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!

Good Things Happening - Friday Recap of Silver Dollar City's Southern Gospel Picnic

Friday, we made it out to the park in time to catch four different groups. Three of these groups I don't get to see very often or at all, so it was good to see them live. We ended the night with a packed house for the Booth Brothers! Don't miss the video on my Facebook page of the song that Michael Booth requested to warm up the crowd.

Here are highlights from the day -


High Road

This is the first time I remember seeing this group live. These young people are talented and used no tracks -- all live music. And they write a lot of their own music!

• "We Are Broken"
• "Somewhere I'm Going" - Beautiful song about Heaven!
• "His Hand on Me"
• "Two Coats"

The Craguns

• "Blessed Assurance" - Elena does an incredible job on this song!
• "I Know the Master of the Wind" - They did this chorus a cappella.
• "On the Other Side"
• "This Is My Father's World"

Anchormen

• "Oh What a Savior"
• "Giver of Life" - Loved hearing Chris on this song!
• "I'm Going There" - Newest member Ronnie Bright was featured on this song.
• "Come to the Fountain"

Booth Brothers

Of course, it's always good to see the Booth Brothers. They sang several songs from their recent project that I wasn't as familiar with, so it was a good mix of the newer songs and classic favorites. 

• "I Just Feel Like Something Good Is About to Happen"
• "Moment of Grace" - Love hearing Paul sing this song!
• "Stop the Storm"
• "It Is No Secret"
• "Down by the River" - Such a fun one that really gets the crowd going!
• "Jesus Saves" - This was just a powerful moment of worship with the crowd on its feet!
• "Life's Railway to Heaven"
• "Look for Me at Jesus' Feet" - Always a powerful song from Michael!
• "Then I Met the Master" - No one sings this better than Ronnie.
• "Facts Are Facts"

Fun Clip Friday - Bass vs. Tenor Challenge

Matt Fouch recently posted the latest installment of the bass vs. tenor challenge. He and Chris Allman competed for a note holding contest with Michael Booth serving as the impartial judge. Watch what happens below!

12 Days of Christmas Southern Gospel Style - Fun Clip Friday

Happy Friday! Christmas is in full swing. Halls are decked, bells are ringing and all is merry and bright. Christmas music is playing every where you go, and I love it!!

The "12 Days of Christmas" is a Christmas staple, but have you heard the Jubilee gang's Southern Gospel version of the song? Enjoy for today's Fun Clip Friday!

2016 National Quartet Convention - Thursday Night Recap

It's hard to believe that Thursday night is already over. I tuned in tonight in time to catch the end of the McKameys set. I was in and out some but was able to watch most of the webcast after that.

Commentary/ Highlights -

• The set of the night has to go to the Mark Trammell Quartet. Each song they sang, I kept thinking this was the highlight of the set, but they kept getting better and better. They sang several songs from their latest project, Full Sail. Apparently Sunday night they sang one and had a little mishap on the words. They made some jokes about it tonight, and tonight every word was sung! Blake Buffin is really doing a great job on tenor with them. Love their arrangement of "He Hideth My Soul," but the last song of the set was probably my favorite, "My Faith Still Holds."
• Last night it was Trey Ivey, tonight it was Bryan Elliot. It's good to see some of these vocally talented piano players getting a chance to step up to the mic. Gold City featured Bryan on "When I Get Carried Away." It was good to hear him sing!
• Greater Vision pulled up young Eli Shaw, who some might remember from Singing in the Sun at Myrtle Beach. The clip of him singing "I Know a Man Who Can" with them quickly went viral. He was there tonight, so Mark Trammell actually suggested him coming up to join Greater Vision on the stage again.
• The Nelons teased on Facebook that they would have a special guest on stage with them tonight. Karen Peck Gooch joined the Nelons for a highlight of the night, "Old Friends." It was sweet to see Kelly and Karen both get teary-eyed as they sang. Kelly joked at the end that they made it through it. 
• Remember Jeff Chapman in your prayers as the Kingdom Heirs were a trio tonight. He just went to the hospital with elevated blood pressure for precaution since he's just had a stent put in recently. The Kingdom Heirs pulled up Quartet Gilead to finish up the night with them on "He Locked the Gates."
• Matt Rankin of Soul'd Out Quartet paid tribute to Ian Owens who will be coming off the road in November. Ian was featured on a song that he's become known for, "I Believe."

