In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - June 3

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

• The Southern Gospel Music Association Board of Directors announced the Hall of Fame inductees for 2017 for individuals who have shown a lifetime commitment to Southern Gospel music  - Tony Greene, LaBreeska Hemphill, Troy Burns and Randy Shelnut, Sr. SGMA President Arthur Rice said, "All of these individuals are well-deserving, and we thank our membership for their participation in making the selection." 
• Congratulations to newlyweds Adam and Kaitlyn Crabb who got married this week in Florida!
• The top 10 semi-finalists for the 2017 Singing News Ultimate Talent Search were announced this week - 
• Exodus – Gadsden, AL – Mixed Quartet 
• Blake and Jenna Bolerjack – Yukon, OK - Duet 
• Then Came Sunday – Texarkana, AR - Male Trio
• Matt Linton – Katy, TX – Male Soloist 
• Hinshaw Trio – Bahama, NC – Female Trio 
• Donna Kilmurray – Ada, OK – Female Soloist 
• Ben Chapman – Mocksville, NC – Male Soloist 
• Sojourner Quartet – Findlay, OH – Male Quartet 
• Heather Van Deren – Millsap, TX – Female Soloist 
• Harrell Family – Teachey, NC – Mixed Trio

Anything I've missed?

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - June 18

Here are some news items from this week in gospel music -

• Congratulations to Layke Jones who is the newest member of the Jim Brady Trio. Recently, he was a guest vocalist on a project with the Gaither Vocal Band, as well as a featured vocalist for the Anderson Symphony Orchestra. He is from central Indiana.
• Butch Owens's dad and Ian Owens's grandfather passed away last night. Pray for the family in the days ahead. 
• Here's a clip from last night's Memphis Quartet Show with Michael Helwig with a health update and powerful performance of "The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power."

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - Oct. 11

I'm a little late with this week's post, because I just got back from Branson and the Cathedrals Family Reunion. Such a great event that I'll definitely blog about later on! For now, here are some news items from this week in gospel music -

• Legacy Five announced Josh Feemster as its new tenor this week.
• Dixie Echoes also announced its new tenor who will be Stephen Adair.
• Congratulations to Jim Brady who will be inducted into the Texas Gospel Music Hall of Fame in November!
• Ruth Ellen Carter Yates passed away on October 5. She was a long-time member of the Chuck Wagon Gang. Please keep her family in your prayers.
• If you missed the Singing News Fan Awards, you can now watch the full show and pre-show online. Go to the Singing News website. 
• Daywind Records welcomed the Hoppers to its label this week.

Anything I've missed?

Dixie Echoes Announce New Tenor

Apparently it's the day for groups to announce a new tenor singer! Dixie Echoes sent a message to newsletter subscribers to say that the group's new tenor is Stephen Adair.

Here's the full release -

"We are proud to announce the hiring of Stephen Adair as our new tenor singer. He is from Huntington, IN, and has a fantastic tenor voice, and we're sure Dixie Echoes fans will come to love his singing, and sweet spirit. Be sure to welcome Stephen to the group next time you see the Dixie Echoes!"

A quick Google search failed to tell me whether or not this is Stephen's first opportunity with a group. If anyone knows the answer, chime in below and comment!

Silver Dollar City Southern Gospel Picnic - Sept. 5, 2015

A soloist, little bluegrass and some great quartet singing is what yesterday held at Silver Dollar City's Southern Gospel Picnic. I had the chance to see several groups for the first time, the Williamsons, Mountain Faith and Ernie Haase and Signature Sound. I had seen several of the members of EHSS before when they were with other groups but had never seen the group itself.

