Contact: Hilary Clay Hicks, Heritage Music Foundation, 626-821-9532

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 11 /Christian Newswire/ -- "The theme the Heritage 2010 National Conference is 'Gospel Music is a National Treasure for Hard Times'," says Dr. Margaret Pleasant Douroux, founder of the Heritage Music Foundation.

"We recognize that Gospel music had its beginnings as a source of encouragement for the down-and-out and is needed now more than ever," says Dr. Douroux. "We will be rejoicing in the midst of hard times."

Gospel singers from all over the country will attend the Heritage Music Foundation 25th annual Gospel Music Conference, October 20-23 in Los Angeles. All Gospel music enthusiasts are invited to register and participate. Most activities are at Greater New Bethel Church, 601 East 99th Street, Inglewood, CA 90301.

Wednesday evening, October 20, is the grand kick-off concert, beginning at 7:00 p.m. featuring Bettye Ransom Nelson of the Church of God In Christ denomination; Dr. Margaret Pleasant Douroux and the Heritage Mass Choir, and the L.A. chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America directed by Dr. Rodena Preston. Emcee Edna Tatum will represent the Gospel Announcers Guild of America.

The Thursday Night, October 21 concert begins at 7:00 p.m. and features Washington, D.C.'s Rodney Teal and the Heritage Conference Choir, with special guests former NBA star Minister Tyrone Powell of Fredericksburg, Virginia, gospel singer James Brown, L.A.'s Minister Victor Bell, Tony Jones and the GMWA Young Adults Choir, and L.A. recording artist and director, Minister Calvin Rhone.

The Grand Finale Concert is Friday night, October 22, 7:00 p.m, is an all-star Gospel celebration featuring Houston's renowned composer-recording artist, V. Michael McKay with special guests, emceed by L.A. radio announcer Kevin Nash.

Saturday morning, October 23, the week wraps with the Annual Breakfast and Fashion Show with the Founder's Message at 8:00 a.m., held at Trinity Baptist Church, 2040 West Jefferson Blvd. in Los Angeles. Tickets for the breakfast are $30.

Registrants will participate in classes and rehearsals. Morning classes are at Greater New Bethel 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. Registrants attend seminars on the art and historical timeline of gospel. Afternoon events Wednesday through Friday in preparation for nightly presentations, include new composers and compositions teaching the mass choir at 1:00 p.m. At 3:00 p.m., V. Michael McKay conducts new music from his pen. Full registration is $95.00. For details, call (310) 674-1903; or register online at www.hmfgospel.com.