2018 National Quartet Convention - Saturday Night Recap

I was back watching tonight for the final night of singing. The schedule overall ran early which allowed for Bill Bailey a little leniency. It was good that he asked a few artists back on stage for one more song or asked them to repeat a chorus of a previous song.



Highlights and Commentary - 

• I missed seeing the Kingsmen earlier in the week, so this was my first look at the new lineup. Thought they are sounding good together already!
• It's always fun to see who artists might pull up to join them during their sets. Lauren Talley joined Mark Bishop during his set for "With Me Always." The Erwins had a full choir from First Baptist Sevierville with them during their set. 
• The stretch from the Kingdom Heirs to the Whisnants was some of the best singing of the week in my opinion.
• I'm sad that Second Half Quartet will not be making appearances anymore (though I certainly understand why). They are quartet singing at its finest.
• I liked how they worked in the power hour artists into the program tonight. I wish that could be done every night.
• I wish the finale tonight had been different. I get that they wanted to do something different than the typical #1 parade of songs (which I do love every year). However, the thing that separates this music from everything else is that at the center is Jesus. I wish the culmination of the week had not been focused on America but on Jesus. 

Favorite Performances - 

• "In the House of the Lord" - The Erwins
• "Saints Will Rise" - The Kingsmen
• "What An Anchor" - Mylon Hayes Family 
• "Until You've Known the Love of God" - Greater Vision
• "Midnight Cry" - Jonathan Wilburn
• "Heaven Just Got Sweeter For You" - Kingdom Heirs
• "The Broken Ones" - The Talleys
• "Going Home" - Second Half Quartet
• "That Sounds Like Home to Me" - Jim Brady Trio
• "The Greatest of All Miracles" - Jim Brady Trio
• "Nothing Stops the Savior's Love" - Tribute Quartet
• "I'll Pray for You" - The Whisnants

2018 National Quartet Convention - Thursday Night Recap

I tuned in last night to catch the last part of Greater Vision's set. I will miss tonight's but be back for most of Saturday night.

Highlights and Commentary - 

• Of course, Thursday has become known as Gaither day at NQC. I didn't hear if it was sold out like last year but just judging by the webcast it looked pretty full. The Gaither Vocal Band had a 45 minute set last night. The more I hear this lineup, the more I like them - Wes Hampton, Adam Crabb, Reggie Smith, Todd Suttles and Bill Gaither. Wes Hampton is one of the best vocalists on the road today, in my opinion.
• Someone recently asked me who's going to be the next big up and coming group. My answer was the Jordan Family Band. I 100% stand by that after hearing them again last night during the power half hour on main stage. They are one to watch!

Favorite Performances of the Night - 

• "He'll Carry Me" - Greater Vision
• "When the Prodigal Comes Home" - Tribute Quartet
• "My Faith Still Holds" - Mark Trammell Quartet
• "Calvary" - Jim Brady Trio
• "I Will Go On" - Gaither Vocal Band
• "He Made a Change" - Legacy Five 
• "Walking Through Fire" - Ernie Haase and Signature Sound
• "He Never Made a Promise" - Kingdom Heirs
• "You Better Get Right" - Jordan Family Band

2018 National Quartet Convention - Wednesday Night Recap

I was able to see most of the night's performances, but I'll confess I was multi-tasking most of the night. The night was very strong overall, but not as many individual stand out moments.


Highlights and Commentary

• It has been interesting to see how several Southern Gospel artists are bringing more "modern worship" songs to the industry with their own spin on it. Of course, "Chain Breaker" was voted the favorite song today and Triumphant sang it tonight. The Talleys also sang "When Death Was Arrested" tonight. 
• It's neat to see Gerald Wolfe, Lee Black, Stan Whitmire and Wayne Haun playing on piano for several of the groups that took the stage tonight. 
• I also loved how Libbi pulled up several young artists to help them on "I Wish I Could Have Been There" tonight. 
• Triumphant and the Isaacs had the two longer sets of the night. Triumphant proved why they are consistently favorite quartet and the favorite artist for 2018. I loved what Scotty said today at the Fan Awards. It's not only that they are the same four singers, but it's what they are accomplishing through their ministry. I love how the Isaacs did some of their older favorite songs that they have recently re-recorded.
• I remember seeing the Chitans last year and being blown away, I felt the same this year.
• I wish there was a better way to work in the new groups throughout the night. I feel like a large part of the crowd is missing out on some good music with these up and coming groups. 

