The 12th Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration Sells Out Despite the Dallas Snow Storm

DALLAS, Feb. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The worst snow storm in Dallas, TX in 15 years didn't stop thousands of fans from enjoying an evening of uplifting music, soul-stirring testimonies and empowering messages from acclaimed NFL players and gospel artists at the 12th Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration. Music Hall at Fair Park was packed Friday, while many events around town were cancelled.

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With opening remarks by Rev. Jesse Jackson, the evening was set with CeCe Winans returning as host, and a line-up of gospel music's best including Donnie McClurkin; Mary Mary; Israel & New Breed; Marvin Sapp; and "Players Choice," James Fortune & FIYA. Verizon's How Sweet the Sound winning choir, Voices of Destiny, also performed.

The NFL Players Choir, featuring current and former players, had another amazing performance. Directed by Grammy Award-winning gospel artist Myron Butler, the choir served as background vocals for Winans as she sang her and brother BeBe's #1 hit "I'll Take You There," followed by McClurkin performing his hit "I'm Walking."  Choir members included Dallas Cowboys greats Eugene Lockhart, Dexter Clinkscale and Otto Stowe, joined by Ovie Mughelli (Falcons – 2011 Pro Bowler), Tommie Harris (Bears), DeAndre Lewis (Seahawks) and many more.  NFL legends Tim Brown (Raiders) and Mel Blount (Steelers), and current players Antwaan Randle El (Steelers), Correll Buckhalter (Broncos), Roy Williams (Bengals) and other players introduced artists or shared testimonies.  American Family Insurance's Jingle Dreams winner, Mark Patterson, sang with the choir as an honorary member.

The Super Bowl Gospel Celebration is the only NFL sanctioned gospel concert during Super Bowl Weekend.  Since its inception, the event has drawn crowds in the thousands and has demonstrated growth year-over-year, with sell outs of venues in major markets hosting the Super Bowl.

Verizon Wireless, the official wireless service of the NFL; American Family Insurance, the nation's third-largest mutual property/casualty insurance company; NFL PLAYERS; FelCor Lodging Trust; Herff Jones; and School of the Legends sponsored the 12th Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration.  

Follow the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration at www.superbowlgospel.com, www.twitter.com/SuperBowlGospel and  facebook.com/SuperBowlGospel for photos and comments from this year's concert and information on the 2012 concert in Indianapolis, IN during Super Bowl XLVI Weekend.

SOURCE Super Bowl Gospel Celebration