Saturday, September 30, 2017

Saturday Night - National Quartet Convention

Well, NQC 2017 has now come to an end. Since I first discovered gospel music as a teenager, I heard about the National Quartet Convention and how it was a "must" event for gospel music fans. It's been a "bucket list" item for a while for me, and this week I got to check it off. It's truly been an incredible week. I've gotten to attend more than 42 hours of concerts during this week (and I didn't even go to everything!).

This morning's chapel was a hymn sing hosted by Gerald Wolfe and Dr. Tim Hill speaking. It was one of the most precious times of worship I've ever been a part of. The message was one of the best I've ever heard. This afternoon, we got to see a Dixie Melody Boys reunion and a tribute to the television show The Gospel Singing Jubilee.

Here's a look at highlights and commentary from tonight -

  • The reunions and tributes were my favorite sets of the night. The Gold City reunion featured Jay Parrack, Mark Trammell, Jonathan Wilburn and the one and only Tim Riley. The Perrys reunion went through the decades starting with the original Perry siblings - Libbi, Debra and Randy. They sang clips of all their hits through the decades. Then, the Nelons did a sweet tribute to Rex Nelon. They had Jason's dad, Dan Clark, singing bass for them. They all lived up to the hype!
  • Tribute and the Isaacs had the longer sets tonight. Tribute got to sing a lot from Here For You. Sonya (who hosted along with Scotty Inman tonight) got to give part of her testimony before singing "I Love You More."
  • The finale of the night featured #1 songs from eight different groups. Well, except for the Kingdom Heirs who were supposed to sing "Joys of Heaven" but there was a track issue. They ended up having Gerald Wolfe come up and play piano for them on "I Know He Heard My Prayer." This ended up being such a great moment!

Key Performances -

  • "I'd Rather Have Jesus" - The Blackwood Brothers featuring Michael Helwig
  • "Scars in the Hands of Jesus" - Diplomats
  • "When He Calls I'll Fly Away" - Gold City Reunion
  • "Every Cry Is Heard" - Jim Brady Trio
  • "Jesus Saves" - Tribute Quartet
  • "I Wish I Could Have Been There" - The Perrys Reunion
  • "Just When You Thought" - Joseph Habedank
  • "Damascus Road" - Kingdom Heirs
  • "He Is Mine and I Am His" - The Hoppers
  • "I Love You More" - The Isaacs
  • "It's Almost Over" - The Mark Trammell Quartet
  • "Oh, For a Thousand Tongues" - The Nelons
  • "Then Came The Morning" - Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
  • "Til the Storm Passes By" - Greater Vision



National Quartet Convention - Friday Night

Tonight was my favorite night overall. Every group pressed through it being Friday night of NQC and put together amazing sets. There are a lot of highlights and standout peroformances, so here we go -

  • The past two nights have been more quartet centric. Tonight it was more about family groups with the majority of the groups being mixed groups. But even with the quartets you had some family connections.
  • The Erwins had one of the strongest sets of the night close to the beginning of the night. They brought Joseph Habedank up to join them for a sing since they are doing some tour dates together now. They also paid a sweet tribute to Vestal Goodman with "What a Lovely Name."
  • We got to hear several new songs again tonight with Gold City singing "If Church Pews Could Shout" and Jeff and Sheri Easter singing several from their new project including Sheri featured on "Wayfaring Stranger" and Morgan on "'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus," loved both of these old/new songs. I'd also never heard Ricky Braddy of Karen Peck & New River sing "I Bowed on My Knees and Cry Holy," but he did an outstanding job on that song!
  • The Browders told the story of a woman who had been given a grim diagnosis listening to the song "Put It Into God's Hands." The song became an anthem for her and she called the Matthew Browder after a followup appointment. The Browders played the voicemail they received saying that all the tests were now completely clear. It was a powerful moment! They then had some help on the chorus of the song from Riley Harrison Clark, Lauren Talley and John Darin Rowsey.
  • The Whisnants singing "New Day Dawning" on main stage never fails to disappoint. They were joined by Suzanne Taylor Hise (one of the hosts for the evening) and several members of Second Half Quartet with Rodney Griffin showing off his dance moves around the stage.
  • It's too hard to crown a best set of the night. 
Key Performances

