Reasons to Shout - Saturday recap of Silver Dollar City's Southern Gospel Picnic

Today was the first day I was able to be at Silver Dollar City for the Southern Gospel Picnic. My morning started at Red Gold Hall and ended at Echo Hollow with one of gospel music's most beloved family groups. Here's a look at who I saw and some highlights!

The Ball Brothers

• "It's About the Cross" - Forever a favorite song they sing! Always such a powerful response!
• "Forgiven"
• "Gentle Shepherd"
• "Count Your Blessings" - Love hearing them on the big band style songs!
• "Mercy Tree"

2nd Generation 

• "Blessed Assurance" - They started their set with this one a cappella.
• "On Business for the King"
• "Waving on the Other Side" - They set this one up by singing "How Beautiful Heaven Must Be" with the audience.
• "All Our Hope"

The Whisnants

• "I've Prayed Through It" - This is a brand new song from Susan's solo CD. She shared a little bit of testimony and how the song was written for her. What a moment this was!
• "Be Not Afraid"
• "Grave Mistake"
• "1+2+3" - I was glad to get to hear this song from Austin and Ethan's CD live.
• "New Day Dawning" - The audience was on its feet clapping only a few measures into the song!

The Hoppers

Given all this family has been through in the last few weeks, it was so good to see them. Dean, of course, is still recovering but the rest of the family was there. Shane McConnell, previously with Canton Junction, filled in for Dean.

• "Life Is Good"
• "Grace Will Always Be Greater Than Sin"
• "Grace Will Get You Through" - It was good to hear Connie on this song.
• "Jerusalem" 
• "I've Come Too Far" - Before this song is when they shared their testimony about the last few weeks and all they had been through. Dean had a successful surgery with the stent but Kim shared if they hadn't been able to do the surgery when they did, things could have been much different. They had so much to be thankful for. Also, where Dean had the stroke has caused no permanent damage. He's still walking, talking and will be able to sing again when the doctors release him.  
• "Something's Happening" - I love hearing this song live! So powerful! 
• "If I Could Help Somebody" - Claude dedicated this song to Silver Dollar City General Manager Brad Thomas. Such a sweet moment!
• "Shoutin' Time" - As soon as Claude announced it was shoutin' time, the audience was on its feet clapping along! 

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - August 26

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

• Congratulations to William and Brooklyn (Collingsworth) Blair on the arrival of baby Winston James. He was born last Saturday on Brooklyn's birthday and was welcomed by big sister Emma. The family of four is doing well!
• The Joylanders have announced they have a new name - Endless Highway. They are hoping with the new name they will reach a broader, younger audience. Founding members Perry and Nell Wimberly are passing the mantle on to the second and third generation more to carry on the heritage.  
• The Freemans had a bus fire on Thursday. Everyone on board is ok, but the bus is in need of serious repairs from the damage. 
• Prayers requested for former SGPA President and Southmen owner Jim Hefner who learned that only 38% of his heart is working. He was admitted to a Birmingham Hospital earlier this week where he received two stents and more stents will be required very soon.
• Prayers also requested for Southern Gospel promoter Norm Basden of Oneonta, Alabama, who suffered a stroke on Thursday, August 17. He was driving on Alabama Highway 79 near Birmingham when he lost consciousness and crossed the median and collided with an 18–wheeler. He was transported to a local hospital where he later suffered a major stroke. He is still recovering in the hospital
• Dean Hopper is now home recovering after surgery last week to put a stent in his brain. Please continue to pray as he recovers.

Anything I've missed?

Silver Dollar City's Southern Gospel Picnic

Today starts Southern Gospel Picnic at Silver Dollar City. If you've followed my blog before, you know that this is an event I look forward to each year. I'll be there again this year on and off for the next 12 days. Look for recaps going up throughout the festival and maybe even some Facebook videos along the way!

If you are in the area at all, try to come out for this event. Check out the full schedule below. I can't wait to be there on Saturday!

Being Thankful With Triumphant Quartet - Concert Recap

Triumphant Quartet doesn't make many stops in Arkansas, so it's always good to see this quartet when they are in the area. Seeing them live is always a reminder of why they are consistently the fan favorites.

It was good to hear so many of their new songs from Thankful. The guys actually recently celebrated a #1 song from that project, "Chain Breaker," which they did sing that night.

I love getting to hear this group sing, but I also love the chance to hear their hearts. They see how this music changes lives and draws people to Christ. They share stories of that with their audience, but you can see when they sing how they communicate every line making sure the message of the song is front and center.

Here are some highlights from the night -

• "Amazing God" - I love this song and hearing David sing this. The song really makes you stop and think about how blessed we are to have such an Almighty God. 
• "Thankful, So Thankful" - Such a great song from their new CD! This is such a fun song to hear live. 
• "Chain Breaker" - This is becoming one of my new favorite songs of theirs. I love how they brought this song to the Southern Gospel world.
• "Hallelujah" - This was actually included on their Christmas project and is a spin on the Leonard Cohen classic. Love how this song tells the story of Christ. It's good to hear each of the guys get featured on a verse. 
• "Hello Mama" - They featured Aaron Dishman on this song. Good to hear him step up the mic. 
• "Grace and Mercy" - This was a highlight of the night for me! I love this song, another one from Thankful.
• "I Know Him" - Such a great song that features David. After the song, Eric talked some about the song and what it meant. As great as it is for us to know Him, it's also a reminder that He knows who we are. Do we talk to Him enough and read His word enough? Are we really taking time to build that relationship with Him? It was a great challenge for all of us. 
• "White Flag of Surrender" - Always such a fun song! I love watching the audience and seeing everyone involved from the little kids to the more mature audience members. :)

Thanks, Triumphant Quartet, for a great night of incredible music and worship!

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

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

• Legacy Five officially announced Josh Townsend as their new piano player this week. He's previously played for the LeFevre Quartet and The Old Paths.
• Dean Hopper had surgery this week to put a stent in his brain after having three strokes recently. The surgery was successful, but please keep him and the family in your prayers as he recovers.
• Trey Ivey has moved into a new role as staff pianst and arranger/ orchestrator for First Baptist Church in Indian Trail, North Carolina. He will continue to serve as producer and arranger for many gospel artists in addition to being in the band for The Music City Show.
• Gerald Crabb recently celebrated his 25th #1 song as a songwriter with "I Choose Christ" by Karen Peck & New River. 

Anything I've missed?