For the third year in a row, Fred Hammond has assembled a roster of artists, musicians and comedians to hit the road on his inspirational tour Festival of Praise. This year’s line up is nothing short of star power. Fred enlisted R&B turned Gospel artist Regina Bell, legendary Clark Sister Karen Clark Sheard, Israel Houghton known for his high-octane praise and worship, choir-master Hezekiah Walker, modern worshipper and newcomer Casey J and funny man Comedian Earthquake. The tour is rolling through the Midwest October 20 to 26 bringing a fresh wind of inspiration.

Fred’s vision for the Festival of Praise has become bigger than his anticipation. A-list artists from around the country have jumped at the opportunity to tour. As the music industry has changed over the years, Gospel artists have had to re-strategize on how to reach the masses and still accomplish their God-given assignments. Even more trickier is generating revenue. Gospel music has seen a decline in sells of CDs with millennial’s purchasing via digital music outlets and using streaming services. What has been the norm  to generate revenue has become archaic and less fruitful, thus Gospel music artists have had to take a more mainstream approach.

Taking Gospel music to larger venues and arenas with a line up of hit-making artists draws the attention of not only the church-goer, but those who may not darken the door of a church, according to Fred. The message doesn’t change just the stage. The mission of the church is to draw souls to Christ, which warrants individuals to pick up the mantle from those who have laid the foundation and carry it to those in need.

This year’s Festival of Praise crew are hyped to bring the word in song to the Midwest. Home to some of the artists, including Fred, the tour is sure to surprise, uplift and encourage those in attendance. Dress comfortably and get ready to praise God, according to Fred. There are going to be games, people invited on stage and an all-around good time.

If you have not purchased your tickets yet, go now to Ticketmaster. Follow Fred Hammond, Hezekiah Walker, Karen Clark Sheard, Regina Bell, Comedian Earthquake, Casey J and Israel Houghton on social media as they travel the Midwest on the Festival of Praise tour. Download their music online or at muisc outlets.