Favorite Performances of the Night 

• "He Welcomes the Beggar" - 11th Hour
• "Faithful" - The Whisnants
• "Christ, My Hope, My Glory" - High Road
• "Sun's Gonna Come Up"- LeFevre Quartet
• "When the Answer Is No" - The Talleys
• "Hallelujah" - Triumphant Quartet
• "Lord of my Heart" - The Isaacs
• "Present in the Presence" - Guardians
• "Washed by the Water" - Jason Crabb
• "I Know I'll Be There" - Karen Peck & New River
• "Sing in the Valley" - The Perrys

2018 Singing News Fan Awards

The Singing News Fan Awards were held this afternoon during a showcase. Lauren Talley, Mark Bishop and Tim Lovelace hosted the awards.

The biggest surprise winner to me was probably the first one with Josh Townsend taking home Favorite Young Artist. Good to see him get this honor and on his 21st birthday! High Road picked up Favorite New Artist coming off the success of "Christ My Hope, My Glory."

Here's a full list of winners -

Favorite Young Artist - Josh Townsend (Young Artist)
Favorite Alto - Connie Hopper (The Hoppers)
Favorite Tenor - Chris Allman (Greater Vision)
Favorite New Artist - High Road
Favorite Baritone - Mark Trammell (Mark Trammell Quartet)
Favorite Trio - The Booth Brothers
Favorite Bass - Eric Bennett (Triumphant Quartet)
Favorite Soloist - Joseph Habedank
Favorite Soprano - Kim Hopper (The Hoppers)
Favorite Lead - Ronnie Booth (The Booth Brothers)
Favorite Band - Kingdom Heirs Band
Favorite Radio Station - WJBZ Praise in Knoxville
Favorite Songwriter - Rodney Griffin
Favorite Mixed Group - The Collingsworth Family
Favorite Male Quartet - Triumphant Quartet
Favorite Album - Thankful by Triumphant Quartet
Favorite Song - "Chain Breaker" by Triumphant Quartet
Favorite Musician - Kim Collingsworth
Favorite Artist of the Year - Triumphant Quartet

National Quartet Convention 2018 - Tuesday Night

The second night of the 2018 National Quartet Convention is in the books. I watched most of tonight's evening concert missing only a little bit at the beginning. I hate that I missed seeing the Kingsmen not getting a chance to see the new lineup of this group.

Here are my thoughts and highlights of the night:


Highlights and Commentary - 

• One of my favorite things is to see the "scrap iron" groups come together. Jim Brady organized the Confused Quartet with himself on lead, Chris Allman on bass, Susan Whisnant on baritone and Nick Trammell on tenor. They sang "Winging My Way Back Home." I was very impressed with Chris' bass! 
• There were sweet tributes tonight from Kelly Nelon Clark and Sheri Easter to their parents. Kelly talked about how she had lost both of her parents early before singing "Going Home." Of course, Sheri just lost her mother Polly about a month ago and they played a clip of her singing with the Lewis Family from a Gaither Homecoming video. 
• It was good to see a few of the daughters of gospel music get the spotlight tonight. Karlye Hopper sang her song "My Ransom" on main stage tonight and Jason Crabb's daughter, Ashleigh, came up to sing with him on "Short Are the Years."
• Again, it was good to hear some of the new songs from albums releasing this week. Joseph sang "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" with the Erwins from his new duet album. Riley Harrison Clark sang one from his new solo project, "You Will Be Found."
• Gerald Wolfe joined Legacy Five on "Champion of Love" tonight toward the end of the evening. It was good to hear he and Scott Fowler collaborate on this Cathedrals classic.

Favorite Performances - 

• "Going Home" - Nelons
• "Cheer the Weary Traveler" - Second Half Quartet
• "Wayfaring Stranger" - Jeff & Sheri Easter
• "I Love You This Much" - The Whisnants
• "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" - Joseph Habedank and the Erwins
• "Grace At Its Best" - Tribute Quartet
• "There Is Jesus" - The McKameys
• "Song of Moses" - The Hoppers
• "I Know He Heard My Prayer" - Greater Vision
• "Through the Fire" - Jason Crabb
• "Champion of Love" - Legacy Five

National Quartet Convention - Monday Night Recap

Unfortunately, I am not at NQC in person this year. Last year was my first time to be there in person, and if you are a gospel fan, I highly recommend it. But this year, for me, the webcast will have to do. You can still subscribe if you are interested and you'll get to watch this year and last year on demand through the end of the year.

