CeCe Winans Scheduled to Perform at Verizon Wireless' How Sweet the Sound

Verizon Wireless today announced that CeCe Winans, six-time Grammy winner, will perform as part of the wireless company's How Sweet the Sound gospel choir contest on Saturday, Sept. 19 at the Toyota Center.

The musical superstar plans to entertain the crowd with selections from her seventh solo album, "Purified," a celebration of heart, soul and spirit, blending the power of gospel with upbeat pop and R&B. The album comprises several of Winan's new hits, including "All I Need," "Pray," "Just Like That," "I Promise," "Colorful World" and "A Place Like This."

Winan's performance is just one of the many musical acts on tap for the evening. Grammy-winning producer, composer and recording artist, Donald Lawrence, as well as gospel singers, Marvin Sapp and James Fortune, also will be a part of the talented line-up.

Winans will join Sapp and Fortune on the judging panel to name the best church choir in Houston. Gospel choirs from eight Houston-area churches were chosen to perform in the regional competition based on audition tapes and a thorough application process. These eight churches include:

Few Voices Category:

• Word of Power International Fellowship Church Choir, Word of Power International Fellowship Church

• Voice of JOY, JOY Baptist Tabernacle Church

• The Levites, Greater Emmanuel Apostolic Church

• Christ Church Chorale, UPC

Many Voices Category:

• Greater St. Matthew Church Choir, Greater St. Matthew Church

• Royalwood Sanctuary Choir, United Pentecostal Church, Inc.

• Resurrection Baptist Church Mass Choir, Resurrection Baptist Church

• Voice of Faith, St. Agnes Church

The winner of Saturday's contest will go on to compete for the title of best church choir in America at the How Sweet the Sound grand finale, which will take place in Detroit on Nov. 7.

Tickets to Saturday night's performance are still available. Floor seats are $7 and lower-and-upper-tier seats are $5. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the program begins at 7:30 p.m.

For more information on purchasing tickets, visit www.HowSweetTheSound.com or visit the Web site for the Toyota Center at www.houstontoyotacenter.com.