  • "Heaven in the House" - The Littles
  • "We'll Understand It Better By and By" - Dixie Echoes
  • "I Can Through Christ" - Erwins with Joseph Habedank
  • "I Will Stand" - Gold City
  • "I've Won" - The McKameys
  • "Cost of the Cross" - Kingsmen
  • "I'm Trusting the Blood" - The Whisnants
  • "Put It Into God's Hands" - The Browders
  • "Going Home" - Second-Half Quartet
  • "Wayfaring Stranger" - Jeff and Sheri Easter
  • "Jesus Only Jesus" - The Rick Webb Family
  • "Jesus Changed Everything" - Ernie Haase and Signature Sound
  • "Four Days Late" - Karen Peck & New River
  • "The Cross Is All the Proof I Need" - Triumphant Quartet
  • "This Is My Father's World" (a cappella) - Collingsworth Family

Friday, September 29, 2017

National Quartet Convention - Thursday Night

Day four of the National Quartet Convention is in the books. I attended the afternoon showcase of Aaron Wilburn and the Gaither Homecoming sing-along. I have to say that the two-hour Homecoming sing has been my favorite part thus far of convention. I've never had an experience quite like that one. When I've been to Homecoming concerts in the past, there have never been that many artists on stage at one time.


So for the evening concert, here are highlights -

  • Tonight was a sell out. Of course, the Gaither Vocal Band was the closer tonight. They had an extended set as well as the Hoppers.
  • The reminder of Heaven was a major theme tonight. Jim Brady shared of his dad's passing and the song that came out of that. Mike LeFevre said goodbye to his mom only a few weeks ago and shared about her passing and then they sang a tribute to her.
  • Patriotism was another theme of the night as it has been all week. The Nelons sang several from their recent Americana project. Selah actually joined the Nelons during their set. Of course, Legacy Five sang and played a couple as well. 
  • Bill Gaither came up during the Hoppers' set talking about the new album he just worked on with them. Mark Trammell paid a touching tribute to Gaither before singing his song "The King Is Coming."
  • The Gaither Vocal Band set was great tonight and gave us something different from what we had been hearing this week. Mark Trammell Quartet, the Hoppers and Tribute Quartet also had some of my favorite sets of the night.


Key Performances -


  • "I'll Worship You Again" - The Taylors
  • "To Say Goodbye" - LeFevre Quartet
  • "When Grandpa Sang Amazing Grace" - The Nelons
  • "Hallelujah, Praise the Lamb" - The Talleys
  • "It Is Well" (a cappella) - The Isaacs
  • "The King Is Coming" - Mark Trammell Quartet
  • "Farewell, But Not Forever" - Jim Brady Trio
  • "What a Meeting in the Air" - Tribute Quartet
  • "Be An Overcoming" - The Hoppers
  • "Facts Are Facts" - The Booth Brothers
  • "'Til the Storm Passes By" - Gaither Vocal Band
  • "It Is Finished" - Gaither Vocal Band

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

National Quartet Convention - Wednesday Night

We're more than half way over with the 2017 National Quartet Convention. Only three nights left! Wednesday was another night full of great music. And everything seemed to run a little bit ahead of schedule.