I tuned in tonight to catch the last part of the Jim Brady Trio's set, so I missed about the first hour of the night.

Highlights and Commentary -

• The Tracy Stuffle tribute was not a moment I will soon forget. It was incredible and so touching to see all the former members come back to pay tribute. They sang "I Know It Was the Blood," "Plan of Salvation" with a video of Tracy, "I Rest My Case at the Cross," and then Libbi sang "I Will Find You Again." Major kudos to Libbi for powering through the song, because I couldn't see for tears by the end. It was great to hear all the quotes about Tracy from former members. The whole set was just class and such a touching tribute.
• Clarke Beasley honored Libbi as a "hero of faith" before she left the stage. He then pulled up Kim Hopper and Chris Allman to sing "More Than Wonderful" in her honor as they have watched her faith remain steadfast through all the trials of the past several years. It was good to see her recognized as well as Tracy.
• I enjoyed the longer sets of Karen Peck & New River and the Kingdom Heirs tonight. 
• Karen Peck Gooch came up and joined former group member John Darin Rowsey and the Guardians on a song she cowrote "Uncommon Praise." I love when moments like that happen at NQC.
• Of course, with NQC comes the release of several new projects. It was good to hear several groups debuting new songs on the main stage - the Guardians, Jim Brady Trio and Gold City. 

Favorite Performances -

• "Ordinary Love" - Jim Brady Trio
• "I Will Find You Again" - The Perrys 
• "Gotta Be Saved" - Karen Peck & New River
• "The Cross Is All the Proof I Need" - Triumphant Quartet 
• "My Hope Is in the Blood" - Primitive Quartet
• "God Fights on my Side" - The Guardians
• "Calvary Answers for Me" - Kingdom Heirs
• "All My Hope" - Gold City

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - Sept. 23

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

• The McKameys announced that 2019 will be the group's final year of touring. 
• Riley Harrison Clark of Tribute Quartet signed a contract for solo record with Daywind Records. His solo project, Welcome To Me, will release on September 28.
• The Perrys released a new concept video for "It Carried Him." Check it out below!

News from the McKameys

The McKameys announced the end of an era today. The group has decided that at the end of November 2019, they will be retiring from full-time touring.

Here's the full statement from the McKameys -

To all our faithful friends,

We would like to say, first and foremost, we appreciate your loyal friendship, your faithfulness in attending our concerts, your prayers for our group (some on a daily basis), and your financial support for our group over the past 38 (full-time) years. This "journey" would not have been possible without you following the Lord on our behalf!

We told you that we felt our journey would be slowing down this coming year and that we would be telling you more about this, so ... after much, much prayer, we, The McKameys, have decided that at the end of November 2019 we will be retiring from full-time touring because we feel this is where God is leading at this time in our lives. We will be continuing the traveling up until this time, Lord willing, allowing us time to see you all again...

We believe our message of Jesus Christ and what HE can do for you will still be carried on in our music for years to come, and with that being said we will be having a couple of surprises coming in our final year. 

Thank you once again for your continued support in this endeavor as this will not be an easy transition for any of us, but we feel this is the way God is leading us, and we have always tried to follow the leadership of HIM!

We love you all and hope to see you all in the coming year down the road!!

II Timothy 4:7 
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.

Ruben, Peg, Connie, Sheryl, Roger and Eli

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - September 16

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

• GW Southard was announced as the new pianist for Gold City Quartet. He will start with the group immediately.
• The newest release in Gerald Wolfe’s Gospel Music Hymn Sing series, Heaven’s Jubilee! Live at Indian Trail took over the Sun Valley 14 movie theater in Indian Trail, North Carolina on Monday, September 10 for a pre-screening of the live DVD.

Anything I've missed?

