2018 Southern Gospel Picnic - Silver Dollar City - Day 8

It was a rainy, dreary day, but that didn't stop a pretty good crowd of gospel music fans from going out to Silver Dollar City. I managed to make it out to the park mid-afternoon to see both the Nelons and Legacy Five. Kudos to the team at Silver Dollar City who managed to move the night concert inside on short notice!

Here are highlights from the day - 

The Nelons

• "Coat of Many Colors"
• "Farther Along" - Jason paid a sweet tribute to his grandfather before the song and dedicated the song to his memory.
• "Then Came the Morning" 
• "Bridge over Troubled Water" - So glad I got to hear this one live!
• "Daddy and Son"
• "I'm Going Home With Jesus"

Legacy Five

• "He Made a Change"
• "Well Done, My Child" - They did this one with the piano and pulled out a hymnal they found on stage. Scott Fowler said they hadn't done this one before live, but they did a great job!
• Patriotic Set - Of course, it wouldn't be a Legacy Five concert without a few patriotic songs. Josh did a piano medley of all the branches of the armed forces. Matt sang "Arlington," and Scott Howard sang "God Bless the USA."
• "Great Medley"
• "I Stand Redeemed"
• "God's Been Good" - Josh Townsend gave his powerful testimony before singing this song. What a testimony for all God has done in his life! I don't think there were many dry eyes in the house. 

2018 Southern Gospel Picnic - Silver Dollar City - Day 7

It was a rainy day, but that did not stop the crowds at Silver Dollar City or the almost 4,000 people who came down to Echo Hollow to see the return of the Collingsworth Family to the park. I didn't make it out as early as I intended, but I did manage to see three different groups.

Here are highlights -


11th Hour

This was my first chance to see Logan Smith with the group. He's sounding great with Amber and Jaquita.

• "Silence the Stones"
• "Power in Prayer"  
• "Bound" 
• "What Heaven Means to Me" - They let Logan sing a Vestal Goodman song since that's what he was known for when he was younger. 
• "He Welcomes the Beggar" - Love, love, love this song! It's always a highlight to hear this one live. 
• "Mountain Moving Faith"

Tribute Quartet

• "Standing on the Solid Rock"
• "Mary Did You Know" - It's not even close to Christmas, but I'm glad someone asked Riley to sing this one. No one does it better!
• "Homesick Angel"
• "Never Forsaken"
• "His Tomb Is Empty" - I hadn't heard them stage this one before, but it was definitely a highlight of the afternoon. 
• "God of the Storms"

You never know what's going to happen with Tribute Quartet, but the biggest surprise of the afternoon came from Duane Garren, emcee of the festival. During "Over the Moon," Duane made a surprise appearance on stage with a new Silver Dollar City ride - a scooter wearing a mask and earmuffs. Josh decided to sit on his knee and enjoy the ride for a little bit! It was hilarious! I'm sure there will be a video floating around on social media soon!

Collingsworth Family

This is a group that I don't see live very often. I saw them at NQC, but it had been years before that. And a 20 minute set at NQC isn't the same as a full concert. This family was absolutely incredible last night. There were so many goosebump moments.

• "Fear Not Tomorrow"
• "Mercy and Love" - Loved this song from their new project!
• "His Ways Are Higher Than Mine" - I saw the video they posted of this song a few weeks ago and fell in love with it. I am SO GLAD that Courtney sang this one last night. It's an incredible song!
• "This Is My Father's World" - They did an a capella arrangement of this song!
• "The Lamb" - They said it was the first time they had sung it live, and it was amazing!
• Anytime Kim stepped up to the piano, it was a highlight. She ended the night with the "Hallelujah Chorus," probably my favorite piece that she played.
• "Burdens Are Lifted at Calvary" - They gathered around the piano with no track just piano for this one. 
• "Casting Our Crowns at His Feet/ Worthy the Lamb"

2018 Southern Gospel Picnic at Silver Dollar City - Day 6

Yesterday was a full day of gospel music from 10:30 a.m. at the first Mark Trammell Quartet show until the last chorus of "God on the Mountain" from the McKameys. If you love traditional Southern Gospel, this was your day on the park.

Here are a few highlights -

Mark Trammell Quartet

• "He Hideth My Soul" - Love to hear Blake sing this him!
• "Go Show John"
• "The King Is Coming" - Always such a powerful moment when they sing this one. No one does it better!
• "The Statue of Liberty"
• "The Lighthouse" - Love to hear Mark sing this song. 
• "All the Way Home" - Such a fun top-tapper and Nick does a great job. 
• "Echoes From the Burning Bush" - I'm glad they chose to sing this one yesterday. It's one of my favorites! Randy does a great job on those step out bass lines!
• "My Faith Still Holds" - Such a great song, another one I was glad to hear them sing live!
• Trevor was featured on his Redeemed medley and the "Hallelujah Chorus." 

