Gospel Music Shines at Disneyland� Resort's First "Celebrate Gospel!" Event

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In celebration of Black History Month, 14 gospel choirs from throughout Southern California performed on February 20 at the Disneyland Resort's first "Celebrate Gospel!" event. Choirs from Riverside to San Diego joined together at Stage 17 in Disney's California Adventure®  to celebrate music and culture.

"Gospel music is full of praise, spirit and energy and it is thrilling to me that the Disneyland® Resort took the initiative to organize an innovative event such as Celebrate Gospel," said Bobby McDonald, president and executive director of the Black Chamber of Commerce of Orange County. "Hosting this event is a great way to bring the community together."

"It was a privilege to acknowledge and celebrate the talent, creativity and inspiration that is found in gospel choirs all over Southern California and to bring all that energy to the Disneyland® Resort," said Michelle Baron, manager of outreach and entertainment recruitment, who orchestrated the event. "This music continues to have a powerful effect on American culture and on many Disney artists, and we wanted to honor that during Black History Month. It was also very gratifying to see new guests, frequent visitors and Annual Passholders all enjoying this together."

In addition to choir performances, the show featured a "behind-the-animation" look at the film The Princess and the Frog. Co-director and co-writer John Musker shared how gospel music had been inspirational in the creation of the film and other classic Disney stories, including Hercules. Cast Member Danielle Truitt, who served as the model for the Tiana character of the film The Princess and the Frog, co-hosted the event.

"As a member of Friendship Baptist Church and a Cast Member, this event reflects a large part of who I am," said Merchandise Category Planning Manager Freda Hardison. "It was amazing to have the magic of our Resort and the power in our gospel come together under one roof."

-- Posted March 3, 2010