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - Sept. 8

Here are news and tidbits from the past two weeks in Southern Gospel -

• Ray Dean Reese of The Kingsmen announced the addition of new baritone vocalist, Alan Kendall. Randy Crawford held the position for 12 years and announced that he would be coming off the road this summer. Kendall previously sang with Gerald Williams and the Melody Boys Quartet and Jordan's Bridge.
• Jody McBrayer announced that he will join Avalon for limited touring dates and a new recording. He will continue to be with Cana's Voice as well as doing some solo dates.
• Effective January 1, 2019 in addition to his solo minsitry, Bob Sellers will also assume the lead singer spot for The Old Time Preachers Quartet. He will also maintain his solo ministry.
• The Jim Brady Trio has signed an exclusive recording agreement with Daywind Music Group. Their new project Hope Keeps Writing The Song will release later this month.
• Prayers go out to the families of two former Blackwood Brothers members. Bill Shaw passed away on Sept. 7, and former piano player Jack Marshall passed away on August 27.
• Jordan’s Bridge announced Dale Shipley as their new lead singer following the departure of Alan Kendall. 
• The Ball Brothers announced Rhett Robert as the group's new bass singer. This announcement came as part of the group's recent article in Sports Illustrated. Read the article here. 

Anything I've missed?

Day 11 and 12 - 2018 Southern Gospel Picnic - Silver Dollar City

Well, it's been back to the real world for me, so I'm getting up my recap of last two days of the picnic finally today. Sunday, I got to see a new group, the Arenos, and the Ball Brothers and Jeff & Sheri Easter. Sunday I made it out to see Spoken 4, the Diplomats and Poet Voices before heading to Arkansas.


Here are highlights from those days -


The Arenos

This was my first time to see this group in person. They are based in Louisiana and travel with a live band! The group consists of Jonathan Areno and his children Penny and Nathan on vocals plus band members. They write and sing a lot of their own material.

• "Thou Knowest" 
• "Jesus Lives Here" 
• "Still" 
• "Little Prayers" 

The group even had a little music duel with the mandolin and guitar between father and son. Expect to hear more from this group in the future!



Ball Brothers

• "Count Your Blessings"
• "Redeemed"
• "Victory in Jesus"
• "Smile"
• "Happy Rhythm" - Stephen was filling in for them last weekend, but not really as a bass. So they had Chad sing the bass part on this song, and he did a fantastic job!
• "It's About the Cross" - Always a highlight to hear them sing this one live!

Jeff & Sheri Easter

• "Small Town Someone"
• "Over and Over"
• "Like My Mother Does"
• "Sitting on Top of the World" - So glad they sang this one!
• "He Looked Beyond My Fault - Jared played this on steel guitar.
• "Wayfaring Stranger"
• "This Flight That Is Leaving Soon" - They payed tribute to Sheri's mother
• Jared shared an original song he wrote about fatherhood and his little boy. It was precious!
• "The Seeker" - Love to hear Sheri on this song!
• "Roses Will Bloom Again" - Of course, this was a request during the second half.
• "Why Me Lord" - Jeff said they had played around and sang this one in soundcheck one day. This was a new one for me to hear them sing. Morgan and Jeff each took a verse.
• "Thank You Lord for Your Blessings on Me" - Jeff asked Mike, the Echo Hollow stage manager, to join them on this song. For the past few years, he's pulled him on stage at some point during the concert.
• "Keep on the Sunny Side" - Thankfully Duane persuaded them to sing one more before the evening ended!

Spoken 4 Quartet

• "Standing on the Solid Rock" - Love hearing them sing these standard quartet songs.
• "Jesus Cried" - This was a brand new song that featured tenor, Brandon Britton.
• "He Set Me Free"
• "There Is a Light" - Cecil showed off his bass vocals on this song. He's one of the best. The lights in the Opera House theater started flickering at one point!
• "Because He Lives" - They did a great job on this classic hymn!

Poet Voices

I forgot how many great songs that Phil wrote. It was good to hear them sing a few and remind audiences of what a talented writer he is. I really love the way this quartet is sounding together. My first time to see them back was in Memphis, and it was good to hear them live again!

