Hezekiah Walker and Vickie Winans are among the artists who have signed on for McDonald's Gospelfest 2002 tour. Under the banner "Feel the Rhythm, Feel the Spirit," the 19th annual event will set down for four events in the New York area beginning May 12 in Westbury, N.Y.

In addition to Winans and Walker, who will have his Love Fellowship Tabernacle Choir along for the ride, the shows will feature Cissy Houston, Desiree Coleman-Jackson, and Virtue with the McDonald's New York Metro Gospel Choir. The opening show will also feature special guest Donnie McClurkin.

Along with the headlining talent, Gospelfest 2002 will include competitions in several categories: youth group or choir, adult group or choir, soloist, Christian rapper, and praise dance and step. Competitors will be chosen from more than 20,000 applicants; winners in each category will receive $1,000 in prize money.

Created in 1984 by the fast food giant and the McDonald's Tri-State Owners' Association, Gospelfest serves as a fund-raiser for annual scholarships awarded through the chain's Black Managers, Owners and Operators Association.

Here are the Gospelfest 2002 dates:

May 12: Westbury, N.Y. (Westbury Music Fair)
May 19: Newark, N.J. (Newark Symphony Hall)
May 26: Stamford, Conn. (Palace Theatre)
June 2: New York (Hammerstein Ballroom)