McDonald’s Gospelfest 2009

Gospel Music’s Finest Sent the Praises Up and the Blessings Came Down - Literally

Hopefully you were in the NY/NJ area this past weekend. If not, you missed an amazing Gospel concert. Once again, the new state-of-the-art Prudential Center in Newark, NJ hosted the McDonald's Gospelfest. The lineup was a harmonious mixture of Gospel's Who's Who and the venue was packed.

The day's festivities kicked off early Saturday morning with competitors of all ages, races, cultures and faiths competing in a variety of categories in an attempt to share the stage with Gospel's finest artist's.

Appropriately titled, “the most spectacular Gospel celebration in the nation”, the McDonald's Gospelfest served up an amazing group of folks to a packed house of praisers and worshippers. Each performer approached the stage with great humility, honor and Grace. They knew from where their blessings flowed.

During the concert that included names like: CeCe and BeBe Winans, Hezekiah Walker, J. Moss, Vickie Winans, Regina Belle, Cissy Houston and Lastly, Patti LaBelle it was hard to find a seated attendee.

There was even a brief appearance from Newark's Mayor Cory booker .

Personally, I was in awe with all of the performers. CeCe sang with such angelic power and passion. Her attire matched her sound and her beauty glowed. We were then invited to share in the wonderful pairing when CeCe proceeded to bring BeBe on stage with her to sing, “Close to You,” their new single. It was reminiscent of the days of old and beautiful to see.

With a tendency to get caught up in the hype and excitement of the entertainer's, we must remember that concert's like this are truly about purpose, and many who come know this, but sometimes we need someone to be remind us. Pastor Donnie McClurkin was that someone. While on stage he lovingly, but with great pastoral authority, reminded everyone that this evening was not about entertainment but Gospel music's power to awake the spirit; that it was about Gods glorification. As Pastor of Perfecting Faith Church in Long Island, Pastor Donnie never misses an opportunity to awake the consciousness of those he ministers to.