Gospel Music Heritage Month Kicks Off on Sept. 16 at  Event in DC

 Gospel music is intricately  woven into the fabric of America and plans are underway to shine a spotlight on  the importance of the genre.

Gospel music advocates, musicians, organizers and supporters will gather  Sunday, September 16, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. at the Warner Theater to kick off  nationwide festivities surrounding the 4th Annual Gospel Music Heritage Month  Celebration.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) explained, “From the  African American spirituals to Elvis Presley, Mahalia Jackson and Rev. James  Cleveland, this unique American music has united generations, classes, and  cultures. It is only fitting that we honor Gospel music’s place in both the  history of the United States and in our daily lives.”

Since September 2008, Congresswoman Jackson Lee has led the efforts to ensure  the contributions, history, and sound of Gospel music are recognized and honored  throughout our nation. She has passed resolutions for the past four years  designating the month of September as Gospel Music Heritage Month.

This year’s event will be held at the Warner Theater. Grammy-award winning  Gospel artist Yolanda Adams will headline this incredible event which is free  and open to the public. In addition, the concert will feature Verity Records  Gospel recording artist Crystal Akins. Also performing are Gospel artists  Maurette Brown-Clark, Damita Haddon, Lil Mo and Phillip Bryant, and 7 Sons of  Soul. Additionally, there will be a special guest appearance by the Washington  Society for the Performing Arts’ Men and Women of the Gospel Choir.