Here are highlights from the day - 

Mountain Faith

• This group has been on America's Got Talent this season and has developed quite the following from that! They made it pretty far in the competition and I can see why! They not only have a strong vocal talent but great musicians!
• "Emily, It's Love" - This song was made popular by Francesca Battestelli. The group definitely made the song its own.
• "There Is a God" - Beautiful song that Summer, the female vocalist, really shined on!
• "No Condemnation"
• "Absent From the Body"

Joseph Habedank 

• It was good seeing Joseph in a solo setting again. I hadn't seen him in person since last January when he first started as a soloist. He did a great mix of the hymns, new songs and favorites from his days with the Perrys.
• It was good hearing a lot of the new songs live for the first time like "Never No Never," "Welcome Home" and "Begging for Change."
• "Beauty of the Blood" - Before he sang this song, he had the audience sing with him on "Nothing But the Blood," great moment!
• "What a Day That Will Be" - He stated that this was the song he sang when he tried out for the Perrys.
• He ended a set with "Wish I Could Have Been There," which has always been a personal favorite!

Dixie Echoes

• Junior Shelton was still with the group at Silver Dollar City, so it's the same lineup I saw at Memphis Quartet Show a few months ago.
• The bass singer, Chandler Johnson, still really amazes me! Incredible talent for such a young guy!!
• "If You Know the Lord" - They sang the true four-part harmony on this song.
• "Roll on Jordan"
• Randy pulled out his guitar and played "Happy Rhythm." Not only is he pulling vocal duty now and playing the keys, but then he also showed off his guitar skills!
• "How Great Thou Art" 

Williamsons

• This was my first time seeing the group live, but I'm hoping to catch them again today. I was familiar with some of their music. 
• "Shout" was of course the song most people knew right away. I seriously hear this song on Southern Gospel radio daily. Great song and the audience was on its feet at the end!
• "Tell Somebody"
• "Monday" - Great song about how it's more important on how we live out the Christian life during the week, not just on Sundays.
• "It Was the Word"
• "How Great Thou Art" - This started with a trumpet solo, then the group joined in and invited the choir of 4,000+ people there to join with them. Incredible moment!

Ernie Haase and Signature Sound

• This was one of the moments I was anticipating most of the festival since I had never seen the group live before. I thought I knew what I was in for and I almost did, but their live concert experience is not something soon to be forgotten.
• The energy level of the night was just incredible. These guys don't stop. I never saw them tire out or slow down, they gave it their all every second they were on the stage.
• "Noah Found Grace in the Eyes of the Lord" - Such a fun song live!
• "Get Away Jordan" 
• "Ol Man River" and "Never Walk Alone" - Two songs from their new Broadway release. It was fun to hear these two songs for a little variety to the festival.
• "Jesus Changed Everything" - Love this song!!
• "Happy People" - Of course the audience was on its feet for this one, and they had to be when members started throwing frisbees in the air to try to catch!
• "Oh What a Savior" - I definitely expected to hear Ernie sing this one live during the night.
• "Step Into the Water" - Nice tribute to the Cathedrals with this song
• "Boundless Love" - They came back after the audience remained on its feet clapping with this one as an encore! Definitely glad they chose this song!

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - August 8

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

• Jeff Hawes announced in a video released Sunday that he will be leaving Karen Peck and New River. He's going back to work in education in his hometown.
• George Shelton, Jr. will be leaving the Dixie Echoes after the National Quartet Convention. 
• Congratulations to Scotty and Kasey Inman who welcomed a baby boy this week. Bo Clayton was born on Tuesday and weighed 9 lbs. and 10 oz. 
• Prayers requested for Randy and his wife Linda Barnes (2nd Generation). Linda has been diagnosed with lymphoma. Further tests will determine the stage of the cancer, and then a treatment plan will be developed.
• Matt Fouch's latest On the Couch with Fouch interview features Gerald Wolfe. Check out part 1 and part 2 on YouTube.
• Les Butler is returning to radio with three different hour-long, weekly radio shows. Learn more about his new ventures here.
• The 2015 National Quartet Convention webcast is now on sale.  This year the on demand viewing will last until December 31. You can purchase online here. 

Any other news? Anything I've missed?

Fun Clip Friday - Jeff Easter Sings Bass

Here's a jewel of a Fun Clip Friday post for you! I've seen clips of Jeff Easter singing tenor before but never bass. This clip was taken at a singing at a Memorial Day Weekend singing where Jeff and Sheri Easter were with the Dixie Echoes this weekend. Watch as Jeff Easter sings bass with Chandler Johnson on "Roll on Jordan." Enjoy!