Here's a look at highlights and commentary from the night -


  • It was a night for quartets. Kingdom Heirs, Second Half Quartet and Triumphant were all featured artists having a longer (30ish minutes) set. It's a toss up with Second Half and Triumphant for the best set of the night. With Second Half, they took the time to tell a little bit about how the group came to be. It's good to hear just the voices the the piano and bass guitar. Triumphant sang a few songs from Thankful including the title song and their two-time #1, "Chain Breaker." Eric got to share a little bit about how much the song "Chain Breaker" is changing lives.
  • Specials guests were a plenty tonight. Karen Peck & New River's set featured the Wilmington Celebration Choir. Jeff Easter in true Jeff Easter fashion was kind enough to share the stage with Michael Combs and Eli Fortner both of whom have undergone transplant surgery this year.
  • For those who left before the power half-hour, they missed some incredible young talent. The Chitans was the showcase winner. The group is five young siblings. 
  • Layke Jones and Morgan Easter were the hosts for the night. It's been so good to see the younger generation of Southern Gospel artists showcased in this way this week. 
  • There were a number of debuts tonight with new songs and new featured singers. Gold City debuted its new single "I Will Stand." Jason Crabb also sang another new one his dad wrote, "God Works in Mysterious Ways." Kingdom Heirs also sang a few new ones with "Heaven Will Be Sweeter" being a highlight of the night. I think this was the Wilmington Choir's first trip to the mainstage of NQC. Also, the Perrys featured Jared Stuffle for the first time on main stage. 

Key Performances
  • "I Will Stand" - Gold City
  • "What a Day That Will Be" - The Guardians
  • "Heaven Just Got Sweeter" - Kingdom Heirs
  • "Like My Mother Does" - Jeff and Sheri Easter
  • "Let the Church Arise" - LeFevre Quartet
  • "Hope for All Nations" - Karen Peck & New River
  • "God Works in Mysterious Ways" - Jason Crabb
  • "I Love You This Much" - The Whisnants
  • "Wonderful Grace of Jesus" - Second Half Quartet
  • "Then I Met the Master" - Booth Brothers
  • "It Carried Him" - The Perrys
  • "Hallelujah" - Triumphant Quartet

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

National Quartet Convention - Tuesday Night

Night two of the 2017 is now complete. The last few hours of the night were packed with highlights. For those who left before the power half-hour missed a lot of great up and coming groups. Here are my thoughts on the night.


Highlights and Commentary -

  • I am really enjoying the longer sets for featured groups. Last night it was the Whisnants. Tonight it was the Jim Brady Trio and Greater Vision.
  • The entire Daywind set was incredible. It featured Legacy Five, the Hoppers, Greater Vision, Joseph Habedank and Tribute Quartet. 
  • If for some reason you didn't love Katie Erwin before, you would after tonight. She and Joseph Habedank hosted together. She looked just as comfortable and at home up there as he did. They did a great job!
  • I was impressed by the unity and support of groups tonight. From artists in the artists circle supporting each other to actual on-stage support. Jason Crabb had several younger artists back him up on a new song. He returned the favor for Highroad's song. Jaquita Lindsey of 11th Hour filled in for Lisa Williamson, whose grandmother just passed away. Riley Harrison Clark joined the Talleys set for "What Grace Is Mine," a duet with Lauren.
  • Josh Townsend of Legacy Five gave a stirring testimony before playing and singing "God's Been Good." Today was his 20th birthday and he told everything that he'd been through in his 20 years. He's a walking miracle. He gave such a touching performance singing and playing "God's Been Good." It's one of those moments people will be talking about for years to come. 
  • The power half-hour tonight featured a lot of great playing and picking from the live music of Highroad and the Lindsey family to the incredible piano playing of Jacob Klutz with the Troy Burns Family.
  • It was another night for a lot of new songs. The Perrys had all songs from Testament, their latest project. Jason Crabb sang a song he wrote after the recent hurricanes that had never been sung before.


Favorite Performances -
  • "The Greatest of All Miracles" - Jim Brady Trio
  • "It's About the Cross" - Ball Brothers
  • "Give Me Jesus" - The Talleys
  • "What Grace Is Mine" - Lauren Talley and Riley Harrison Clark
  • "Find Me Faithful" - The Perrys
  • "Love in Your Heart" - Jason Crabb
  • "God's Been Good" - Legacy Five
  • "Something's Happening" - The Hoppers
  • "Still" - Greater Vision
  • "Here He Comes" - Joseph Habedank
  • "Beauty of the Blood" - Joseph Habedank
  • "When the Prodigal Comes Home" - Tribute Quartet

Monday, September 25, 2017

National Quartet Convention - Monday Night

The first official night of the 2017 National Quartet Convention is now in the books. And what a full night of great gospel music, it was! It's great getting to be here in person this year.