Mylon Hayes Family

I have only gotten to see this family a handful of times and mainly at hymn sings, so it was good to hear a full set from them yesterday. If you have not heard this family, make it a point to see them! And for all my Arkansas friends, they will be in Pine Bluff Thursday night. 

• "One More Opportunity" 
• "Well Done, My Child, Well Done" - They do convention style songs so well!
• "Oh What a Morning"
• "What a Day That Will Be" - Loved hearing them sing this old hymn. 
• I didn't realize that the boys played piano, but they did a piano duet of "Goodbye, World, Goodbye" yesterday. 
• "What An Anchor" - Such a powerful song! I've been hearing this one more and more on the radio, so I'm glad I got to hear it in person!

Greater Vision

• "Paid in Full"
• "Still" - One of my favorite recent songs from Greater Vision. 
• "For All He's Done"
• "Why Me Lord" - Jon does a great job on this song. Apparently his in-laws were in the audience yesterday and when he finished his father-in-law yelled out for him!
• "He'd Still Been God"
• "Hallelujah Square" - I love hearing Chris sing this song. I'm glad it's on their most recent project. No one sings this one better than Chris.
• "Rolled Back Stone"
• "It Pays to Pray" - Gerald said there was a man there from Germany who requested that song, so they closed their last set with it. It was definitely the highlight of their sets for me!

McKameys

I don't get to see the McKameys very often in person. I forgot just how passionate they are about what they do - the ministry and the music. They are just authentic and real. I love seeing that spirit just shine from them. It was good to see Eli doing so well from his kidney transplant last year and good to hear him sing one by himself! They sang most of their most popular songs. 

• "Living for Eternity"
• "Unspoken Request"
• "God on the Mountain" 
• "On and On"
• "What If"
• "Be Brave"
• "There Is Jesus"
• "For the Record"
• "Do You Know How It Feels"
• "I've Won"

After they finished, Duane gave Connie and Sheryl time to get to the top of the stairs to the product table. He asked Peg if she would sing the last chorus of "God on the Mountain" and had everyone sing with her so everyone there could say they sang "God on the Mountain" with Peg and the McKameys!

2018 Southern Gospel Picnic at Silver Dollar City - Day 5

Today was a day I've been looking forward to for a while. With the promise of America's largest hymn sing, it was an event not to be missed! But before the evening's service, I got the chance to see three other groups on park - the Whisnants, 2nd Generation and the New Speer Family. Here are highlights from the day and night.


The Whisnants

• "He's Never Moved"
• "Should Have Been Three" - I don't think I'd ever heard them sing this one live. This featured Austin, Ethan and Jeff. Great song!
• "Faithful" - This was another one I hadn't really heard live. Aaron does a great job on this song. 
• "All Is Well" - One of my all-time favorite Whisnant songs! So glad I got to hear Susan sing it this morning. 
• "I'll Pray for You"
• "I'm Trusting the Blood" - I'm glad they sang this one. Such a powerful song!
• "New Day Dawning"

2nd Generation

• "One More River" 
• "He Will Come Through" - I don't remember hearing Brenda sing this one live before. Such an incredibly powerful song, loved hearing her on this one!
• "Waving on the Other Side" - Always a treat to hear Randy featured on this song! 
• "Faithful As You" - Elaine was featured on this one. I had been a while since I had heard this one live. What a great message!

New Speer Family

This was my first time hearing this group in person, and understandably so considering they have really only been touring a month. This group sounds amazing together! It is pure Southern Gospel. 

• "Heaven's Jubilee"
• "I Feel It in My Soul"
• "I'm Building a Bridge" - Ben Waites was featured on this song and what a voice!!
• "He Is Mine and I Am His" - Loved hearing Allison sing this one! One of the highlights of the day!
• "I Never Shall Forget the Day"

Hymn Sing

This was the event we had all been looking forward to! And what a night it was - one I will not soon forget. We had more than 4,000 voices singing outside hymns for about 1.5 hours. The groups participating were Greater Vision, Mark Trammell Quartet, the Whisnants and the Mylon Hayes Family.

It was such a sweet, sweet time of worship. It's hard not to list every song as a highlight, because every song we sang was a great one - "Victory in Jesus," "Blessed Assurance," "Heaven Came Down and Glory Filled My Soul, "Wonderful Grace of Jesus, "Rock of Ages," and on and on. It was hard not to stop singing and listen throughout the night.