Thursday Night - Memphis Quartet Show - Concert Recap

Thursday was a full day of gospel music. The concert that night kicked off at 6 p.m. and ended
several hours later. I confess I slipped out just a little early because I had to be back at work the next morning! Each of the six groups sang about 30 minutes during the first half and then came back out for about 15 minutes each in the second half.

The six groups that sang that night were

• Tribute Quartet
• Dixie Echoes
• The Old Paths
• Archie Watkins and Smoky Mountain Reunion
• Primitive Quartet
• Mark Trammell Quartet

Of the six groups, I hadn't seen two of them live before, Smoky Mountain Reunion and the Primitive Quartet. It was a good lineup of some great quartet singing! Here are some of my thoughts on the night and standout moments - 

Tribute Quartet

• This group was the perfect choice to get the night started! They had a great energy to get the crowd going!
• "I Will Rise" - I just love this song every time! Such a powerful song!!
• "Good News from Jerusalem" - Always a crowd favorite, and great way to end their set!

Dixie Echoes

• This was my first chance to hear Chandler Johnson on bass and WOW! This young man can hold his own at the bass part with the seasoned veterans of the group. He is incredible!
• "Crumbs From the Table" - I always enjoy hearing Scoot sing this song.

Smoky Mountain Reunion

• "God Is Still On the Throne" - Their a cappella version of this song was a definite highlight!
• It was good to hear them sing some of the classics like "Jesus Is Coming Soon" and "Unseen Hand."

The Old Paths

• The response for The Old Paths was awesome! The crowd really loved this group and wanted to show them the love since it would be their last time at the Memphis Quartet Show. They also got the first standing ovation of the night.
• "I Bowed on my Knees" - I'm so glad that I got to hear Tim sing this song! He does a fantastic job on this song!
• It was neat to hear the audience's response as songs started for some of their hits like "Love Them To Jesus" and "God's Great." They really made their last appearance a memorable one!

Primitive Quartet

• "My Hope Is in the Blood" - They sang this in tribute to Norman Wilson. It was a touching moment and a great way to honor him!
• "He Looked Beyond My Fault" - They did this as an instrumental. It was definitely a standout moment of their set!

Mark Trammell Quartet

• "God's Been Faithful" - This has become one of my top favorite songs that they sing! Great message, and love to hear them sing it!
• "Your Walk Talks" - The audience loves this song. Always gets a great response!
• "I Want to Know" - In one of the classiest moves I've seen, they pulled Pat Barker on stage to sing this with them. Someone requested this song during the matinee, but they didn't have the track. Randy Byrd said that he is one of Pat's biggest fans, and it was only fitting that Pat come up and sing his signature song. It was great hearing Pat sing this song again, and I was so impressed with the way they handled it! 

I hate that I was only there for one day, but glad that I got to make the quick trip. I think this event is really becoming a favorite of gospel fans. Hopefully next year I can see more of it!

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - March 28

Here are some news and tidbits items from this week in gospel music -

• The Browders have the #1 song for the second consecutive month in the Singing News chart with "He Took the Nails." Matthew Browder and Mike Upright wrote the song. It's been eight years since a song held the #1 spot for two months in a row.
• The Dixie Echoes announced on Facebook that Alex Utech is leaving to pursue other opportunities. For those interested in auditioning, you can send a demo to scoot@dixieechoes.com. 
• The National Quartet Convention has announced a number of enhancements for this year. They include staggered rows, elevated risers and increasing the number of video screens. Read more about the improvements.
• Jeremy Peace of The Old Paths lost his mother on Friday morning. Please be in prayer for him, his siblings and the entire family. She was only 51 years old. You can read a sweet tribute from Jeremy about his mom on SingingNews.com. 
• The Music City Show  and Tim Lovelace have reached a long-term agreement with him as the host of the show. The show is currently taping for season 4.
• Ben Speer has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. Keep him, his wife and their family in your prayers. 
• The Hoppers shared this week that Connie Hopper has finished her chemo for breast cancer. She is back on the road touring with the group.
• Karen Peck and New River video are looking for help with the group's new concept video. Film a video of someone praying. It can be yourself, a family member, friend, co-worker, fellow church member. Make this video no more than 15 seconds long and film it holding your camera or phone horizontally. Email entires to praynow@daywind.com by April 8.
• The Dominion Agency has added the Hoppers to its roster for booking.

