OAK BROOK, IL (February 22, 2007) – Music…moves the mind, lifts the spirit and nourishes the soul. McDonald’s serves up a healthy serving of soul-stirring music with a new concert series that kicks off February 28, bringing a powerful message of inspiration to eight U.S. cities from February through April.

The McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour features Grammy Award-winner Smokie Norful and fellow EMI artists Gospel Music Hall of Famer Vanessa Bell Armstrong and rising gospel star Kierra “Kiki” Sheard for an unforgettable celebration of African-American heritage expressed through gospel music. The tour begins on February 28 in Dallas with a free concert at the 6000-seat Nokia Theatre. Other tour cities include Richmond (March 22), Philadelphia (March 23), Baltimore (March 24), Detroit (March 29) and Chicago (March 31), Atlanta (April 4), and Houston on a date to be announced.

“I am humbled and honored to share my music as a way of partnering with McDonald’s and their community outreach,” says Smokie Norful who headlines the tour. “It’s important that we realize giving back is the true way to keep ourselves and others uplifted, empowered, and encouraged.”

McDonald’s partnered with leading Gospel label, EMI Gospel and music marketing/concert producer, Revolver Marketing Group (RMG), along with Urban Ministries Inc. (UMI), the nation’s leading publisher and distributor of educational materials for African-American churches, to produce the series.

This marks the first year that McDonald’s is sponsoring the Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour but is not the company’s first foray into supporting gospel music. Independent franchisees have created gospel-themed restaurants in Merrillville, Ind., and Chicago. McDonald’s and franchisees from New York to Seattle have also partnered with other organizations to bring gospel and other music festivals to their communities.

“Music is an important part of African-American history and culture,” said Carol Sagers, marketing director, McDonald’s USA. “Through this sponsorship, McDonald’s celebrates the rich, musical heritage of the African-American community and gives consumers an opportunity to take a break from life’s routines and be inspired.”

The McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour schedule follows:
February 28-Dallas, TX (Nokia Theatre)
March 22- Richmond, VA (St. Paul’s Church)
March 23- Philadelphia, PA (Baptist Worship Center)
March 24- Baltimore, MD (Israel Baptist Church)
March 31-Chicago, IL (Christ Universal Temple)
April 1 -Detroit, MI (Greater Emmanuel)
April 4- Atlanta, GA (New Birth Church)
TBA – Houston, TX


For tickets and tour information, go to www.smokienorful.com\mcdonaldsinspirationcelebration.

About McDonald’s
McDonald's USA, LLC, is the leading foodservice provider in the United States serving a variety of wholesome foods made from quality ingredients to millions of customers every day. More than 80 percent of McDonald's 13,700 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by local franchisees. For more information about McDonald's visit www.mcdonalds.com.