McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour will headline the spectacular praise experience at the 12th Annual Taste of Soul (TOS). The event takes place on Saturday, October 21, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., along Crenshaw Boulevard from Rodeo Blvd. to Stocker Avenue.
The nation’s largest family festival, created by Sentinel Executive Publisher Danny Bakewell, Sr., includes the Brenda Marsh-Mitchell Gospel Stage where both national and local artists will deliver musical messages of hope and joy.
Marsh-Mitchell, the late executive assistant to Bakewell, designed and diligently nurtured the TOS gospel platform for eight years before her passing in 2014. As a tribute to her legacy, Bakewell named the stage in her honor.
“Brenda loved God and music that heralded His greatness, so the appearance by McDonald’s Gospel Tour is highly welcomed and definitely adds to our vision of presenting a high quality inspirational section to Taste of Soul,” noted Bakewell.
McDonald’s has recruited a range of celebrated performers to participate including gospel superstar Tye Tribbett, Grammy award-winning artist Bishop Hezekiah Walker, legendary pastor and singer Bishop Paul S. Morton, gospel crooner Brian Courtney Wilson, songbird Anita Wilson, singing sensation Jekalyn Carr and renowned quartet voice Paul Porter. Also, songwriter Donald Lawrence will return as music director, Christian comedienne Small Fire will again bring the laughter and radio personality Lonnie Hunter will resume hosting duties.
According to a spokesman, McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour is an extension of the brand’s 365Black platform, an initiative that celebrates the pride, heritage, and achievements of African- Americans year-round. Dr Pepper® also returns as a tour sponsor, showing its appreciation and commitment to the African-American community.
The L.A.-area faith community will be represented on the gospel stage as well, thanks to the outstanding efforts of Pastor Kelvin Sauls of Holman United Methodist Church. For the fourth consecutive year, Sauls has partnered with festival sponsor Bakewell Media Company to produce the local portion of the Brenda Marsh-Mitchell Gospel Stage.
“Holman is once again excited to join McDonald’s Black Operators of Southern California in realizing the dream and celebrating the legacy of one who was the heartbeat of Taste of Soul, Brenda Marsh-Mitchell. The Gospel Stage will reflect her passion for quality gospel music and her commitment to excellence,” said Sauls.
“Local and regional choirs and groups from Los Angeles and the Inland Empire will join national artists to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to the intersection of Crenshaw and Marin Luther King Jr. Blvd. with one unified message, ‘O Taste and see that the Lord is good!’”
The local lineup to date consists of Holman United Methodist’s Jubilant Voices, Ward AME Praise Team, West Angeles Church of God in Christ, Bishop Kenneth Wells and Karyn Wiggins of the Inland Empire, Donald Taylor and LA Mass Choir, and Renee Spearman.
“We’re going to the next level with several surprise artists that will bless and edify you as we glorify and give God the highest praise,” declared Sauls.
To learn more about the 12th Annual Taste of Soul and the Brenda Marsh-Mitchell Gospel Stage, visit tasteofsoul.org.