Anything I've missed?

NQC 2013 - Day 4 Standout Moments

I was able to catch most of the webcast tonight thankfully! And tonight was definitely the best night in terms of webcast quality. Kudos to the folks at NQC for getting the kinks worked out and for acknowledging it and extending the webcast On Demand. I'm just hoping that with tomorrow night being the free broadcast it will go well!

Last night was great, and tonight was equally as good in my opinion. Let's discuss the high points -

• The Perrys - By far, the best set of the night. From the start of "Blue Skies" to the final notes of "I Rest My Case at the Cross," there was not a low point. Libbi gave an incredible emotional performance of "Through the Night, " and then broke away from the plan and testified about trusting God and how she had really learned what that meant through the past eight months. She talked about how what really mattered in life was your relationship with God and your family, not material things. She made the comment that she wasn't called to preach, but the audience definitely heard a sermon and the Word from her tonight! She said that Tracy was FaceTiming during the concert and requested "I Rest My Case at the Cross." Absolutely amazing!!!!!!
• The Isaacs - They followed the Perrys and had a standout set! They started with an a cappella version of "The Lord's Prayer," and then turned around and sang "Waiting in the Water," which was incredible!!
• Triumphant Quartet - It wouldn't be NQC without "The Old White Flag." It really is fun to see Clayton get into this song every time. Chris Allman came up to the stage and gave Jeff Stice a hankie. He proceeded to use it to blow his nose! Haha! Scotty talked about where they were a year ago with his daughter, Embry, being in the ICU as a newborn and then sang "The Great I Am Still Is," which was the highlight of their set! They ended with "Saved by Grace" with several turn arounds and the Booth Brothers joined them at the end.
• Booth Brothers - I have never heard them stage "We Believe" before, but oh wow! Another highlight! I loved the way Michael used the Bible and as each member stepped up to sing solo, they took it as they sang.
• Collingsworth Family - "Come Thou Fount" a cappella was the definite highlight of their set!! The blend of all four females had together at one part was just beautiful! Olivia has really come into her own. She really impressed me tonight.
• Along the lines of young singers impressing, the Dixie Echoes' Utech twins did an outstanding job tonight. I saw them in Branson very recently, but thought they were much better tonight even than then!
• I only caught bits and pieces of the Hoppers' set, but did love that they had Melissa Brady come up at the end to join them on "Shoutin' Time."
• It was also good to see Jessica Trammell join her family the Browns for one of their songs tonight!
• Greater Vision had a solid set tonight. However, Gerald Wolfe walking up to the stage during the  Booth Brothers set to get his picture with them was hilarious!

What did you think of tonight? Favorite moments?

Somebody Sing - Day 8 of Silver Dollar City's Southern Gospel Picnic

It was all about the men today at Silver Dollar City, starting and ending with male quartets. I saw four different groups today, three quartets and one male trio.

First up today, I saw the Marksmen Quartet. I wasn't familiar with them at all before today. They did sing some familiar songs though like "Rock of Ages" and "I Was There When It Happened." One song that really stood out was "Don't Take Your Life, Take Mine." The message was about someone being at the brink of suicide and asking them to choose Jesus.

After that, I went to see the Lesters. This was my first time seeing them as a male trio, and I was definitely impressed! They sang some favorites such as "Rocks Dropping" and "He Didn't Throw the Clay Away." 

Jonathan Lester seems to be taking more of a vocal role with this new male trio. It's good to hear more from him. 

They also sang their latest single entitled "Lord, Lead Me Home." They ended with "Hold On Tight," and did a couple of reprises of the chorus! 

Next was the Dixie Echoes. I had been hearing a lot about them with the addition of their new bass singer, Alec Utech, and his twin brother. I didn't realize until then that the brother also sang. Andrew took the lead on "Winging My Way Back Home." He normally sings tenor. Randy made a comment about how he didn't know how two twins who looked and talked exactly alike could sing completely different parts.

