzie & The Hi-Lites
- Lee Williams & The Spiritual QC’s


Jay Pritzker Pavilion

- Dr. Charles G. Hayes & The Cosmopolitan Church of Prayer Choir
- New Direction
- Rev. Dr. Lucius Hall presents: “A Touch of Chicago's Gospel Pioneers/Legends” featuring Professor Almond Dawson, Evangelist Verlene Moore, Reverend Walter Veal & Dr. Yolanda Freeman
- Evelyn Turrentine-Agee
- Special appearance by FANTASIA featuring Diane Barrino (mother & daughter)
- KIRK FRANKLIN