On Saturday, September 21, 2026, Downtown Disney District came to life with the sound of vocal music as Celebrate Gospel brought gospel choirs and singers from around the country to Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage near Parkside Market. Throughout the day, multiple groups performed on the stage as guests gathered on the lawn to enjoy their spirited performances. The live performances culminated with the arrival of Bishop Hezekiah Walker.
Daps Magic was on hand and filmed each of the groups that performed during this special part of the Disneyland Resort’s Celebrate Soulfully celebrations. The performances began in the early afternoon and continued into the evening. These were followed by a DJ that continued into the night. Nearby, there was a craft station, complete with the Wall of Giving Flowers. Guests were invited to visit the Wall of Giving Flowers and write what empowers them, and then put it on the Wall of Giving Flowers to create a tapestry of inspiration.
The day was emcee’d by Trell Thomas, the founder of the Black Excellence Brunch. The a capella vocal group, Vocal Soul, also filled in between the variety of performances throughout the afternoon and evening. The event on the first Saturday of two Celebrate Gospel Saturdays that are being offered at the Downtown Disney District. The Disneyland Resort Ambassadors Michelle & Orelia also joined Trell Thomas to welcome people to this “treasured event that helps foster understanding and community.”
Below are videos of the variety of performances from the first Celebrate Gospel Saturday. The theme for this celebration is “The Power of Song.”
De’Ante Duckett & The Justified Crew
De’Ante Duckett & The Justified Crew is a contemporary gospel ensemble known for their high-energy worship and “funky” urban sound. Led by De’Ante Duckett, the group has become a notable presence in the gospel music scene, particularly through their vibrant live recordings at locations such as the Second Baptist Church in Santa Ana. Their discography is centered on themes of resilience and spiritual liberation, with major projects including the 2021 album Forgiven and the 2024 release Survivor’s Code. They are recognized for powerful singles like “Never Thirst Again,” “I’ve Got To Praise The Lord,” and “Leaning On Jesus.” Beyond their recordings, the crew is a recurring featured act at high-profile events like Disneyland Resort’s Celebrate Gospel, where they are celebrated for their ability to blend deep-seated faith with modern musical arrangements that aim to inspire and “save souls.”
Sacred Groove
Sacred Groove is a premier vocal ensemble distinguished by its sophisticated fusion of contemporary gospel, soulful R&B, and intricate jazz harmonies. Composed of seasoned vocalists, the group has earned a reputation for its technical precision and its ability to deliver high-energy, “groove-oriented” worship that resonates with modern audiences. Known for their seamless vocal blending and innovative arrangements, Sacred Groove prioritizes musical excellence as a form of ministry, often bridging the gap between polished studio production and the raw, spontaneous power of live gospel performance. By centering their sound on a tight, rhythmic foundation—the “groove”—the ensemble creates an atmosphere where artistic innovation and deep-seated faith coexist, making them a fixture at major music festivals and high-profile worship events across the country.
Azusa Pacific University Gospel Choir
The Azusa Pacific University (APU) Gospel Choir is a premier collegiate ensemble that serves as a vibrant ambassador of diverse worship and musical excellence. Celebrating over thirty years of ministry, the choir is renowned for its high-energy performances that seamlessly blend traditional gospel foundations with contemporary urban praise. Comprising a diverse group of students from various academic disciplines, the ensemble is more than a musical group; it is a laboratory for spiritual formation and cultural bridge-building. Under distinguished leadership, the choir has traveled extensively, both domestically and internationally, sharing a message of hope and unity that transcends denominational and ethnic boundaries. Their legacy is defined by a commitment to “Difference Makers,” utilizing the power of choral music to foster an inclusive environment of communal worship and academic excellence.
