Gospel Choirs to Compete for a Chance to Perform at Disney’s Night of Joy

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – On Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010, gospel choirs from across America will raise their voices in praise and vie a for chance to perform on stage in the Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom during the Night of Joy 2010. It’s all part of the inaugural Disney Gospel Choir Fest that will be held at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and feature, as celebrity Master of Ceremonies, Smokie Norful.

Norful is a GRAMMY Award-Winning Gospel Artist, Dove- and Stellar-award recipient, Billboard chart-topper and two-time gold-selling artist and crossover star.
“I am very excited to be involved in the inaugural Disney Gospel Choir Fest, said Norful. “This is a great opportunity for choirs to gain exposure and showcase their musical gifts.”

A panel of EMI record executives will judge the choir performances and offer constructive feedback. The panel will also select the winning choir, which will showcase its talent later that evening during Night of Joy.

“Disney has created an incredible opportunity for gospel choirs to compete on stage at Epcot and showcase their talents in front of an audience of international theme park guests,” said Tim Hill, director of special programs for Disney Destinations. “Combined with meeting Smokie Norful and attending the ultimate Christian concert event, Night of Joy, the Disney Gospel Choir Fest is sure to be an unforgettable experience.”

The festival schedule includes performances throughout the day followed by an awards ceremony during which each participating choir will receive a special Disney Gospel Choir Fest Award. That night the winning choir will take center stage in the Magic Kingdom Park for a live performance in front of thousands of Night of Joy celebrants. And all Disney Gospel Fest participants will receive admission to Night of Joy, where they can enjoy their favorite attractions and cheer on the winning choir and enjoy performances by top bands in contemporary Christian, rock, pop and gospel.

The festival package includes admission to Epcot after the choir performances, as well as separate admission to Night of Joy. Special group tickets are also available to church groups and congregations wanting to join their favorite choirs and cheer them on during the competition.

Choirs can register to be a part of the inaugural Disney Gospel Choir Fest by going to www.disneygospelchoirfest.com. For more information call (407) 566-6652 or e-mail [email protected].

Night of Joy is a contemporary Christian music festival that will be held Friday and Saturday, Sept. 10 and 11, 2010, at the Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom in Florida. From 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. each night, Night of Joy guests are treated to live performances by top contemporary Christian music artists on stages throughout the theme park. Guests also have access to many of the park’s popular attractions. 2010 artists include: Chris Tomlin, David Crowder Band, Casting Crowns, mercyme, Third Day, Family Force 5, BarlowGirl, Francesca Battistelli, Group 1 Crew, Tenth Avenue North, Sidewalk Prophets, Smokie Norful, Red, LeCrae and Day of Fire. Each artist performs one night of the festival.