( BLACK PR WIRE) Fort Lauderdale, FL May 8, 2008 – South Florida is poised to host the 22nd Bi-Annual International Gospel Industry Retreat (IGIR) during the Memorial Day Weekend (May 24 - 27, 2008) at the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood, FL. This year’s retreat will focus on the much anticipated construction of the Gospel Complex for Education & Preservation in Lauderhill, FL.

The weekend will commence with a Legends Ball featuring Melvin Williams and Vanessa Bell Armstrong presented by MARS Community Development Corporation on Saturday evening May 24. The Legends Ball will pay special tribute to the “Queen of Gospel”, Dr. Albertina Walker, while recognizing local South Florida Gospel Legends – the Smiling Jubilaires of Fort Lauderdale, Brother Sullivan Pugh, and Evangelist Rosa Shaw – in the Grand Ballroom at the Westin Diplomat Hotel Resort and Spa.

As part of the 22nd Bi-Annual International Gospel Retreat, gospel artists and legends will be invited to attend several area churches throughout Dade and Broward County for Sunday Morning worship and praise services. Beginning At 3:00 pm, Broward Black Elected Officials (BBEO) invites the entire community of South Florida to come out and be a part of the historic Ground Blessing Ceremony at the proposed site for the Gospel Complex for Education & Preservation that will be the home of the International Gospel Music Industry. Later that evening, the 22nd Bi-Annual Gospel Industry Retreat officially kicks- off with the Where The World Meets Benefit Concert for the Gospel Complex for Education & Preservation hosted by, Pastor Paula White, and featuring The Woods, two-time GRAMMY® Nominated guitarist and songwriter, Jonathan Butler, and GRAMMY®, Stellar and Dove Award winner, CeCe Winans at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

On Monday, May 26, 2008, IGIR participants and the entire South Florida community are invited to attend Praise on the Beach Memorial Day Family Picnic and Concert hosted by Tye Tribbet with a special performance by Canton Jones, along the ocean at the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa. On Monday evening, guests will be entertained at the International Gospel Industry Service Awards Program and Zomba Music Showcase featuring Dr. Bobby Jones and Marvin Sapp, honoring Edwin and Walter Hawkins, Dr. Mack King Carter – New Mount Olive Baptist Church; Bishop Victor T. Curry, New Birth Cathedral of Faith and many more.

Tuesday, May 27, the IGIR concludes with a special tribute to Vickie Winans, produced by Veda Brown, Byron Cage, and V. Michael McKay with performances by Mary Mary and other renowned gospel recording artist and friends.

Individual tickets are available for each event or you can purchase a South Florida Resident Package for $150, which includes entry to the Legends Ball, Where the World Meets Benefit Concert featuring Jonathan Butler and CeCe Winans, Praise on the Beach Memorial Day Family Picnic and Concert, and the Dr. Bobby Jones Show Monday Tapings.

For information about tickets, workshops and television tapings for the 22nd Bi-Annual International Gospel Industry Retreat hosted by Dr. Bobby Jones, visit www.gospelindustryretreat.com.