Here are commentary and highlights from the night -

  • The Kingsmen Reunion with Squire Parsons was a highlight of the night. Nick Bruno had the original chart he wrote for "Beulah Land" when the Kingsmen first cut the song. Kingsmen alumni joining them on stage included Arthur Rice, Ernie Phillips, Mark Trammell along with Squire and Nick. It was probably the highlight of the night.
  • The young talent was out in full force tonight with the Erwins and the Hayes kids all doing incredible. These kids can sing!
  • There were seven groups that took the stage I'd never seen before live. One that you might be surprised about is the Kingdom Heirs. It was good to finally see them in person.
  • Recent events in the NFL and national anthem were front and center tonight with several groups singing patriotic songs and having commentary on it. 
  • We got to hear a lot more new songs tonight from several different groups including the Kingdom Heirs, 11th Hour, the Mylon Hayes Family and the Whisnants. 
  • Riley Harrison Clark and Lauren Talley were great hosts for the night!
  • The power half-hour featuring a lot of new or lesser known groups is a nice addition. I was glad that most people around us at least stuck around to see all these groups. It's a nice way to feature them on main stage.



Favorite Songs of the Night - 
  • "He's Still Alive" - The Erwins
  • "The Last Big Thing" - Kingdom Heirs
  • "He Welcomes the Beggar" - 11th Hour
  • "Is That the Old Ship of Zion" - Kingsmen Reunion
  • "I Choose Christ" - Karen Peck & New River
  • "The Lighthouse" - Mark Trammell Quartet
  • "Grace Happened Here" - Mylon Hayes Family
  • "When the Trumpet Sounds" - Triumphant Quartet
  • "All Is Well" - The Whisnants
  • "God Calls It Grace" - Kingsmen

Sunday, September 24, 2017

Sunday Night at National Quartet Convention

Today we drove all day to get to Pigeon Forge tonight. We weren't sure if we'd make it in time or be able to go to the kickoff concert, but we made it! The Sunday night bonus concert featured the Hoppers, Mark Trammell Quartet, Tribute Quartet, Tim Lovelace, the Jim Brady Trio and Greater Vision. Each group came out and sang two sets. I have to say overall the second sets were better than the first sets. There were some incredibly powerful moments!

As is pretty typical, we got to hear some songs from some new projects. Mark Trammell Quartet sang several from their Great Moments project. Tribute Quartet also featured one from their quartet tribute CD.

Here are some highlights of the night -

  • "Life Is Good" - The Hoppers - Dean is back on stage with them. For them to stand and sing "Life Is Good" with all they have been through with Dean back on stage, you couldn't help but smile.
  • "Why Me Lord" - Greater Vision
  • "God of the Storms" - Tribute Quartet
  • "What a Day That Will Be" - Jim Brady Trio
  • "He Is Mine and I Am His" - Mark Trammell Quartet
  • "Come on and Go to That Land" - Tribute Quartet
  • "Grace at Its Best" - Tribute Quartet 
  • "Love of God" - Jim Brady Trio
  • "Grace Will Always Be Greater Than Sin" - The Hoppers
  • "The King Is Coming" - Mark Trammell Quartet
  • "For All He's Done" - Greater Vision
I'm going to tie the two grace songs for the moment of the night with "Grace at its Best" and "Grace Will Always Be Greater Than Sin."

Can't wait for a week full of gospel music!

Saturday, September 23, 2017

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - September 23

Here are some news items from this week in Southern Gospel music -

  • Jason Crabb will join Selah on the “Your Love Is Unbreakable” tour this fall. It is presented by World Vision and will start tonight. It is scheduled to be in 13 cities during the months of September, October and November.
  • Smacker Bats has partnered with Matt Felts to release a special edition bat. The company is now offering a “Matt Felts Signature Series” baseball bat. The bat has Matt Felts signature and logo on the barrel of the bat.
  • The Griffith Family reached an exclusive recording and distribution deal with Newday Records, a division of Daywind Music Group and Newday Distribution.
  • Karen Peck and New River, the Talleys, Highroad and Emily Ann Roberts have kicked off The Gospel Through Girls and Guitars Tour. This tour will be in fall 2017 and continuing into the spring 2018. 
Anything I've missed?

