In Case You Missed It - August 19 - News and Tidbits

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

• The Kingsmen Quartet announced Chris Bryant as the group's new lead vocalist. As a Wiggins, Mississippi native, Chris has served in music ministry for several years in various capacities while operating his own business. Most recently, he has served as lead vocalist for the Mississippi-based quartet, The Bibletones. His first official date with the group was August 9.
• Prayers go out to the family of Polly Lewis Copsey. Polly sang with the first family of bluegrass gospel music, The Lewis Family. She is also the mother of Sheri Easter. She battled with Parkinson's disease for 16 years.
• The Old Paths announced that they will start a full-time touring schedule in 2019. The group returned to the road after a year and a half break in June 2017.
• Exodus has announced they will perform as a female trio in the future. The group is based in Gadsden, Alabama.

Anything I've missed?

Bowling Family and Bowling Sisters - Concert Recap - Clinton, Ark. 2018

At the end of July, the Bowling Family made a stop in Clinton, Arkansas. The Bowling Family and Bowling Sisters were part of a larger event with a few local groups and singers. It had been more than a year since I had seen this sweet family. Not only are they incredibly talented, but you know that when you come to a Bowling Family concert, you will have church. That night the Clinton High School auditorium was turned into a worship service.

The girls were featured at the beginning of the night and had a full set. These girls sound amazing together. Their sister harmony is on point. They sang several songs from theirThe Beginning project including, "Stronger," "He'll Do It Again," "At the Cross" and "Higher Ground." Their a cappella arrangement of "At the Cross" is incredible!

A local group called May Garden sang several familiar favorites like "When God Dips His Love" and "Chain Breaker" before the Bowlings took the stage.

The Bowling Family took the stage and started with an old favorite, "I'm on the Battlefield." It was really good to hear them sing a mix of older songs and some of their newest singles. Kelly was featured on "I Know Enough," but they also pulled up an older feature of Kelly's "A Miracle Today." This song has always been one of my favorites, so it was so good to hear it live!


Hope pulled double duty singing both with her parents and sisters. She was featured on "One Glorious Moment of Faith." It was great to hear her sing this one. After it being so long since I had seen them, it was evident how much Hope has grown as a singer!

Of course, Mike pulled out a few Hinson classics but I also loved hearing him on "I Was There," one of the highlights from their Moments Like These project. And he also sang "The Lighthouse" by request. He's probably my favorite person to hear sing this song.

They also sang one of their first big hits - "Your Cries Have Awoken the Master." I forgot how powerful that song is. It's an incredible reminder of how God always hears and He knows our voices. In those moments when we keep praying, He is hearing and working. I loved getting to hear it live again.

They ended the night with "I Never Shall Forget the Day." It was such a great night of gospel music and worship!

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - August 11

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

• The Ball Brothers announced the departure of Matt Davis. Matt has been with the group two and a half years. Anyone interested in auditioning can send a resume, one mp3 and/or youtube links to: theballbrothers@hotmail.com.
• The 2018 Dove Award nominations were announced this week. Southern Gospel nominations include -

Southern Gospel Artist of the Year

• Bradley Walker
• Gaither Vocal Band
• Joseph Habedank
• Karen Peck & New River
• Mark Lowry

Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year

• "He Can Take It" - Brian Free & Assurance/ Jeff Bumgardner, Kenna Turner West and Sue Smith
• "Clear Skies" - Ernie Haase & Signature Sound/ Ernie Haase, Joel Lindsey and Wayne Haun
• "Hallelujah Band" - Gaither Vocal Band/ Becca Mizell, Sam Mizell
• "Washed By the Water" - Jason Crabb/ Dave Barnes, Jason Crabb and Jordan Reynolds
• "Just When You Thought" - Joseph Habedank/ Joseph Habedank, Michael Farren and Wayne Haun

Bluegrass/ Country/ Roots Recorded Song of the Year

• “I Will Someday”  – Bradley Walker/ Chris Stapleton, Garnet Bowman, Morgane Hayes and Ronnie Bowman
• “Chain Breaker”– Gaither Vocal Band/ Jonathan Smith, Mia Fieldes and Zach Williams
• “Jailbreak” – Joseph Habedank/ Gerald Crabb and Joseph Habedank
• “Dinner on the Ground” – Little Roy & Lizzy Show/ Jeff Bumgardner, Joel Lindsey and Wayne Haun
• “Daddy And Son” – The Nelons/ Dony McGuire, Jason Clark and Reba Rambo-McGuire

Southern Gospel Album of the Year

• Clear Skies – Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
• We Have This Moment – Gaither Vocal Band
• Still Happy – Goodman Revival
• Hope For All Nations – Karen Peck & New River
• What’s Not To Love?– Mark Lowry

Bluegrass/ Country/ Roots Album of the Year

• Blessed, Hymns and Songs of Faith – Bradley Walker
• Unexpected – Jason Crabb
• Sing It Again, A Collection of Favorites – Jeff & Sheri Easter
• Going Home– Little Roy & Lizzy Show

For all Dove nominees, go to doveawards.com/awards/2018-nominees/

Anything I've missed?

Fun Clip Friday - Avenue Trio

Avenue Trio is a new group with some familiar faces coming on the Southern Gospel scene. The group consists of Kasey Kemp, Corey Lackey and Jacob Lagesse. Here's a song from a recent concert. Enjoy and be sure sure to check them out when they might be coming to a city near you at www.avenuetrio.com!

LeFevre Quartet Concert Recap - July 2018

The LeFevre Quartet made a stop in Arkansas a few weeks ago also in Pine Bluff. It was good to hear all eight songs from their newest project Ascending live. The group consists of Mike LeFevre, Jordan LeFevre, Jeremy Peace and Keith Plott. I rarely get to see this quartet in full concerts by themselves and at a multi-group event, so it was really good to hear about an hour and a half of great quartet singing!

Here are a few highlights of the night -

• "I'm Gonna Be Movin'"
• "Sun's Gonna Come Up" - I love this new song from their latest project. It's also their first single.
• "Silver and Gold" - This is such a fun song featuring Keith.
• "A Rugged Old Cross"
• "Oh What a Savior"
• "I'll See You at the House" - Mike talked about his mom before this song. She passed away last year. It was such a touching tribute, and it's such a beautiful song to remember loved ones who have gone on.
• "Let the Church Arise"
• "I Have It All"
• "Only Jesus" - This was one of my favorites from their new project, so I was really glad to hear it live. Jeremy did a great job on this song. 
• "Revival" - They ended the night with this song. Mike mentioned that Jordan hadn't been feeling well, but he still stepped up to sing this one and did a great job. 

Make sure and check out when these guys are going to be in your area!