Randy seemed to really let the younger guys shine during the set I saw with piano player Ben Hart also getting his chance to sing lead on "In the Sweet By and By." Randy did close the show with him singing "How Great Thou Art."

I got the chance to see Brian Free and Assurance twice this afternoon. They sang completely different songs in each set which I loved!!

Highlights included them singing their latest single "Calvary's Cry." I also loved hearing "I Want to Be That Man" live. Absolutely love this song!!!

I had not heard Mike Rogers with the group before and enjoyed hearing him on "Revival." He sounds good in the mix of the group.

The last show ended with "Long as I Got King Jesus," and most of the audience was on its feet clapping along!

Legacy Five had the concert in Echo Hollow. Last year it was Matt Fouch's first night with the group, and one to remember! The guys persevered through the heat for another great one!!

It was a scorcher. Scott Howard said that  he was trying to explain to his wife how hot it was and she didn't believe him. At the beginning of the festival, KWFC radio station passes out fans with the schedule on them. Most people carry them all week. So he had everyone pull out their fan so he could video it and send it to his wife! 

They sang a lot more Cathedrals classics than I had heard them do before including "Bloodwashed Band," "Wedding Music," "Jesus Saves" and "Champion of Love."

Scott Fowler had Trey place a little classical mixed with "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms." He said that they were talking with Trey about how it used to be mostly piano and the four voices and no tracks during concerts. Trey remarked that it was how God intended it! They sang then "Life Will Be Sweeter Someday" with just piano accompaniment, definitely a highlight!!

They also sang several favorites like "I've Been Changed," "I Found Grace" and "I'm Still Amazed."

They tried to close the concert with "Champion of Love," but the audience wanted one more!! They came back out and sang "Somebody Sing!" Everyone was standing and clapping along!!

Now it's on to Day 9!

Utech Brothers Join Dixie Echoes

The Dixie Echoes announced yesterday that Utech brothers of Scottsboro, Ala. have joined the group. Here's the release:

The Dixie Echoes are proud to announce the addition of Alex Utech, from Scottsboro, Al, as the bass singer for the quartet. In addition, Alex’ twin brother, Andrew, will also be a part of the group as a musician and driver. These young men are 20 years old, and are extremely talented. They have been singing sing the age of 8, and used to travel and sing with their grandfather, and were quite popular at the Grand Ol’ Gospel Reunion. Be sure to come and meet Alex and Andrew at a concert soon!

Love seeing groups hire new, young faces! Aaron Swain included a few clips of Alex singing with the Inspirations. Be sure to check them out! 

Dixie Echoes Hire George Shelton, Jr.

The Dixie Echoes posted last night on Facebook that they have hired George Shelton, Jr. as tenor. Here's their statement:

The Dixie Echoes are pleased to announce the hiring of George Shelton, Jr. as our new tenor singer. George is one of the greatest tenor singers, and one of the nicest people you'll ever meet. We are so proud to have George and his lovely wife, Gail, as part of the Dixie Echoes family!

We are still in the audition process for the bass singer position, so If you have a demo, or a youtube clip, we would love to hear you! Email a short resume' and demo to scoot@dixieechoes.com.

I was able to catch part of George with the group at Lake Gibson via the webcast, and I think this will be a great fit! Anxious to see who the group's new bass singer will be!

Craig Thomas, Jordan James Leave Dixie Echoes

Dixie Echoes' tenor Craig Thomas announced yesterday that he is leaving the group and life on the road. 

Well this post comes with a heavy heart. I have decided to come off the road with the Dixie Echoes and resume my other work at my construction company. I want to thank Scoot and Randy for understanding my need to do this and for allowing me to live out my dream. I will miss the singing, the traveling and most of all the fans. I want thank Scoot, Randy, Ben and Jordan for some great times and wonderful singing. I love you guys and may God Bless your ministry. You are all true men of God.

Craig has been with the group since August. He joined at the same time as bass singer Jordan James and pianst Ben Hart.

Best of luck to the Dixie Echoes in finding their new tenor! It's an interesting time for tenors in gospel music.