Friday, September 22, 2017

Fun Clip Friday - NQC

Well in honor of National Quartet Convention, today's Fun Clip Friday is a clip from last year's NQC. Greater Vision pulled up young Eli Shaw to sing "I Know a Man Who Can" with them. Check it out below.




Wednesday, September 20, 2017

National Quartet Convention

Sorry for the lack of blogging lately. I promise to make up for it next week since I'll be at NQC! This is my first time to go to National Quartet Convention. I normally end up watching it on the webcast. This has been a bucket list item of mine for a long time, so I'm excited for the chance to be there in person.

There will be several groups there that I will get to see for the first time in person and of course so many favorite groups. Since it's the 60 anniversary of the convention, I know they have a lot of great things planned throughout the week.

If you're in the area, it's not too late to get tickets. Or if you can't make it, tune into the webcast. Go to natqc.com.

If you're going to be there next week, I'd love to hear from you. What's your favorite part of NQC? What do I not need to miss? Any tips for the week?


Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Still Greater Vision - Concert Recap

Earlier last month, I had the chance to see Greater Vision in Arkansas. This was my first time to see the group since Jon Epley's addition. When a group as consistent as Greater Vision makes a big change, fans are always interested to see what the group will sound like. You'll be happy to know they are still Greater Vision with the same sound they've always had. Jon is a great addition to the group and fits in well with their overall blend.

Here are some highlights from the night -

  • "He'd Still Been God"
  • "Rolled Back Stone" - It was good to hear so many songs from their new project during this concert. This is just one of the new ones that has a country-flair that Chris sang.
  • "Why Me Lord" - Jon was featured on this great, old song.
  • "His Grave Wrote the song" - Another great new one!
  • "I Know a Man Who Can" - Never get tired of hearing Chris on this one.
  • "God Doesn't Care" - I don't know of a person who doesn't need to hear this song and be reminded that God doesn't care what we have done in the past.
  • "Still" - This was the moment of the night for me. Such a powerful song that Rodney sings.
  • They pulled Wade Lentz on stage who is the pastor of the church. He got to sing bass with Greater Vision last time they were there, so they made a quartet and had him sing with them again. He has a great bass voice. They sang "Wedding Music," then he said there's a quartet song he's always wanted to sing but never gotten the chance. The song was "Boundless Love."
  • "Until You've Known the Love of God" - Gerald stepped out from the piano to sing this song. Good hearing him featured on this one!



Saturday, September 9, 2017

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - September 9

Here are some news items from this week in Southern Gospel -

  • Prayers go out to the family of Elinor LeFevre. She was the mother of Mike LeFevre and grandmother of Jordan LeFevre. The services were held this past Monday in Gainesville, Georgia.
  • The Blackwood Brothers have welcomed Jonathan Mattingly as their new lead singer. Jonathan and his wife Sarah and first child Asher now live in Nashville, Tennessee. 
  • Daywind Publishing has welcomed Hunter Leath to its family of writers. 
  • Several artists including the Perrys, Legacy Five and the Chuck Wagon Gang had damage to their personal vehicles and bus from recent flooding in Nashville. 
Anything I've missed?

Thursday, September 7, 2017

Wrapping Up Southern Gospel Picnic

Well I'm finally getting a chance to wrap up the rest of Southern Gospel Picnic at Silver Dollar City. On Sunday, we enjoyed a great morning service with Dennis Swanberg. I got to see Voices of Lee, Jeff Stice and the Martins later that day. Then on Monday, I enjoyed the last day of the festival with Spoken 4 Quartet, the Diplomats and the Isaacs before heading back to the real world.