Favorite Performances/ Songs -

• "Praise His Name" - Jeff & Sheri Easter
• "There Rose a Lamb" - Gold City
• "Keep On" - Perrys
• "Faces" - Greater Vision
• "My Faith Still Holds" - Mark Trammell Quartet
• "Old Friends" - The Nelons with Karen Peck Gooch
• "Moment of Grace" - Booth Brothers
• "I'd Rather Have Jesus" - Kingdom Heirs
• "Worship You Again" - The Taylors
• "Arise My Love" - Soul'd Out Quartet

I won't be able to watch any Friday night but will tune in again on Saturday for the last night!

2016 National Quartet Convention - Tuesday Night

Night two of National Quartet Convention is now in the books. I got home in time to turn on the webcast as the Inspirations were on stage. Here are my thoughts and highlights of the night -

• If the Booth Brothers and Collingsworth Family went on tour together, that would be a concert I wouldn't miss. That was one incredible hour of gospel music. From the opening song together to the last note of "Jesus Saves," it was amazing. I loved Michael's sweet tribute to Jim and his time with the group. He even joined them on the last song. The two instrumentals from the Collingsworth Family, "Let There Be Peace on Earth" and "My Tribute," were also highlights. I also enjoyed Michael putting together the live band on "Life's Railway to Heaven."
• Jim Brady told the story of his sister's battle with cancer to set up "Every Cry Is Heard." Last year at NQC is when he found out his sister didn't have much longer to live, and this song written by Jim was a song that she heard on the radio after her diagnosis. It was one of the more emotional moments of the night.
• It was good to hear the Perrys sing "Calvary Answers for Me," probably my favorite performance by an individual group tonight. 
• Triumphant Quartet had one of the strongest sets of the night with "Love Came Calling" and "This Blood," both being highlights.
• "Jesus Loves You" is such a powerful song from Jeff and Sheri Easter. I'm glad they sang it tonight, definitely the highlight of their set. 
• Both Loren Harris and Trent Adams have just started with their respective groups, Kingdom Heirs and LeFevre Quartet. They are getting thrown in the deep end with this being the biggest event in gospel music, but both have been very impressive!

Favorite Songs/ Performances -

• "Every Cry Is Heard" - Jim Brady Trio
• "I Can Pray" - Kingdom Heirs
• "Calvary Answers for Me" - The Perrys
• "This Blood" - Triumphant Quartet
• "Then I Met the Master" - Booth Brothers
• "Blood of Jesus" - Collingsworth Family
• "Jesus Saves" - Collingsworth Family/ Booth Brothers
• "Jesus Loves You" - Jeff and Sheri Easter
• "He Left No Stone Unturned" - LeFevre Quartet

Fun Clip Friday - Best of the Fouch Zone

Happy Friday to all! Matt Fouch of Legacy Five released a Best of the Fouch Zone video featuring the Booth Brothers this month.

Check it out below for today's Fun Clip Friday!

Day 10 of Silver Dollar City's Southern Gospel Picnic - 2016

It's Labor Day Weekend, and you couldn't ask for nicer weather this weekend in the Ozarks. As someone who has survived Southern Gospel Picnic in the rain and 100+ degrees, I appreciate the sun and 80-degree temperatures.

Today I was later going out to the park, so I caught one other group before the evening concert with New Road and the Booth Brothers.

The Diplomats

I've forgotten how talented the Diplomats are. There were about seven different instruments on stage that the group played throughout the set. 

The quartet opened with "Meet Me Over on the Other Side" and then sang "Walking With Jesus," always a fun one!

