Think your church choir has a unique sound and can sing with the best of them? Now your group has the chance to prove it.
Gospel choirs are invited to compete in the second annual Disney Gospel Choir Fest on Sept. 10 at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
The winning choir will perform in the Magic Kingdom Park later that evening during Disney's "Night of Joy 2011." The contemporary Christian music festival will be held Friday, Sept. 9 and Saturday, Sept. 10 at the Magic Kingdom Park.
Each night from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., Night of Joy attendees will be treated to live performances by today's top bands in contemporary Christian rock, pop and gospel. They will also have access to all of the park's attractions.
Gospel artist Smokie Norful will once again serve as master of ceremonies for the choir competition. Norful is a two-time gold-selling and Dove, Grammy and Stellar Award-winning artist.
"I am very excited to be a part of the Disney Gospel Choir Fest again this year," he said. "This is a great opportunity for gospel choirs to gain exposure and showcase their unique musical talent."
Groups Compete for Top Spot
The Disney Gospel Choir Fest will be held at the America Gardens Theater at Epcot and judged by a panel of EMI Gospel Record label representatives.
Each choir will also be recognized during an awards ceremony at the end of the competition. Participants also receive admission to Disney's Night of Joy.
Choirs can register to be a part of the Disney Gospel Choir Fest by going to http://www.disneygospelchoirfest.com.
For more information, call (407) 566-6652 or e-mail wdw.disney.gospel.choir.fest@disney.com
Night of Joy: Artists to Appear
Night of Joy artists will perform on stages throughout the park. Artists scheduled to perform include: Toby Mac, Newsboys, Jeremy Camp, David Crowder*Band, MercyMe, Matthew West, Francesca Battistelli, Skillet, Group 1 Crew, Tenth Avenue North, Sidewalk Prophets, Smokie Norful, Chris August, Kutless, Marvin Sapp, Disciple and Jars of Clay.
The festival package includes admission to Epcot for the day of the performances, as well as admission to Disney's Night of Joy that same evening. Special group tickets are also available to church groups and congregations wanting to join their favorite choirs and cheer them on during the competition.
*Published June 24, 2011.