Here are highlights from the last two days -

Voices of Lee

This was my first time seeing this group live, and I was impressed!

  • "The Lord's Prayer"
  • "No Longer a Slave" - This song featured Tripp Hess (son of Judy Martin Hess). Since the Martins sang that night, his mom and other family members were there to support him. He did a great job on this feature!
  • "Higher"
  • "Gloryland Medley"


Jeff Stice
  • Andre Crouch Medley
  • "Hallelujah Chorus"
  • He brought Maddy on stage to sing "Sing." At 12 years old, she has quite a good voice!
The Martins
  • "He Leadeth Me"
  • "Love's Gonna Drive This Train"
  • "The Promise" - One of my favorite gospel songs ever. Love hearing this long live!
  • "Out of His Great Love"
  • "On Days Like This" - This is a new song that will be on their upcoming album. I think I have the title right. It was great hearing new material from them!
  • "You'll Never Walk Alone" - No one does a cappella like they do!
  • "Love Enough"
  • "I'm Still Standing" - Another new one that featured Judy!
  • "So High" - They were about to close the night when Duane Garren came out and said they had to sing this song! I'm glad he did!

Spoken 4 Quartet
  • "I Know My God Can Do It"
  • "Blessed Assurance" 
  • "Because He Lives" - Love hearing them on the classic hymns.
  • "Light at the End of the Darkness" - Great hearing Cecil featured on this song!
The Diplomats
  • "Sheltered in the Arms of God"
  • "Walking With Jesus"
  • "Scars on the Hands of Jesus" - Harold Reed was featured on this song. Love this one!
  • Their live band is incredible!
  • "I Wouldn't Take Nothing for my Journey Now"
The Isaacs
  • "Rocks"
  • "I Love You More" - Love hearing Sonya's testimony with this song. Definitely the moment of the night!
  • "If That Isn't Love"
  • "I Find It All in You"
  • "Yours Amen"
  • "Lord's Prayer" - You can't beat family a cappella harmonies.
  • "Walk On"
  • "If That's What It Takes" - Ben gave a bit of testimony before singing this song talking about how much it meant to him. 
It was a great festival again this year! Thank you Silver Dollar City, Brad Thomas, DA Callaway and Duane Garren for all you do to make this event happen each year!

    Sunday, September 3, 2017

    Saturday at Silver Dollar City - Southern Gospel Picnic

    I went out to the park late yesterday afternoon. I went to see the Browns before heading down to Echo Hollow to see Michael English and the Nelons. Here are a few highlights!


    The Browns

    • "Aim Higher"
    • "What a Beautiful Day" - Andrew has more energy on stage than anyone else in gospel music. It's great to see him have such an energetic spirit!
    • Instrumentals - Love hearing them play their violins. 
    • "Grandpa Tell Me 'Bout the Good Ole Days"

    Michael English 
    • "Mary Did You Know"
    • "Daystar" - Michael talked about the song and how it has been a breakthrough song for him with the Gaither Vocal Band.
    • "In Christ Alone"
    • "Love Is the Golden Rule"
    The Nelons
    • "In My Father's Hosue"
    • "The Sun's Coming Up" - Always good to hear Kelly sing this song!
    • "Coat of Many Colors" - Autumn was featured on this one playing her mandolin. She did a great job! 
    • "God Bless America" - Their a cappella arrangement of this song was great! 
    • "You Needed Me" - Kelly dedicated this song to Jason for this birthday! It was such a sweet moment!
    • "Then Came the Morning" - Amber does an amazing job on this song!!

    Both groups came out of the very last part and sang a number of songs together including - "Home," "Look for Me," "I Bowed on my Knees" and "We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown."


    Saturday, September 2, 2017

    Good Things Happening - Friday Recap of Silver Dollar City's Southern Gospel Picnic

    Friday, we made it out to the park in time to catch four different groups. Three of these groups I don't get to see very often or at all, so it was good to see them live. We ended the night with a packed house for the Booth Brothers! Don't miss the video on my Facebook page of the song that Michael Booth requested to warm up the crowd.