Alex showed off his bass vocals on "Rainbow of Love." He gets better each time I see him! Corey also nailed the high part at the end!

After the song, Duane Garren, who has been the emcee for the festival, came out and interrupted the show asking them to show off the youngsters of the group more. He wanted to hear a bit more bluegrass. He called them the Georgia Skillet Lickers. They sang "When the Sun of My Life Goes Down."

They ended the set with the Goodman classic "I Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now."


New Road

I've been able to see this group for the past couple of years now. They are from the area, and one of the most impressive things about this group is the use of all live music.

They sang a lot of great songs you would recognize like "Meet Me at the Table," "Wedding Music," "What a Beautiful Day" and "I'm Rich."

Their tenor singer did an incredible job on "Oh What a Savior." They ended their time with "I Would Crawl All the Way to the River."


Booth Brothers

The Booth Brothers brought in the largest crowd so far this week! They are always a favorite at Silver Dollar City, and this is normally the one time of year I get to see them.

They opened the night with "Sail On" and then sang one of their most requested songs, "The Blind Man Saw It All."

Paul was featured on "Touch of the Master's Hand," love this song!! After the song, Michael said that they had to stop for a minute. He said there had been a large bug on stage that looked like a stick. They looked for the bug and found it on the guitar behind them. A lady from the front row came up to the stage and got it for them! Haha! Michael then said that he needed a picture with her. She stopped for a photo and held up the walking stick bug to him, and he changed his mind and walked back to the stage. LOL

With the bug problem resolved, they got back to singing. They sang their version of "Happy Rhythm," a gospel jazz, and then "All Over the World," which has a Latin feel to it.

Michael shared the story of his wife and how she grew up not knowing or understanding the love of father. He then sang a song that was written about her story, "Wildflower."

They ended the first half with "Jesus Saves," and what an incredible moment of worship that was! The crowd was on its feet singing and worshipping along with the group.

The Booth Brothers pulled out some instruments of their own for the second half and sang a few more country flavored songs, "Life Is Like a Mountain Railway," "High Cotton" and "Down By the River." They sang one more, "It Is No Secret," before bringing back New Road to the stage to sing a play a few more to end the night.

The Booth Brothers never disappoint! Only two days of the picnic left!

Fun Clip Friday - Booth Brothers Quartet

The Booth Brothers Quartet was scheduled for the Saturday matinee this year at the Memphis Quartet Show. A few years ago, they performed at the event with Gene McDonald singing bass. This time they didn't say who the bass singer would be. So fans were in for a treat that Saturday afternoon to find out who would be singing with them.

Saturday they found out that it wouldn't be just one person, but three different bass singers - Anthony Davis, Eric Bennett and Jon Epley. Below is a clip of Michael and Danny Jones of the Singing News talking about who would be singing and then introducing the group.

Also, here are links with each of the guys singing with the Booth Brothers. Enjoy for today's Fun Clip Friday!

Eric Bennett - Look for Me at Jesus' Feet
Jon Epley - I'm Free
Anthony Davis - I Played in a Band

Fun Clip Friday - On the Couch With Fouch with Michael Booth

Happy Friday to you all! This Fun Clip Friday features the popular On the Couch With Fouch series. This month Matt Fouch shares with viewers his interview with Michael Booth. Many times we see Michael Booth providing the laughs on stage at Booth Brothers concerts. This is a great interview where we do get to share a few laughs with Michael but also get to hear a more serious side of Michael Booth. Enjoy!

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

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

• Pray for Jason Clark and his family. His grandmother passed away last week. 
• Congratulations to Ronnie and Kim Booth on their new grandson Jaxon Duncan born last week.
• Congratulations to Jeff Hawes (formerly of Karen Peck and New River) who was married last week to Shainah Peek.
• Congratulations to Dustin Black (formerly of the Mark Trammell Quartet) who got married last week to Rachael Dickinson.
• Prayers requested for Burman Porter's daughter Jessica. She was in a serious car wreck and was airlifted to UT hospital.

