Fred Hammond Joins Lineup At Carowinds for JoyFest 2010, Held 5/29

A powerful celebration of Gospel Music returns to Carowinds this year, featuring renowned artist Fred Hammond, as JoyFest 2010 takes place on Saturday, May 29, at Carowinds' Paladium Amphitheatre. The concert will also feature J.Moss, Donald Lawrence, and Canton Jones. Christian comedian Bone Hampton will serve as emcee for the event. JoyFest is the first in a series of music festivals scheduled at the park this season.

Hammond has a reputation as one of gospel music's most talented songwriters, bassists and vocalists. His abilities as a gifted musical arranger and producer have earned him numerous Grammy Awards, Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) Excellence Awards and Stellar Gospel Music Awards - most recently the 2008 Stellar Award for Contemporary Male of the Year. Hammond's most recent Grammy-winning release with Verity Records, Free to Worship, is his eighth overall album, spanning a career of more than 25 years.

Incredible singer, songwriter and producer J. Moss is know for making hit songs with the production powerhouse PAJAM. In 2004, he turned his attention from the mixing board to the stage and released a solo album, The J Moss Project, in 2006. He released his follow-up album, V2, in 2007.
Donald Lawrence is the only artist ever to have produced the top 4 Gospel songs in one year, which included a 2008 Grammy Award and a Stellar Award. He has won Stellar Awards for Producer of the Year and Artist of the Year for I Speak Life. He was also awarded BMI's 2008 Christian Writer of the Year and the BMI Trailblazer's Award in 2008. Donald has also served from 2004-present as the Musical Director for the Grammy Salute to Gospel.

Canton Jones released his debut album, 20 Years 3 Months and 12 Days, in 2002. He received critical acclaim with the independent release of his second album, The Password, in 2004. The success of the album's hit song, "Love Jones," led to the re-release of the album nationally in 2005, and two Grammy Award nominations. With three albums (20 Years, 3 Months, 12 Days, Love Jones, and The Password: Access Granted), several Grammy nods, a Stellar Award nomination, and three Gospel Choice Awards to his credit, Canton still maintains the unshakable confidence of someone who knows the tide is turning his way.

Concert & Full Day Park Admission Ticket Prices

$32.99 Regular Reserved Adult Pre-sale (if bought before April 23)

$47.99 Gold Circle Adult

$37.99 Regular Reserved Adult Ticket

$32.99 Regular Reserved Group (15+) Ticket

$45.99 Regular Reserved Group (15+) with Picnic

$50.99 Regular Adult Gate Price (if available)

Season Pass Ticket Prices

$24.99 Season Pass Gold Circle

$19.99 Season Pass Regular Reserved

Season Pass Holders must purchase through the Carowinds Sales & Services Center at 704-588-2600 or at the front gate after the Park opens on March 27.

JoyFest tickets go on sale Friday, February 12. Your JoyFest admission includes entrance to all of the concerts and admission to Carowinds on May 29. Carowinds is a 122-acre amusement and water park featuring more than 50 great rides, attractions, and shows.

New in 2010, Carowinds will debut Intimidator^TM, the tallest, fastest, and longest coaster in the Southeast, inspired by racing legend Dale Earnhardt. The $23 million scream machine debuts as Carowinds' 13 roller coaster and is the Park's largest capital investment ever made, and will open when the Park opens on March 27.

Advance ticket purchases are available through Ticketmaster by calling 704-522-6500, by logging on to www.ticketmaster.com or at any Ticketmaster outlet. Advance ticket purchases for Season Pass Holders and groups of 15 or more, including the group picnic option, are available by calling Carowinds at 704-588-2600.

Carowinds is owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, a publicly traded partnership that is listed for trading on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "FUN." In addition to Carowinds, Cedar Fair owns and operates ten other amusement parks, six water parks, one indoor water park resort, and five hotels. Cedar Fair also operates the Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in Gilroy, CA under a management contract.