    Here are highlights from the day -


    High Road

    This is the first time I remember seeing this group live. These young people are talented and used no tracks -- all live music. And they write a lot of their own music!

    • "We Are Broken"
    • "Somewhere I'm Going" - Beautiful song about Heaven!
    • "His Hand on Me"
    • "Two Coats"
    The Craguns
    • "Blessed Assurance" - Elena does an incredible job on this song!
    • "I Know the Master of the Wind" - They did this chorus a cappella.
    • "On the Other Side"
    • "This Is My Father's World"
    Anchormen
    • "Oh What a Savior"
    • "Giver of Life" - Loved hearing Chris on this song!
    • "I'm Going There" - Newest member Ronnie Bright was featured on this song.
    • "Come to the Fountain"
    Booth Brothers

    Of course, it's always good to see the Booth Brothers. They sang several songs from their recent project that I wasn't as familiar with, so it was a good mix of the newer songs and classic favorites. 
    • "I Just Feel Like Something Good Is About to Happen"
    • "Moment of Grace" - Love hearing Paul sing this song!
    • "Stop the Storm"
    • "It Is No Secret"
    • "Down by the River" - Such a fun one that really gets the crowd going!
    • "Jesus Saves" - This was just a powerful moment of worship with the crowd on its feet!
    • "Life's Railway to Heaven"
    • "Look for Me at Jesus' Feet" - Always a powerful song from Michael!
    • "Then I Met the Master" - No one sings this better than Ronnie.
    • "Facts Are Facts"

    Friday, September 1, 2017

    Ain't God Good - Thursday Recap of Silver Dollar City's Southern Gospel Picnic

    Wednesday night was the Second Half Quartet and the good news is that all of the members were back in the park on Thursday. I got the chance to see the Mark Trammell Quartet, Pat Barker and Greater Vision before heading down to Echo Hollow to see Ernie Haase and Signature Sound. Here's a look at highlights from the day -


    The Mark Trammell Quartet

    • "Leave Your Sorrows"
    • "Treasures in Heaven" 
    • "I Know" - Nick did a great job on this song! This is one from their new project, which releases today. 
    • "The King Is Coming" - No one does this song better than this group!
    • "He Hideth My Soul"
    • "Echoes From the Burning Bush" - They joined new piano player Trevor Conkle around the keyboard for this song with just the keys backing them up. 
    Pat Barker
    • "Ain't God Good"
    • "How Big Is God" - Of course he received several requests for this song. He said it was 10 years ago when he first sang that song at Silver Dollar City on the stage where he was yesterday.
    • "I Can See (Emmaus Road)" - Such an incredible song!! He shared a bit of his testimony and what the song meant to him now.
    • Request time - Pat took time just to hear what people wanted him to sing or answer questions. He sang a cappella verses and choruses of several songs like "Amazing Grace," "The Lighthouse" and "Because He Lives." 
    • "Thanks to Calvary"
    Greater Vision
    • "There Is Hope" - Great one they started with from Still.
    • "God Doesn't Care" - Love this song also from their new project! It's a song that Chris wrote.
    • "My Name Is Lazarus" 
    • "He's Still Been God" - They ended with this one that you could tell the audience still loved hearing!
    Ernie Haase and Signature Sound
    • "Some Day"
    • "Noah Found Grace" - Even if it might not be Devin's favorite song, it's one the audience loved hearing. 
    • "Give Me Jesus" - This is a song that Fanny Crosby wrote lyrics to but was only recently found. 
    • "Sometimes I Wonder" - So glad to hear them staging this song again!
    • "A Soldier Coming Home" 
    • "Then Came the Morning" - This was the moment of the night for me!! Ernie said it had been a while since they had sung this one, but it was incredible!
    • "Step Into the Water"
    • "Heavenly Parade" - It's good to hear them doing a lot of these older gospel songs. 
    • "Draw Me Nearer" - They put an EHSS spin on this Fanny Crosby classic.
    • "Any Other Man"