• "Jesus Built a Bridge"
• "I Saw the Light"
• "When I Get Carried Away"
• "Champion of Love"
• "Yes, I Am"

The Diplomats

• "Joy in the Storm"
• "I Wanna See Jesus"
• "Buried Our Sins in the Past" - Corey is one of the most talented and underrated people in gospel music.
• "There's a Light Shining for Me" - Alex is one incredible bass singer! It's always fun to see people who seem them for the first time figure out where the big sound is coming from.
• "I Wanna See Jesus"
• "Let Your Light Shine" - They had a lot of fun with this one getting the audience to use their phones as flashlights.

2018 Southern Gospel Picnic - Silver Dollar City - Day 10

The Southern Gospel Picnic is about to wrap up with only two days left! It's hard to believe it's almost over and time to get back to the real world. It's been a great festival so far, and I'm looking forward to the last two days.

Yesterday, I got out to the park to see three different artists. Here are the highlights -


The Taylors
It was good to hear several songs from their new project, Faithful Again.

• "Faithful Again"
• "Anything Less" - One of my favorites from their new album!
• "Love Still Flows"
• "Beulah Land" - Jonathan asked if the audience would rather hear Chris sing "Beulah Land" or "In the Garden" there was no contest about what the people wanted to hear. They did an a cappella reprise of the chorus and it was amazing!
• "I Pray Every Day"
• "I'll Worship You Again" - Love hearing Suzanne sing this one live!

Jonathan Wilburn

I've been to A LOT of shows and sets in the past 10 days, but I have to say, the show I went to of Jonathan's had one of the sweetest spirits in the room I had experienced.

• "Without Him" - Jonathan said this was not on any project, he just felt God leading him to sing this song with just the keys. And I'm so glad he did!
• "Heaven's Jubilee"
• "Peace in the Valley"
• "Had It Not Been"

The Martins

This is the one time of year I get to hear the Martins and I just soak it all in. They sang several from their new project and of course their classic a cappella songs. It was an incredible night!

• "He Leadeth Me" - I love getting to hear them sing this song a cappella!!
• "Wherever You Are"
• "Running"
• "The Promise" - This song speaks to me every time. If I had to list my favorite gospel songs, this would be in the top five easy. It's always a treat to hear this one live!
• "You'll Never Walk Alone"
• "Love's Gonna Drive This Train"
• "Good"
• "Days Like This"
• "Still Standing" - This is the title track, it's a must listen!
• "Except for Grace"
• "Beautiful" - Joyce said they hadn't staged this one before, but they were going to try it out last night. And I'm sure glad they did!
• "Doxology"- They were going to end the night with this one and what an ending, but Duane asked if they would do one more!
• "So High" - This was the finale to a great night!

2018 Southern Gospel Picnic - Silver Dollar City - Day 9

We only have three days left of the 2018 Silver Dollar City Southern Gospel Picnic. I got to see two different groups on Day 9 - the Guardians and the Booth Brothers. This was my first chance to see the Guardians with Pat Barker as their bass.

Here are the highlights of the day -

The Guardians

It was good to hear a lot of their hits I've heard on the radio. The only other time I had ever seen this group live was at NQC last year, so it was good to hear more from them!

• "Packin' Up"
• "What a Day That Will Be"
• "How Big Is God" - Always a treat to hear Pat sing this one. 
• "Somebody Prays" - Loved hearing John Darin Rowsey sing this one. They played the video along with it as they sang. 
• "Woke Up This Morning"
• "Shoutin' Sounds"
• "Lord's Prayer" - Loved hearing the guys sing this one!
• "Who Am I"
• "Keeper of the Lost and Found" - I hadn't heard this one before and what a powerful song!

Booth Brothers

This is not a group I get to hear live very often, but it's always a treat when I do. It was a reminder of why they have been named the favorite group for so many years.

• They sang several hymns from their hymn collection - "Nothing But the Blood," "Holy, Holy, Holy," "Are You Washed in the Blood" and "Oh How I Love Jesus." They ended the night with "Because He Lives."
• "Facts Are Facts"
• "Touch of the Master's Hand"
• "Moment of Grace" - Love hearing Paul sing this one!
• "Look for Me at Jesus' Feet"
• "He Saw It All"
• "Down By the River" 
• "Three Wooden Crosses" - This was a new one to hear them sing live. Michael said they had recently done a Gaither video that featured more country-style songs. 
• "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" - Paul pulled out his black gospel style for this one. 
• "Jesus Saves" - Always a highlight and just a moment of pure worship!