Anything I've missed?

Fun Clip Friday - Jubilee Christmas

I got the chance to go to one the Jubilee Christmas concerts last year. It was definitely a highlight of Christmas season for me! Booth Brothers, Greater Vision and Legacy Five come together for these Jubilee concerts. And with these three groups, you never really know what to expect. Well, what happened in Atlanta at their taping a few weeks ago was definitely unexpected. Check out this clip for today's Fun Clip Friday!

National Quartet Convention 2015 - Friday Night Recap

I just want to say how thankful I am for the webcast. For those of us who aren't able to make the trip to Pigeon Forge, it's great to be able to watch so much of the concerts online! I watched tonight but was also doing other things, and now I'm having to check out a little early. But here's what stood out to me tonight.

The Booth Brothers once again proved why they are at the top of this industry. I know a lot of people don't like when they take time talking away from singing, but you can't argue with what he said. They started with "Look for Me at Jesus' Feet" and then sang the new song "I Am the Word." They ended with "Jesus Saves" with the Collingsworth Family. Such a great moment of worship!!

I really like the "This Is My Story" segments they are showing paying tribute to different artists. It was a sweet tribute to Claude and Connie Hopper and all they've overcome this year. The Hoppers had a solid set as usual. Legacy Five also had a great set tonight with Trey Ivey getting a featured vocal solo!

Many groups staged songs for the first time this week which isn't that unusual. I was driving home listening to Wilburn and Wilburn's newest song written by Gerald Crabb and couldn't catch the name, but loved the song. Extremely timely, because it started off talking about a school shooting. Also loved hearing a couple of new ones by the Collingsworth Family. Their That Day Is Coming project is full of amazing songs!

It was good that several lesser-known groups got time on main stage tonight - the Littles, the Rick Webb Family and the Childress Family. Claude Hopper also brought up the Hall Sisters who sang "I Will Arise" a cappella, beautiful!

I liked how Tribute Quartet and the Talleys had sets back to back. We got a glimpse of their "Good News He's Alive" tour. Lauren Talley and Riley Harrison Clark's singing "The Prayer" was an early highlight of the evening! Also loved hearing Lauren sing "Hidden Heroes."

Apparently several groups got the Christmas memo tonight. It was interesting to me how many groups broke out Christmas songs. I love all things Christmas, but it is a little early even for me. That being said, I loved Riley Harrison Clark's (Tribute Quartet) version of "Mary, Did You Know."

Highlights -

• "The Prayer" - Riley Harrison Clark and Lauren Talley
• "There Is Jesus" - The McKameys
• "Jesus Saves" - Booth Brothers with Collingsworth Family
• "Little Is Much" - Dixie Melody Boys
• "Shoutin' Time" - The Hoppers

National Quartet Convention 2015 - Thursday Night Recap

Tonight was by far the best night yet of NQC. There so many memorable moments from tonight, I'm going to try to narrow it the best I can. I was glad that tonight was one of the nights I got to watch all the way through.

The moment of the night definitely belonged to the Perrys. I loved hearing "Sing" from their project that releases tomorrow. Tracy was featured on an old Nelons song "Time Has Made a Change" with special guests Kelly Nelon Clark and Karen Peck Gooch. But they were not the only guests the Perrys had on stage! They started singing "I Wish I Could Have Been There" and Troy announced Loren Harris to come to the stage. He sang part of the first verse, and then passed it off to Joseph Habedank. They were all joined on stage by so many other Perrys alums including Mike Bowling, Nick Trammell, Bryan Walker, Debra Perry and Bryan Elliot had been playing piano for them the entire set. Loved the Perrys reunion that we got to see!!

Several top-notch groups went early in the night and had incredible sets like Tribute Quartet, Karen Peck and New River, the Old Paths and Greater Vision. Tribute started its set with an a cappella medley that was amazing! (Sorry I don't have a more specific name, but this was the first I'd ever heard them do this. If you know it, help me out!) Love hearing Karen sing "Pray Now!" It was a little bittersweet with this being The Old Paths last performance at NQC, but the guys really brought it tonight!