Update on March 7: Bass singer Jordan James also is leaving the group. The Dixie Echoes released this statement:

We are sad to announce the departures of Craig Thomas, and Jordan James from the Dixie Echoes. Both men have been great additions to the group, and we will sure miss these guys, but we respect their decisions to be home with their families. If you are a bass singer, or tenor singer, and would like to audition, please send a demo and short resume' to scoot@dixieechoes.com.

NQC 2012 Day 5 Highlights

I had the webcast going all evening, but I was doing other things while watching too. So I can't say I caught everything tonight, but here are some thoughts and tidbits from the night:

• It seemed to be a great night for a cappella numbers with Sisters, the Nelons, Scotty Inman and the Isaacs. Sisters have been singing the a cappella moments all week long, and they are just outstanding. Although the Isaacs and the Nelons both had strong a cappella numbers Friday night as well!
• Jordan James impresses me more and more as the new bass singer for the Dixie Echoes.
• The Nelons and the Taylors both had strong sets tonight with their only appearance on the main stage. Both made the case to see more of them next year!
• Bill Gaither officially announced Matthew Holt as their new piano player.
• I love Christmas music, but even for me Christmas in September I think is a little much. However, I really enjoyed the Christmas set tonight! I loved getting to hear TaRanda Greene sing "O Holy Night" with the Hoppers!

Standout groups of the night:

The Perrys - Another strong set tonight showcasing several more of their new songs. They finished with a song they recut "When He Spoke." It's such a great song, and it was a great decision to recut the song! Great finish to their set!!

Gaither Vocal Band - I thought it was really neat that they started singing "One Voice" with a dark stage. The highlight of the set was definitely "The Love of God!" Beautiful song and amazing harmonies from the vocal band.

Triumphant Quartet - Scotty Inman had the moment of the night with his testimony of his baby girl. He choked back the tears as the camera also showed Kasey in the audience crying. They both expressed their greatest appreciation for all the prayers for Embry. Then, Scotty sang "Only God Knows" a cappella. It was a beautiful, tender moment and the highlight of the night! They ended with "Old White Flag" which was quite a contrast from the sweet moment right before this, but it worked.

Mark Trammell Quartet - Again, this quartet had one of the strongest sets of the night. I thought they might recognized Dustin Sweatman since it was his last night with the group, but I think they did a big tribute at their homecoming this year. We got to hear more from Nick on "Standing on the Solid Rock." Mark also recognized Ray Flynn and then sang "Too Much to Gain to Lose." They closed with their "Golden City Medley." Eric nailed the high notes at the end. They got a much-deserved standing ovation!!

The Hoppers - They started with "Jerusalem." During "I've Come too Far to Look Back," Connie brought up TaRanda to come up and join them on an encore. I thought it was sweet for them to have TaRanda sing with them tonight. TaRanda and Kim are two powerhouse singers and still had probably one of the best moments of the week on Tuesday night with "There Is a Fountain." They also sang "Something's Happening" with TaRanda still on stage and it got a standing ovation from the audience that was definitely deserved!!

NQC 2012 Day 3 Highlights

Wednesday night was All Quartet night at the National Quartet Convention. Again, I was able to watch live most of the night via the webcast. Here are my thoughts and highlights:

• It's looking like 2012 could be the year for the newbies. After Matt Fouch had the best moment of the night on Monday, Chris Jenkins and Jordan James made some lasting impressions on Wednesday. Chris, new tenor for the Kingsmen, sang "O What a Savior" and hit probably the highest note of the night (not sure if Brian Free topped him or not). Jordan James is the new bass singer for the Dixie Echoes. He sang "How Big Is God" and stood out on several of their songs.
• Speaking of Dixie Echoes, they had one of my favorite songs of the night with their four-part harmony on "If You Know the Lord." I saw this lineup in Branson before the announcement was made that they were "officially hired." I was more impressed with them last night and could tell they had gelled together more.
• Ok, I'll admit I got really distracted during the Dixie Melody Boys set at first trying to tell who all was in their all-star band. The band consisted of Adam Crabb (harmonica), Madison Easter (guitar), Scoot Shelnut (bass), Stewart Varnado (piano) and Michael Booth (drums). It was cool to see all those guys on stage playing for the Dixie Melody Boys!
• There would have been something missing from Quartet Night if Brian Free did not sing "Looking for a City." I was watching the webcast with a few friends and they couldn't believe Brian's capability on this song! They also sang a couple of songs from their new album, "Guard Your Heart" and "If the Lord Says Do It."