Chris Allman and Mark Trammell backed up Sandi Payton as she played and sang "I Must Tell Jesus." We sang "Jesus Paid It All" and Gerald had the balcony level sing for the main level and then the main level sing for the balcony. It was so sweet to hear all those voices just a cappella.

Here's a clip of the night of "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" and "It Is Well," my favorite hymn of the night -

2018 Southern Gospel Picnic - Silver Dollar City - Day 4

This morning started off with hearing Dr. Dennis Swanberg speak in the Opera House. I also got to see The Old Paths and the Hoppers today. Here are a few highlights from the day -

The Old Paths

It's hard to narrow this list down to just a few. These guys are sounding better than ever. They did a mix of songs from their newest project with a few familiar favorites. Steve even was featured on a song that he did with Gold City, "Preach the Word." Daniel brought out his sax for a few songs as well. It was great to see the audience so responsive and into the sets after the quartet's return to Silver Dollar City after their time off the road.

• "God's Great"
• "Love Them to Jesus"
• "Tangled in the Middle"
• "Broken People Like Me"
• "I Wanna Get Closer"
• "Preach the Word"
• "I Bowed on my Knees and Cried Holy"

The Hoppers

The Hoppers took the stage with just Dean, Kim, Mike and Karlye for the first few songs. Dean introduced his parents and then Connie and then later Claude came out to join them.

• "Life Is Good"
• "Yahweh"
• "I Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now" - Love hear them singing songs from the first families of gospel music.
• "I've Come Too Far to Look Back" - Always a treat to hear Connie sing this song!
• "Jerusalem"
• "Something's Happening" - They knock this song out of the park every time. 
• "He Is Mine, and I Am His" - This has become one of my favorite songs. I love their version of this song. 
• "My Ransom" - It's good to hear Karlye step up and sing one by herself. She's got a great voice.
• "Shoutin' Time" - This is always a fun one to hear at Echo Hollow, and of course, they repeated the chorus several times. The entire audience was up clapping at the end!

2018 Southern Gospel Picnic at Silver Dollar City - Day 3

I was able to catch two groups today - the Talleys and Triumphant Quartet. The Talleys sang in Red Gold Hall this afternoon and then Triumphant closed the night off down in Echo Hollow.

Here are a few highlights from the day -


Talleys

• "There Is Coming a Day" - They sang this one by request. A couple had told them of a family member who passed away and this was the only song they played. 
• "The Broken Ones"
• "He's Alive"
• "Grab Your Umbrella" - Love this new song from them. It's a fun one to see staged!
• "Naaman" - This is one of my favorites to get to hear live!
• "When the Answer Is No" - I loved getting to hear Debra sing this one from their latest project. One of my favorites from Finest Hour. 
• "People in the Line"
• "When Death Was Arrested - This was such a great worship moment. I'm glad they have taken this song to the Southern Gospel world. 

Triumphant Quartet

• "Thankful, So Thankful" 
• "Saved By Grace"
• "Chain Breaker" - This is a song that has taken off in the Southern Gospel world. It resonates with so many people and it's always so evident when you see it live. 
• "Hallelujah" 
• "Amazing God"
• "When the Trumpet Sounds"
• "Long, Black Train" - Eric does an incredible job on this song!
• "I Can Only Imagine" - I had never heard them sing this one live, so it was so good to hear Scotty on this song.
• "The Old White Flag" - Always a fun one especially at Echo Hollow!

2018 Southern Gospel Picnic at Silver Dollar City - Day 2

Today was jam packed full of good music. Kudos to D.A. Callaway and the Silver Dollar City staff for a stellar lineup today. It was hard to be able to see as much as I wanted! I was able to see five different artists. Here are the highlights of the day -


Brian Free & Assurance

• "He Can Take It" - This is becoming one of my favorite BFA songs. The message of this song hits home every time.
• "Beyond Amazed"
• "What a Beautiful Day" - Brian let the high part on this song soar, and it was the first concert of the day!
• "Say Amen" - Another favorite! It's always great to hear how the crowd gets into this song as a testament to what God has done in their lives. 

The Erwins

• Today marked the release of their new project Watch & See. Ernie Haase surprised them at their first show and to congratulate them on the release, ask them to sign the CD and then invite them to sing at Echo Hollow that night with Signature Sound. 
• We got to hear several of their new songs. I cannot wait to listen to the full project - on repeat. Every song they sang was incredible! - 
• "Glorious, Amazing God"
• "Watch & See" - This is the title and first single. I'm anxious to see it make its way to the top of the charts!
• "After the Storm" - Katie did an amazing job on this song. Her voice is mature beyond her 17 years. 
• "Hallelujahs Never End" 
• "In the House of the Lord" - I loved the lighting effects they used with song!

