Get Ready! Get Ready Get Ready! It's going to be a power-packed weekend as Gospel luminaries converge on the Washington, DC metro area, February 15-17, 2006 to celebrate the nation's largest and most prestigious Gospel music celebration during Black History Month. Already, there is excitement in the air regarding the keynote speakers and artists slated to take part in Heritage '06.

Opening the conference will be Israel Houghton (keynote speaker, Wednesday, 9am), who has soared as one of the most dynamic praise and worship artists in the country. Houghton's meteoric rise in the industry has been further catapulted by his recent Integrity Records hit single, “Friend of God” and “Breakthrough.” That opening Wednesday night, churches across the country will fill the sanctuary of the Reid Temple AME Church as Bishop Paul Morton comes to the Gospel Heritage conference for the first time as a keynote speaker. Bishop Morton is the founder and presider of the International Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship, an organization of over 2000 churches worldwide.

Kicking off the second morning (Feb. 16, 2006) of the conference, Byron Cage will address GHFdelegates. Smallwood is one of Gospel's most accomplished artists (Verity Records). That afternoon, attendees will be treated to a light luncheon with a “State of the Gospel Industry” panel. This luncheon event is a true centerpiece of the conference, echoing the theme for the weekend, “Raising a New Standard.”

Later that evening, history will again be made with the annual “live” recording. This time, a first-Rev. Jamal Bryant (Empowerment Temple, Baltimore, MD) will be the keynote speaker bringing a powerful word of exhortation. Bryant pastors one of the fastest-growing churches in the country.

The final Friday of the conference promises to be one of the conference's most inspirational. The morning will begin with Pastor Donnie McClurkin, of New York, serving as keynote speaker. As a Gospel artist, McClurkin tops the charts, as a pastor-he is even more amazing!

The action packed conference will roll on with a Friday midday Youth & College Choir Competition. This is one of the most exciting and innovative presentations of the entire conference! Youth and college choirs from across the country will engage in a “friendly battle” vying for cash scholarships totaling $10,000! These kids put it down with style!

The closing Friday evening is worth the wait! The annual 2006 Gospel Heritage Awards will salute and celebrate Gospel greats and pioneers. The 2006 honorees will include: Tramaine Hawkins, Rev. Clay Evans, The Barrett Sisters and The Winans Brothers.

While all these activities will certainly appeal to those in every age bracket, GHF is showing its love for tomorrow's leaders by putting particular focus on today's young people. This year's Youth Division will present an awesome slate of speakers who will focus on helping young people learn to maximize their potential as creative forces to lead as politicians, businesspeople, educators, entertainers or religious leaders.

Featured on the 2006 GHF Youth Division are: Gerard Henry, BET's host of Lift Every Voice, focusing on the very pertinent topic of abstinence (Wednesday, Feb. 15); Gospel artist, Tye Tribbett (Youth luncheon speaker, Thursday, Feb 16); and the “Youth Praise Jam” on Thursday, Feb 16, at 10:30 pm will feature top rap artist, Cross Movement.

Heritage '06 is destined to be one of the best events of the year! It's the place to be Feb 15-17, 2006.

For more information:

Visit us at www. ghf06.com or 866.864.5611.

About the Gospel Heritage Foundation

Founded in 1996, The Gospel Heritage Foundation is a 501 (c) 3, not-for-profit organization with a mission to educate people from around the world about the history and significance of America's Gospel genre. The goals of the Gospel Heritage Foundation are:

• To educate, inspire and inform aspiring and existing Gospel performers, producers, songwriters, Gospel radio announcers and others who desire to fulfill their dreams of being part of the genre of Gospel or developing their careers further.
• To provide scholarship funds for aspiring Gospel musicians and those seeking to further their education in Gospel.
• To honor/induct legendary Gospel performers, producers, songwriters, Gospel radio announcers and contributors into the Gospel Heritage Foundation “Hall of Fame.”
• To establish a physical location to house the artifacts, recordings, memorabilia, etc; and display exhibits and teach classes regarding the Gospel Heritage.

Gospel Heritage Foundation Board Members

Teresa Hairston, Founder/Chair, Max Siegel, President, Jackie Patillo, Vice-President, Alex Snipe, Treasurer, Tiara Hairston, Asst. Secy., Stephen Hurd, Nat'l Minister Praise & Worship, Tracey Artis, V. Michael McKay, Dr. Deborah Smith-Pollard, Dean of Education, Pastor Juandolyn Stokes, Chaplain, Kirk Franklin, and Donnie McClurkin.

Gospel Heritage '06 Sponsors

SGN The Light, Gospel Today Magazine, Gospel Today Entertainment, The Word Network, Glory Communications, Inc., BlackGospelPromo.com, The Belle Report, GospelCity.com, Gospelflava.com, tehillahenter@aol.com, StreamingFaith.com, and Heaven 1580 AM..