In an on-going effort to reach out to the Washington, D.C. faith community, AARP and MGM Resorts International have partnered with the Excellence in Christian Music Academy (ECMA) to transport dozens of senior citizens to the second annual Excellence in Christian Music Awards concert gala. "I am thankful and excited that MGM Resorts International and AARP have partnered with us this year to give over 100 Senior Citizens complimentary tickets to our concert Gala," says Henry W. Harris, founder of the ECMA. "This is more than just a sponsorship but this will be a lasting memory for everyone involved."

This year's program features performances or presentations by Washington, D.C. area gospel luminaries such as Phillip Carter, Angela Donadio, Blaze, Kimise Lee, Restine Jackson, Benaiah, God's Desire, Posse 4 Christ, Duncan and Rachelle, Salvation, Theresa Pinkney, Refining Faith, Jubilant Nation, Tolumide, Greater Refuge Ministries Choir, Darnell Moore, God's Gurls, Javon Inman, Mojean and Temeka Thompson. The show will be hosted by veteran radio announcer Tracy Morgan who has been a fixture on gospel music airwaves for over two decades. The event takes place Saturday, October 13 @ 8 p.m. at The Arc, 1901 Mississippi Avenue S.E., Washington, D.C. 20020. Tickets are available at www.thearcdc.org.

The Excellence in Christian Music Academy (ECMA) is a coordinated training system designed to equip Christian music artists with the tools and resources necessary to become successful in the music industry. The ECMA 2012 concert gala is the recognition phase of the program where the brightest independent gospel artists get a night to shine. Other sponsors include the True Vine Center Inc., a Maryland based Food and Clothing distribution organization; Horton's of Washington DC and Spiritco1 Christian Internet Radio. For more information, log on at http://www.smpecma.com.