Strongest set of the night was Mark Trammell Quartet. They sang "Gentle Shepherd," "Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah," "I Want to Know" and "The King Is Coming." Everyone loves "I Want to Know." They did two encores of the song. You could tell from the webcast that the audience at NQC was enjoying every bit of it. The closed with "The King is Coming" and Mark definitely showed that he is still one of the greatest male vocalists in the industry. Great moment to end their set on!

Triumphant Quartet to me had the second strongest set of the night. The group started their set with "When the Trumpet Sounds" and then sang "He Loves Me." Jeff Stice played "Mansion Over the Hilltop," which was the first hymn he learned to play. I have to say that I agree with his mom and like the playing without the background music. They went directly into "Old White Flag" which the audience got really into as always. They didn't set the song up as they normally do, but Jeff still looked mad like always! :) They ended with "Almost Home."

My favorite moment of the night though was the last song "Have a Little Talk With Jesus." I love it when several groups sing together on stage in moments that seems less than planned (even if they are). Gerald Wolfe came out and couldn't believe that no group had sung the ultimate quartet song. So he got most of Mark Trammell Quartet and Legacy Five to come back to the stage to join Triumphant on this song. They weren't sure when they got to verse two what to do, which proved to be some comedic moments between Gerald Wolfe, Scott Fowler and Mark Trammell. David Sutton was the only tenor on stage so he sang the second verse. Paul Harkey of the LeFevre Quartet joined the bass singers on stage! Great way to end quartet night!

Southern Gospel Picnic Day Four

Day Four of Southern Gospel Picnic is complete. We made seven shows today! The day for us started with the Dixie Echoes and ended with the Perrys. Here's a recap:

Dixie Echoes

Since seeing the Dixie Echoes last year at Silver Dollar City, three members left. The group performing on Monday consisted of Randy Shelnut, Scoot Shelnut, Jordan James (bass), Craig Thomas (tenor) and Ben Hart (piano). 

They started with "I'll Shake the Hand of the Lord" and then "Close to the Master."

Craig Thomas was featured on "I Know a Man Who Can." He and Jordan were both featured when they group sang "Just a Little Talk with Jesus." Both did a great job singing, but you can tell they are new to the group. 

Ben Hart played "Keep on the Firing Line," and provided some comic relief when Randy played his "guitar song." They finished the set with "I'll Have a New Body."

LeFevre Quartet

It had been a while since I saw the LeFevre Quartet in concert, so we saw two of their shows at Red Gold Heritage Hall. I was able to see Paul Harkey at bass who has only been with the groups a few weeks now. He was featured on their opening song of the second set, "Plan of Salvation." He has a great bass voice, very strong. Harold Reed was featured on "Never Too Far Away" and they sang the chorus again a cappella. Many bass singers hold the microphone extremely close because the low notes can come out very quiet. But he was holding it quite a distance from him during this a cappella part, and his voice was so strong and coming through loud and clear.

They sang a few Gold City songs like, "When I Get Carried Away" and "In My Robe of White." They also sang a couple of older songs like "Sing His Praises" as well.

Murray Family

We went back to see the Murray Family again today. They started out with "This Is Just What Heaven Means to Me," which features Connie. She really has a great classic sound on this song. They sang "I'm Going Where He Lives" next, which was another great vocal performance from the family.

The third generation of Murrays got their turn on the stage as they sang "Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)." The girls did a great job, and it sounds like they will have more singers to add to the group one day!

They repeated a few of my favorites from yesterday, "Lazarus" and "He's Alive." Chris pulled out his banjo as they sang "Hills of Old Judea," which featured Cindy, his wife. It was a great performance and great way to end the show!