I couldn't believe that this was Gordon Mote's first time on main stage at NQC during an evening concert. He really amazes me to watch him play. Loved hearing him sing "Mercy Walked In." Also he got some help from the Voices of Lee on "Great Is Thy Faithfulness." Actually Voices of Lee made several appearances tonight. They sang with Canton Junction on "Every Hallelujah" and Lillie Knauls on "Oh Happy Day."

I thought Canton Junction had one of the strongest sets of the night. Since they don't really tour full time, it's good to hear them live (or live via webcast) when you get a chance. Also, the Mylon Hayes Family continues to impress me more and more. I like that they sang "Jesus Spoke to Me" and did the shape note singing tonight.

I'm glad the Whisnants sang a little bit of their newest single, "Worry Ends Where Faith Begins." Love that song! Then they ended with "New Day Dawning" turning it around several times and getting Mark and Nick Trammell to join in.

The night ended with a sample of the Brotherhood tour which is Ernie Haase and Signature Sound and the Booth Brothers. They had live music for most if not all of the set featuring Michael of course on drums. Loved hearing the two groups on songs like "Life Is Like a Mountain Railway" and "Home." They closed the night with the Gaither classic "He Touched Me." What a way to end the evening!!

Mark and Nick Trammell were great hosts tonight! I really like the theme that they've had this week (minus last night) of the father and sons. They all have played off each other well!

Highlights -

• A cappella medley - Tribute Quartet 
• "Pray Now" - Karen Peck and New River
• "Long Live the King" - The Old Paths
• "Wish I Coulda Been There" - The Perrys
• "Jesus Spoke to Me" - Mylon Hayes Family
• "Jesus Loves You"- Jeff and Sheri Easter
• "It's Almost Over" - Mark Trammell Quartet
• "The Cross Is Calling" - The Taylors
• "Oh Happy Day" - Lillie Knauls
• "Arise My Love" - Soul'd Out Quartet
• "New Day Dawning" - The Whisnants
• "He Touched Me" - Brotherhood (Ernie Haase and Signature Sound and the Booth Brothers)

National Quartet Convention 2015 - Wednesday Night Recap

I was off and on tonight watching the webcast. Tomorrow night I hope to be able to watch all of it. I caught a set and a half before I went to church and then was able to catch the end of the Erwins' set through the finale.

I was able to see the Jim Brady Trio and part of Ernie Haase and Signature Sound before I went to church. The Jim Brady Trio is really sounding fantastic!  They had some issues with their mics, but that didn't stop them! They kept rolling with it. Melissa shared the story of her dad coming to Christ, and what an amazing testimony! Then she sang "Greatest of All Miracles," incredible moment!!

Someone who knows more about the history of NQC than I do, is Ernie Haase and Signature Sound the first artist to ever throw frisbees into the audience? They did this in Branson with the song "Happy People" but I didn't expect that during NQC! Definitely livened up the place! Dustin Doyle was then featured on "Redemption Draweth Nigh," which is when I was sad that I had to turn it off!

I tuned in back in time to catch the end of the Erwins with "I Choose to Be a Christian." Love this young group!

The Hoppers were another highlight of the night. I love that they are including the Hopper Brothers 2.0 so much. This lineup sounds great! It's great seeing Claude and Connie back on stage with the family. I love all the different combinations of voices that the Hoppers offer fans now.

Jason Crabb had a strong set that featured a couple of new songs. Really liked "If I Shout!" And I love that he pulled Kelly Bowling on stage with him to sing "Through the Fire." He and Gerald Wolfe co-hosted the night. They are funny together and play off each other well. It was funny how they kept plugging their own CDs and teasing about their favorite songs from the other one's album. 