Joseph Habedank

• "Jailbreak"
• "Never, No Never" - I was glad he staged this on from his Welcome Home project.
• "There Is a Fountain" - This has become one of my favorite hymns and he does such a great job on this one. 
• "Beauty of the Blood" - Joseph shared a little bit of his testimony before this song. I love hearing his share his heart and the story of how God has worked in his life. I appreciate how transparent Joseph has always been and how he's using his story to encourage others. 
• "Here He Comes" - He ended the set with this song. I love the energy and the message of this song.

Karen Peck & New River

• "Pray Now"
• "It Is Well" - Grant sang this one by himself and it was incredible!
• "Gotta Be Saved" - I'm glad I got to hear this one live. This song is the #1 song for the group for September, written by Karen, Joseph Habedank and Wayne Haun. 
• "I Am Blessed" - The more I hear this song, the more I fall in love with it. I love hearing Karen sing this song!
• "Victory Is Mine" 
• "Four Days Late"
• "I Know I'll Be There" - This is such a powerful song! They ended their last show with this song. 

Ernie Haase & Signature Sound

We unfortunately had to leave a little early tonight, but it was a treat to hear so many songs live for the first time from EHSS's Clear Skies project.

• "Clear Skies" - The funny part of this song was it started to sprinkle rain a little bit and umbrellas and ponchos started coming out right before this song. So they sang this and then they got to this line - "Sometimes this life gives you thunder and then you get caught in the rain." And everyone, EHSS included, couldn't help but laugh. Thankfully it never did really rain and the sprinkling didn't last long!
• "Give Me Jesus" - This was the song of the night for me. I love the simple message of this song. It's exactly the simple motto that we all need to be reminded of daily.
• "Heaven Is"
• "Sailing With Jesus"
• "Ol Man River" - Paul sang this from his new solo project. He does an incredible job on this song from Showboat.
• "Then Came the Morning" - This might have been the moment of the night to hear them sing this right before intermission. It's such a powerful song and I love that they are staging it!

2018 Southern Gospel Picnic Day One - Showers of Blessing

The first day of the 2018 Southern Gospel Picnic at Silver Dollar City. If you've read my blog in previous years, you know this is an event I look forward to every year. It's the event that really drew me into the music and enabled me to see many of my favorite artists live for the first time.

The groups I saw on park today were - Jim Brady Trio, the Perrys, Southern Raised and the Isaacs. After tonight, I'm adding the Isaacs to the list of groups I've sat in the rain to watch. I feel like that list grows each year, but it was well worth it. Here are highlights from each group - 

Jim Brady Trio

• "Calvary" - This is a song from their brand new project that Melissa wrote. It's such a powerful song that I feel like is going to become a staple in their sets.
• "Sounds Like Home To Me" - They repeated the chorus a cappella on this one and it was amazing!!
• "The Greatest of All Miracles" - I love to hear Melissa sing this song! This is one of my all-time favorites
• "Little Things" - This was another new one that Jim wrote in honor of his dad. This was a great song that Jim sang and played guitar on. The previews of their new project I got today made me really excited to hear this full album!
• "Homesick of Heaven"

The Perrys

• It was good to hear them go back and do a few songs from Through the Night - "One of Those Mornings" and "I Got a Hold of God This Morning."
• "Did I Mention"
• "Damascus Road" - This is always a fun one to see and hear live!
• "If You Knew Him"
• "Find Me Faithful" - Libbi gave a little bit of testimony before this song sharing about how you have to choose joy daily after all they have been through this year. 

Southern Raised

• "Glorious Day"
• "Amazing Grace"
• I have only seen this group a few times, but their talent amazes me every time from vocals to their playing ability.

The Isaacs

Of course right before the Echo Hollow show, the heavens open and rain comes down. It had been raining off and on during the day, but when the shows are inside it doesn't affect you as when you have to sit in it. Thankfully, the rain never got very hard and it did clear up for most of the show. 

• Their new project features some newly recorded favorite songs, so it was good to hear some of those live again - "I Have a Father Who Can," "By His Stripes" and "
• "From the Depths of My Heart"
• "I'm Gonna Love You Through It" - I remember them debuting this song at Silver Dollar City several years ago. Lily read the excerpt from her book of when she found out she had cancer and how her family was there for her. Love this song and thankful it's gotten some recent new life on social media.
• "Stand Still" - I've always been a big fan of this song, but the message just really hit home tonight.
• "Walk On"
• "It Is Well With My Soul" - Love hearing this sing this a capella! Definitely the moment of the night!
• "He Ain't Never Done Me Nothing But Good"

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!