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!

Back to Where It All Started - Day 7 Recap of Silver Dollar City's Southern Gospel Picnic

A little more than 10 years ago, a teenage girl's life was changed in Echo Hollow at Silver Dollar City when she attended a gospel concert. This concert was part of Gary McSpadden's Southern Gospel Nights with the Martins headlining the concert. And last night for the first time since then that girl got to see the group that started it all for her!

The concert that night with the Martins is what really got me hooked on gospel music. I can still remember what it felt like that night not wanting it to end and wanting to find out all I could more about this group and Southern Gospel in general. I knew all about Silver Dollar City's in-house groups that sang Southern Gospel and loved them, but this was different. And tonight I was reminded why! But first things first....

The day started with Wilburn and Wilburn. I was looking forward to seeing this group for the first time, and they did not disappoint! They sang some familiar favorites along with some of their songs. 

I loved hearing "A Man Like Me" and "Jesus Will" live. However, one of the highlights was "John Saw a Mighty Number," Jonathan really got to cut loose and have fun with this one!

I would love to see this group again in a full concert setting! 

Then, we saw Soul'd Out Quartet. As I mentioned I grew up listening to Silver Dollar City's in-house gospel groups, like Cumberland Quartet. Ian Owens was a part of the group at one time and today was my first time seeing him since then, and it was back at the City. It was great seeing him on stage again. He sang a version of "The Old Rugged Cross" that was amazing!

They did a number of classic songs and hymns. Loved hearing these guys sing so many beloved songs. However, one of the standout songs was "He Is All I Need," that featured Dusty Barrett. Another highlight was "Since I've Been Saved," featuring Bryan Hutson and had a crooner type feel. 

Then, the Martins were down in Echo Hollow tonight! I had a poll a while back on who does a cappella best, and after this week I'm still not sure but I do know that Martins do it amazingly!!! They sang several a cappella numbers including the doxology, medley of hymns and "Softly and Tenderly." 

They also sang "The Promise," which is a personal favorite. And they ended the first half with "Love's Gonna Drive This Train" with the entire audience on its feet clapping!

Each group member took a moment to tell of God's faithfulness in their lives. They all had touching testimonies of how God had worked during trials in their lives. Joyce said they had all sang since childhood and knew what it was like to be in ministry and sing about being saved. However, now they were grown up and had experienced life and various trials, and they knew what it was like to be lost and for God to redeem them. Judy sang "Unredeeemed" which was another highlight!

They closed the show with "So High," which I can remember them singing that very first night. 

It was a fantastic day and night that reminded me of how my love for southern gospel got started! Thanks to the Martins for a great night now and then, and for really introducing that teenage girl to Southern Gospel music!

Too Much to Gain to Lose at Silver Dollar City's Southern Gospel Picnic

Day 6 of the Southern Gospel Picnic is over. It was one for the books! I only caught two groups but gained memories to last a while!

Let me start by saying I am not a roller coaster person. I've ridden them before. Well, only a handful, and I was told Fire in the Hole doesn't really count (but I think it does! :)). I've been fine coming to Silver Dollar City every day and only going to gospel concerts. Well, when you have the encouragement of friends and two gospel singers, it makes it more appealing! I could gain fun memories, and what did I have to lose beside my breakfast?

The friends I'm staying with this week have known Mark Trammell for a long time. They normally meet up with him on the park and ride roller coasters with him. They've let me tag along with them this week, so they let me join them again when they met up with them this morning. So the morning started with riding Powder Keg beside Pat Barker praying I didn't throw up on him or make him deaf by screaming! Thankfully I didn't do either!

They then somehow talked me into riding the new roller coaster with them called Outlaw Run. Both Pat and Mark insisted that it wasn't that bad after the initial drop and didn't jerk you around as much as Powder Keg, so I caved to peer pressure. And let me tell you they are liars! :) No one told me about this crazy upside down corkscrew at the end!! And yet some how I still got on Wildfire with them after that!! 

I'm still not sure that I'm a roller coaster person but it was fun to get to ride with all of them! 