The Booth Brothers' set was also a highlight of the night. I love hearing Ronnie Booth on "Then I Met the Master." They paid tribute to Mosie Lister tonight. They ended their set with "Still Feelin' Fine" where they pulled up both Steve Ladd and Jim Brady to help them close!

I love how they are doing the finales each night. The entire Heritage of Gold set was amazing!! Heritage of Gold included Gold City, the LeFevre Quartet, Steve Ladd, Jay Parrack and Vocal Event and Wilburn and Wilburn. The band even included Gold City alum Jeff Easter on bass. They sang favorites like "When I Get Carried Away," "One Scarred Hand" and "Not Giving Up." Tim Riley was there and featured on "Under Control," sounding great! They ended the night with "Midnight Cry," perfect end to the night!!

Highlights of the Night - 

• "Greatest of All Miracles" - Jim Brady Trio
• "Truth Is Marching On" - Legacy Five (with Jim Brady)
• "Jesus Saves" - LeFevre Quartet
• "Something's Happening" - The Hoppers
• "If I Shout" - Jason Crabb
• "Then I Met the Master" - Booth Brothers
• "Midnight Cry" - Heritage of Gold

Booth Brothers - Still - CD Review

The Booth Brothers released Still in July. This is the group's first recording with Paul Lancaster at baritone. Jim Brady was not only a main-stay in this group for more than a decade but also provided the group with some of its best songs from his pen. While Jim is not on the project vocally, he did write two of the songs on the album.

Paul Lancaster is a great fit for this group. His voice complements Michael and Ronnie's well. I was really impressed when I saw them live for the first time in Branson and then with this project I was even more convinced.

"Jesus Saves" has to be the stand out song of the project for me. The Collingsworth Family joins the trio on this song. The group sang it at NQC last year introducing Paul to fans for the first time. It was a powerful moment then, and it's a powerful moment of the project. Paul does an incredible job on the song.

"I Am the Word" was another standout song. The orchestration behind the song really makes it build and makes it a highlight. Ronnie is featured on this song. I'm a big fan of Ronnie's voice, and I like that on this project he tackles a few different styles. "Down by the River" is another favorite on this project that Ronnie sings, but it definitely has a modern country flair. This song will have your toe tapping and your hands clapping along! "Dirt on my Hands" also has a country flavor but in different way from the previously mentioned song. It has more of a Booth Brothers sound.

"Wild Flower" features Michael. It's the testimony song for Michael's wife Vicki. It really shows the tender side of Michael's voice. He does an amazing job on this song. Rebecca Peck wrote the song just for Vicki and her story. It's a beautiful song that paints Vicki's story so well.

Paul sings on "Touch of the Master's Hand." I love his take on this song. Definitely another highlight of the album! "Faith Keeps Walking" is the song that starts the project that also allows Paul to showcase his voice. I really loved this song in a live setting. The song really shows how well the guys blend together.

The title song, "Still," features both Michael and Ronnie on the verses. Jim Brady wrote the song. The song is a beautiful reminder that no matter what God's on the throne and He's in control. That never changes.

The Booth Brothers prove why they continue to be at the top of this industry with this release. I think it really showcases this new lineup well. It's an album that you'll definitely want to add to your collection!


Song List -

1. "Faith Keeps Walking"
2. "Happy Rhythm"
3. "Still"
4. "Dirt on my Hands"
5. "I Am the Word"
6. "Touch of the Master's Hand"
7. "Whenever I Speak His Name"
8. "Down by the River"
9. "Wild Flower"
10. "Jesus Saves"

Day of Worship - Silver Dollar City Southern Gospel Picnic - August 30,2015

So when you're missing out on being at Silver Dollar City during the Gospel Festival, what do you do? Blog about how much fun the day before was.

We started Sunday at the worship service with the Hosea Bilyeu Family. It was a great time of worship and a fantastic message. Really enjoy seeing this family and them leading in worship!

