Fans of the popular Tom Joyner Morning Show are gearing up for the 6th annual Tom Joyner Family Reunion, where listeners will descend upon Orlando for a weekend of music, comedy shows and theme parks.
The event, set for Aug. 28 through Sept. 1, is dubbed a “party with a purpose,” and will feature entertainment along with educational activities. More than 5,000 people from cities as far away as Chicago, Philadelphia and Maryland are expected to attend.
“This is an affordable, family event,” Oscar Joyner, who is Tom Joyner's son and president of REACH Media, Inc., the parent company of The Tom Joyner Morning Show, The Tom Joyner Sky Show, BlackAmericaWeb.com and other radio and television programs.
“In this economy, this is the best vacation you can get,” Oscar Joyner said.
Vacation packages featuring passes to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and Sea World have already sold out, but tickets to a Family Expo and concerts are still being offered, Joyner said.
The three-day event will take place at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando and will feature performances by Oscar-winning performer Jennifer Hudson and legendary soul singer Al Green. Also performing will be Beyonce’s baby sister, Solange Knowles, R&B singer Lyfe Jennings and comedians Mark Currry, Marvin Dixon, A.J. Jamal, Gary Owens and Damon Williams.
Another weekend highlight will be a Family Expo held on Aug. 29 and 30 that will feature live music from R&B artists Dwele and Eric Benet. The game show “Family Feud” featuring the cast of Tyler Perry's House of Payne will be presented, along with a rerun of CNN's "Black in America" series featuring Soledad O'Brien.
A relationship panel featuring celebrity couple Doug and Jackie Christie, a literary showcase presented by Sybil's Book Club highlighting best-selling African-American children's books, health and business seminars and other special exhibits are also among the weekend’s offerings.
The Tom Joyner Morning Show will also be broadcast live the morning of Aug. 29 from the Family Expo. The weekend will close with a Sunday Gospel Explosion hosted by Dr. Bobby Jones, featuring Grammy-award winning duo Mary Mary and the group Trin-I-Tee 5:7.
The popular broadcast is heard locally on WHQT Hot 105 FM and is the nation's number one syndicated urban morning show, airing in more than 115 markets and reaching about 8 million listeners.
Oscar Joyner said the weekend gives listeners a chance to meet face-to-face with his father, as well as popular morning show co-hosts Sybil Wilkes and J. Anthony Brown.
“It's great because we have this large audience of 8 million people and the only way to get in touch is by calling, emailing or attending these events,” he said. “It's a great way to touch people we affect with the show everyday. This is for the entire family. Bring the children and the grandparents.”
To purchase tickets, go to Ticketmaster.com or call 407-839-3900. More information about the weekend is available at www.blackamericaweb.com/family08/mega.
DaniellaAird@Gmail.com
Photo: Stars of the Tom Joyner Morning Show, including J. Anthony Brown, left, Sybil Wilkes, center, and Tom Joyner, right, entertain radio listeners across the nation.
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