Second Baptist Church Anchored Praise Choir
The Second Baptist Church Anchored Praise Choir (often associated with the “Anchored” ministry of Second Baptist Church) is a premier vocal ensemble dedicated to the ministry of transformative worship and spiritual steadfastness. Based in a tradition that emphasizes being “anchored” in faith through life’s storms, the choir is recognized for its ability to lead diverse congregations into deep, corporate praise. Their repertoire is characterized by a powerful blend of anthemic contemporary gospel and fervent, scripture-based lyrics that aim to provide hope and stability to listeners. Through their commitment to vocal excellence and spiritual discipline, Anchored Praise has become a vital component of the church’s outreach, using music as a vessel to reinforce the foundational truths of the Gospel while fostering a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere of celebration.
Lorenzo Johnson & Prazium
Lorenzo Johnson & Praizum is a dynamic gospel ensemble that has carved a unique niche in the industry by leveraging the performing arts as a transformative tool for community outreach and spiritual expression. Established in 2006 by visionary director Lorenzo Johnson, Jr., the group is celebrated for its eclectic blend of traditional choral foundations and high-energy contemporary gospel. Their debut project, Life Support, exemplifies their mission to provide musical “first aid” to the brokenhearted, featuring a sound that is as technically proficient as it is emotionally resonant. Based in Southern California, Praizum has become a staple of major cultural events—including recurring appearances at Disneyland’s Celebrate Gospel—where they are recognized for their vibrant stage presence and a diverse membership that reflects a wide array of denominational and cultural backgrounds.
Friendship Baptist Church Mass Choir
The Friendship Baptist Church Mass Choir represents a storied tradition of communal worship and musical excellence, notably gaining national recognition through their collaboration with gospel innovator Brent Jones. Their seminal 2005 album, Heaven in the Room, served as a masterclass in modern mass choir dynamics, blending soulful urban contemporary arrangements with the raw, high-energy spirit of the traditional black church. This ensemble is celebrated for its ability to deliver intricate, contemporary harmonies while maintaining an atmosphere of accessible, congregational praise—a balance that has made tracks like “I Need a Touch” and “Totally” enduring favorites in the gospel canon. As a pillar of their community, the choir embodies the “neighborly spirit” of the Friendship tradition, continuing to inspire through a legacy of recorded works and powerful live performances that bridge the gap between classic hymnody and 21st-century gospel.
Great LA Cathedral Choir Set
The Great Los Angeles Cathedral Choir Set stands as a cornerstone of the West Coast gospel tradition, representing a sophisticated fusion of classical choral discipline and fervent Pentecostal worship. Known for their lush harmonies and impeccable vocal arrangements, the ensemble gained widespread acclaim under the direction of masters like Kurt Carr, becoming a defining voice for the “Cathedral” sound that emphasizes both musical precision and spiritual depth. Their contributions to the genre are perhaps best encapsulated by the iconic anthem “For Every Mountain,” a masterclass in dynamic build and vocal endurance that remains a standard in choral repertoires worldwide. Through decades of performance and recording, the choir has maintained a legacy of excellence, bridging the gap between traditional hymnody and modern gospel innovation.
Sacred Groove
Sacred Groove
Bishop Hezekiah Walker
Bishop Hezekiah Walker is a distinguished figure in contemporary gospel music and a visionary ecclesiastical leader whose influence spans over three decades. As the founder and Senior Pastor of the Love Fellowship Tabernacle, he has successfully integrated urban sensibilities with traditional spiritual foundations, earning him the moniker of the “Hip-Hop Pastor.” Most notably, as the leader of the Love Fellowship Choir, Bishop Walker has garnered two Grammy Awards and numerous Stellar Awards, producing enduring anthems such as “Every Praise” and “I Need You to Survive” that have become staples in international liturgy. His career is defined by a remarkable ability to bridge cultural divides, maintaining a presence on the Billboard charts while simultaneously serving as a prominent voice within the Pentecostal movement.
There will be more performances for Celebrate Gospel on the weekend of February 27th and February 28th. The bulk of the choirs and singers will be on Saturday, February 28th, with Yolonda Adams headlining this day’s celebration.
What do you think of the first weekend’s lineup of performers for Celebrate Gospel? Which one was your favorite? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
