Contact: Rev. Hilary Clay Hicks, 626-821-9532, hillyboy@altrionet.com

IRVINE, Calif., July 2, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Dr. Margaret Pleasant Douroux, internationally acclaimed author, educator, and the composer of such Gospel classics as "We're Blessed," "Rivers of Joy," "If It Had Not Been For The Lord On My Side," and "What Shall I Render," will hold her 27th annual Heritage Music Foundation Gospel Music Conference and Expo July 25-28, for the first time in the City of Irvine in Orange County California.

Gospel singers from all over the nation will attend, and all Gospel music enthusiasts are invited to register and participate. Evening concerts Wednesday through Friday are open to the public at no charge. "This year we salute the nationwide historic phenomenon of Gospel music with the theme, 'Gospel Roots People and Choirs'," says Dr. Douroux.

The conference features more than a dozen national Gospel artists, including noted Gospel singers Lecresia Campbell (Dreamgirls), Houston's genius composer-performer V. Michael McKay, and Washington, D.C.'s multitalented Rodney Teal, plus performances of new music penned by Dr. Margaret Pleasant Douroux and others.

All activities are at Christ Our Redeemer AME Church, 46 Maxwell Street, Irvine, CA 92618, where Rev. Mark E. Whitlock is pastor. The churches of Orange County will be participating in force. In past years, the convention was held in the Fall in L.A. "Coming in July, should visitors wish to stay longer, this is also a wonderful vacation opportunity, with Orange County being the home of so many delightful tourist attractions and great churches," says Dr. Douroux.

Registrants will participate in classes and rehearsals. Morning classes are 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. At 9:00 a.m. registrants attend Dr. Douroux's "Living Treasures" seminars on the art and historical timeline of gospel. At 11 a.m., attorney Rodney Teal, Rev. Calvin Rhone, Dr. Margaret Douroux and many other music scholars and national musicians examine the Gospel music scene while advancing the establishment of HMF's "Gospel House," a national center for Gospel music.

Afternoon events Wednesday through Friday in preparation for nightly presentations include new composers teaching new compositions to the mass choir at 1:00 p.m. At 3:00 p.m., the highlight of the daytime sessions is V. Michael McKay conducting new music from his pen. Afternoon activities also include jam sessions, mentoring sessions, and HMF Satellite Chapters Business Meetings.

Full registration is $105.00. For details, call (310) 674-1903 or register online at www.hmfgospel.com.