Soul'd Out Quartet

This was my first time seeing Soul'd Out Quartet with Bryan Hutson. While I was really disappointed with fellow Arkansas native Tanner Stahl left the group, Bryan is a great addition. We got to see two of their sets.

Two highlights for me were them singing "When They Had Prayed" and "Worthy the Lamb Is He." The closed their second set with the latter, and there was such a sense of worship in the theater as they sang this song!

The group sang a number of older songs including, "Unclouded Day," "Kneel at the Cross," and "Meet You in the Morning."

They ended their shows at Silver Dollar City with "We'll Soon Be Done With Troubles and Trials" and the entire audience was on its feet clapping along.

I'm presuming this was Matt Fouch's last appearance with Soul'd Out. Matt Rankin said that we would see him perform the next night with Legacy Five. I was very hopeful that since the groups were performing consecutive days at Silver Dollar City that this would happen! Look for that recap tomorrow!

The Perrys
I only saw the Perrys a few weeks ago right outside of Conway, Ark. And it really was one of the best gospel concerts I've been to. (Read its recap here.) So by that, the Perrys had set a pretty high bar for themselves!

They started the night with "Blue Skies Coming," and then went into "Come and Get Me." Tracy then let Libbi sing her bluegrass song, "Jesus, Hold My Hand." And the audience loved it! The guys on stage didn't, but she had the audience on its feet three songs into the concert!

They sang a number of new songs from their latest project not yet released. As much as I love hearing the songs that I know and my favorites, it was great hearing the new songs! After tonight, I cannot wait to hear this album!! New songs that they sang include: "Everywhere I Go," "When He Spoke," "One of These Mornings" and "The Blood and its Power." I have a few videos I will post later.

"When He Spoke" is a song that the Perrys cut in 1998. Tracy said he didn't like to recut songs, but they never felt that this song got the attention they thought it deserved. It's an incredible song, and one that I wasn't really familiar with. Their delivery of this song live was a highlight of the concert for me!

Libbi sang "The Blood and its Power" when I saw them last, and it's such a great song that reminds us all of the power of Christ and in His blood. As she was singing, a lady had to be helped from the amphitheater for presumably health issues. Tracy stopped the concert after the song to pray for the lady. It's one thing to sing about the power of Christ and the power of prayer, but it's another to stop the concert to have prayer for a person in attendance. That spoke volumes to me about the kind of people the Perrys are and the faith they live out! Such a sweet moment for them to take time to go to the Lord on her behalf.

During the introductions, Tracy had Bryan sing "Great Is Thy Faithfulness," and I have to say I've never heard him sing it better! He again had the audience on its feet.

They ended the first half with "If You Knew Him." They sing this song with such conviction and power behind their vocals every single time I see them! Joseph really outdid himself on this song Monday night. And again, the crowd of more than 4,700 people went to their feet!

They sang a couple of classic songs to start the second half like "I Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now" and "I'm Living in Canaan Now."

They ended the night with "I Wish I Could Have Been There," which has become a tradition for them to end their concert with at Echo Hollow. I have to admit, this is one of my favorite songs they sing. As soon as the song started, people were clapping along and standing to their feet enjoying every word. They, of course, did several encores of the song!

It was a great night with the Perrys! They had the largest crowd of any night so far in the festival! Tracy mentioned how they always love coming to Silver Dollar City, and it was evident from the crowd tonight that the feeling is definitely mutual! The Silver Dollar City crowd loves the Perrys!

Changes for the Dixie Echoes

Two members of the Dixie Echoes announced yesterday via Facebook that they are leaving (Hat tip, Daniel).

Pianist Stewart Varnado resigned the group in early May. Then, yesterday, both Michael Helwig and Mike Jennings announced their departures from the group both via Facebook posts.

Michael Helwig, tenor for the group, started last August. He has not announced future plans yet.

Mike Jennings was the bass for the group and started at the end of the July 2011. He and his wife are expected another baby and wants to spend more time at home.

With all these recent group changes, I hope that the Dixie Echoes will find the right people to fill these positions and continue in their ministry. It will be interesting to see how they regroup. I certainly wish the best for all those involved and praying for all.