I even got to meet Lynn of Lynn's Chronicles and her sister Candice who were also meeting up with Mark and Pat! It was great meeting a fellowblogger and   gaining a new friend! Be sure to check out her blog for more recaps of Southern Gospel Picnic!

I caught the Bowling Family a couple of times that afternoon. I miss hearing Terah sing but this lineup of Mike Bowling, Kelly Bowling, Troy Peach and Hope Bowling is dynamite!!

They sang quite a few of their new songs which will be on their project called "Safe After the Storm" that's due out around NQC. I cannot wait to hear this album!! Mike closed the last show with "Somebody's Believing" and it was a highlight of the day!! Kelly sang "I Know Enough" (I hope that's the right title) which was also amazing,

The Bowling girls and not just Hope have also really come out. These girls can already do some amazing family harmony! They sang a song by Andrews Sisters "Accentuate the Positive."

Mike also did some classic Hinson songs. He sang "That I Could Still Go Free" during the last show, and the crowd was on its feet at the end!

Tonight was the first night to feature a traditional male quartet! And Mark Trammell Quartet was a great choice for the first one!

There were several standout moments of the night. The first had to be them singing "Wedding Music." It was absolutely amazing! Love hearing Pat on this song, and Dustin has really stepped out more since I last saw them and become more comfortable in his role. 

Mark asked those who had been involved in ministry to raise their hands. He wanted to sing their latest single, "Too Much to Gain to Lose," for them. Love hearing Mark sing this!

They ended the first half with "The King Is Coming," and the entire audience was on its feet before the end of the song! These four have such a great blend for only being together a short time. Incredible song and a highlight of the concert!

During the second half, they sang several requests which included "Master Builder" and "I Want to Know," which were two of my favorites! 

Mark recognized all the veterans in the audience. He talked about how he loved his job, but it was because of those standing that he gets to do it. They then sang "Statue of Liberty." Another highlight! I love the patriotic songs that also focus on the freedom we have in Christ, and this one does that perfectly! 

While it wasn't a typical day at the Southern Gospel Picnic, it was such a great one where we all gained new memories, nobody lost their hearing or breakfast on the rides! Just don't ask Pat how bad I screamed on Outlaw Run! :)

Also, be sure to check out Lynn's blog for more. I'm just hitting the highlights, and I'm sure she'll have more details of the day!

Revival at Silver Dollar City - Day 5 Recap

Although, I've spent the last five days at a theme park, I can honestly say I've heard the gospel presented at least once daily and been encouraged and ministered to each day. It's like an 11-day revival, and day 5 was definitely a day of revival!

The day for me started with the Bledsoes. I had never seen them before but was familiar with a couple of their songs from hearing them on the radio. They also sang a couple of familiar hymns like "Mansion Over the Hilltop."

They sang a song at the end that was inspired by a couple at their church, "You'd Be the First to Go." It was such a touching song with some great harmonies! However, the highlight for the was "The Blood of Jesus," which they closed with! Great song!!

From there, I went to see Tribute Quartet again. It was a completely full show; in fact, I was the last one into the Opera House! And I'm pretty sure I made record time making it across the park from Red Gold Hall to the Opera House!

They had almost a completely different set list from the day before. The only song repeated was "Good News From Jerusalem," which I did not mind! 

Standout songs for me were "God Wnats to Hear You Sing," "Homecoming Day" and "Sweeter as the Days Go By," loved how they made that song their own with their own style!

From there, I saw the Browns at the Riverfront Playhouse. The more I see this group, the more I am impressed! They sang "Beautiful Day," and Andrew Brown absolutely outdid himself! They sang another chorus of it!

The highlight of the show though had to be them playing "I Sing the Mighty Power of God" on their violins! Amazing!!

They closed the show with "Everywhere I Go," and Adam and Andrew added a few Signature Sound type moves at the end! :) Great song to close the show!

After that, I saw the Kingsmen Quartet. They started with "He's Everything I Need," which is one of my favorites! They also sang "One Way Trip" which was another highlight.

Ray Dean recognized all the veterans and had them stand. Then they sang their latest single, "Land of the Free." Great song! 

They closed the show with "Saints Will Rise," and most of the audience was on its feet clapping along!