We saw four more groups during the day. Here are the highlights -

The Craguns

• This was my first time to see this group live, and I certainly hope it's not the last. 
• "Pass Me Not" - They sang this song a cappella! It was absolutely amazing!!
• "I Want to Be a Servant"
• "I Believe" - They ended with this song. Their bass has one of the smoothest voices I've ever heard. 

The Browns

• "Sinners Come to the River" - Vocals and violins on this song were fantastic!
• "Didn't It Rain" - Andrew Brown has to be the most energetic singer in Southern Gospel. He knocked it out of the park.
• "Great Is Thy Faithfulness/ Majesty"

Karen Peck and New River

• "Pray Now"
• "Four Days Late" - Always a highlight, but it was really special. Karen went over time in order to sing this song in the last show. It was immediately after leading the audience in "The Old Rugged Cross."
• "We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown"
• Ricky Braddy was filling in for the weekend. He did a great job. He sang the song "Were You There" a cappella, a definite highlight!

Booth Brothers

• This was my first chance to see Paul Lancaster with the group. I was definitely impressed with him. Great fit for the group!
• It was a great night like they all have been, but probably one of the more worshipful concerts I've experienced in Echo Hollow.
• "Touch of the Master's Hand"
• "Jesus Saves" - They ended the first half with this song! Wow, powerful moment!
• "Through It All"
• "Feeling Fine" and "Still Feeling Fine" - Both fun songs, and they ended the night with "Still Feeling Fine."
• "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" - Ronnie said during intermission and product pitch that Paul sang this song better than anyone he had ever heard. After hearing him live, I have to agree! Just incredible!!
• "I Am the Word" - Great song and probably the moment of the night!

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - August 15

Here are some news and tidbit items from this week in gospel music -

• Roger Fortner is coming off the road. He's been traveling with the McKameys for 28 years. He plans to return to full-time studio work.
• Crossroads music has added Dixie and Sharon Phillips to its family of writers. The duo wrote the popular Talleys' song "Hidden Heroes," which was recently nominated for a Dove Award. They were also the winners of the 2012 Singing News/ Solid Gospel Songwriter Search.
• The 2015 Dove Awards were announced this week in Nashville. You can read more here.
• Daywind added Aaron Wilburn to its songwriting staff. Aaron is probably most known for his comedy. He's had a number of songwriting hits over the years including "Four Days Late."
• The Booth Brothers, Ernie Haase and Signature Sound and IMC Concerts have announced a Brotherhood Tour. The groups had success earlier in the year with this tour on the West Coast. They plan to add eight more dates in October and November.
• Wayne Haun will launch a new show "Southern Gospel Today" on the Solid Gospel Network starting Monday. It will be on from 2 - 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Anything I've missed?

Fun Clip Friday - Mosie Lister and Booth Brothers

In memory of Mosie Lister's passing yesterday, here's a video post in tribute to him today. This one features the Booth Brothers with him on "Feelin' Mighty Fine." Please continue to pray for his family during this time.

Enjoy a flashback from 2003 for today's Fun Clip Friday.

Top Moment #5 of 2015 - Booth Brothers, Paul Lancaster, Collingsworth Family - National Quartet Convention

The countdown continues today with the #5 moment of 2014. This moment came courtesy of National Quartet Convention. On Thursday night, the Booth Brothers took the stage for one of their last times with Jim Brady.

The Booth Brothers and the Jim Brady Trio have had one of the smoothest transitions of group member changes. Michael, Ronnie and Jim have shown that they are true class acts in announcing that Jim is leaving and the formation of Jim's new group with his wife Melissa. On Thursday night of NQC, they called up the new Booth Brother Paul Lancaster to join them on stage. Then, Michael also invited the Collingsworth Family up to join them. The song was "Jesus Saves" which both groups recorded. It was an incredible moment to welcome Paul into the group, to NQC and show the camaraderie they all have for each other.

Paul was featured on the song with the Collingsworth Family backing up the Booth Brothers! Such an incredible moment and worthy of making the top 10 list!!

The countdown continues later this week!