Karen Peck and New River were down in Echo Hollow tonight! And it was absolutely incredible!!

At the start of each night, we sing the Star Spangled Banner but tonight they had Karen sing it and wow!! Beautiful!!

I love seeing this group and their swet spirits! They released their latest project Revival today. I got my copy and couldn't wait to listen to it coming back from the park! They sang a couple of songs from it tonight, and they were all highlights of the show! They sang the title track, "You Did It Anyway" (featured Jeff) and "I'd Rather Go Through Something With Him." 

Karen talked about joyful Noise before they sang "Mighty High," and she also told about her part in a new movie. They are flying to LA Wednesday morning for her to film! She said to watch for updates on the release on the film from them.

Toward the end of the concert, Karen sang "Amazing Grace" a cappella, and the amphitheater got so quiet, you could hear the humming of the fans on stage. Everyone was just enjoying the moment. Then, she started into "Four Days Late," and people immediately started clapping. I think this has to be one of the most loved songs in gospel music.

They closed with "We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown," and people all around the theater stood clapping along! 

Now on to Day 6, which means the festival is half over. :(

Shoutin' on Day Four of Southern Gospel Picnic - Silver Dollar City

You would think Mondays would be a slower day for the festival, but it proved to be a record-breaking day at Silver Dollar City and even ended with a little bit of shoutin'!

Today started with the Taylors for me. The first time I saw the Taylors was two years ago at Silver Dollar City. It was great to see Leslie back with her siblings! There's just something about great sibling family harmony, and they definitely have it! Loved hearing them sing the a cappella "I Call on Jesus!" The highlight of the show though had to be them ending with "I Believe in a Hill Called Mt. Calvary." Absolutely beautiful!!!!

I caught the Perrys twice today, and Libbi was able to be with them! Before the first show, General Manager of Silver Dollar City Brad Thomas and D.A. Calloway, entertainment director at the City, presented Libbi with a bouquet of flowers  to show their support for her and letting her know all of Silver Dollar City was continuing to pray for Tracy and appreciated her being there. Everyone was standing applauding, and I don't think there were many dry eyes in the house! 

During the first show, Libbi sang "Through the Night," which definitely was a highlight!! Bryan introduce Libbi and she got another standing ovation. We all loved Libbi being there!! She talked about having to learn to totally trust God 100% and learn to rely on Him day by day. Praise God Tracy was able to go back to rehab today! 

The second highlight of the show was definitely David singing "Calvary Answers for Me!"

In between Perrys shows I caught Tribute Quartet. The crowd really got into "Homesick Angel!" But the last two songs they did were my favorite! Riley absolutely tears up "Safe Thus Far!" And then they closed the show with "Good News from Jerusalem," which they turned around a couple of times! Such an incredible song!

The final Perrys show featured Libbi on both "Celebrate Me Home" and "Jesus Hold My Hand." I have video of the latter which had some pretty funny moments with David and Bryan being anti-bluegrass! 

Bryan shared his testimony also during the show. He talked about how he thought he was saved at a young age, but never really knew Christ until some time later. He said he knew it wasn't typical to take time to do this at a theme park show, but I think it really showed his heart and the heart of the group to take time and make sure that people had a chance to hear the gospel not just through songs.

They sang "When He Spoke," which I love, and was a highlight for me! Then ended with "I Wish I Could of Been There!"

The Hoppers were in Echo Hollow tonight and set a record for the number of people tonight with more than 5,900!!

Even though I've seen the Hoppers earlier this year twice this was my first chance to see Kim. The other two times TaRanda was filling in for her, and I'm still a little disappointed I've never seen her and Kim sing live together.

However, tonight was fantastic from the opening song to the last shoutin' time!

Kim had a couple of highlights with "He Didn't Just Carry the Cross" and "Grace Will Always Be Greater Than Sin."

I love hearing Connie sing "I've Come Too Far to Look Back," and of course Kim helped her restart the chorus! :)

One of my favorites though was "I'll Worship Only at the Feet of Jesus." So beautiful!!! They ended the show with "Shoutin' Time," and I lost count of the number of times they turned it around! The entire audience was on its feet clapping and singing along!!!

Incredible night, and now ready for day 5!