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"

Saturday Night - National Quartet Convention

Well, NQC 2017 has now come to an end. Since I first discovered gospel music as a teenager, I heard about the National Quartet Convention and how it was a "must" event for gospel music fans. It's been a "bucket list" item for a while for me, and this week I got to check it off. It's truly been an incredible week. I've gotten to attend more than 42 hours of concerts during this week (and I didn't even go to everything!).

This morning's chapel was a hymn sing hosted by Gerald Wolfe and Dr. Tim Hill speaking. It was one of the most precious times of worship I've ever been a part of. The message was one of the best I've ever heard. This afternoon, we got to see a Dixie Melody Boys reunion and a tribute to the television show The Gospel Singing Jubilee.

Here's a look at highlights and commentary from tonight -

• The reunions and tributes were my favorite sets of the night. The Gold City reunion featured Jay Parrack, Mark Trammell, Jonathan Wilburn and the one and only Tim Riley. The Perrys reunion went through the decades starting with the original Perry siblings - Libbi, Debra and Randy. They sang clips of all their hits through the decades. Then, the Nelons did a sweet tribute to Rex Nelon. They had Jason's dad, Dan Clark, singing bass for them. They all lived up to the hype!
• Tribute and the Isaacs had the longer sets tonight. Tribute got to sing a lot from Here For You. Sonya (who hosted along with Scotty Inman tonight) got to give part of her testimony before singing "I Love You More."
• The finale of the night featured #1 songs from eight different groups. Well, except for the Kingdom Heirs who were supposed to sing "Joys of Heaven" but there was a track issue. They ended up having Gerald Wolfe come up and play piano for them on "I Know He Heard My Prayer." This ended up being such a great moment!

Key Performances -

• "I'd Rather Have Jesus" - The Blackwood Brothers featuring Michael Helwig
• "Scars in the Hands of Jesus" - Diplomats
• "When He Calls I'll Fly Away" - Gold City Reunion
• "Every Cry Is Heard" - Jim Brady Trio
• "Jesus Saves" - Tribute Quartet
• "I Wish I Could Have Been There" - The Perrys Reunion
• "Just When You Thought" - Joseph Habedank
• "Damascus Road" - Kingdom Heirs
• "He Is Mine and I Am His" - The Hoppers
• "I Love You More" - The Isaacs
• "It's Almost Over" - The Mark Trammell Quartet
• "Oh, For a Thousand Tongues" - The Nelons
• "Then Came The Morning" - Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
• "Til the Storm Passes By" - Greater Vision

National Quartet Convention - Thursday Night

Day four of the National Quartet Convention is in the books. I attended the afternoon showcase of Aaron Wilburn and the Gaither Homecoming sing-along. I have to say that the two-hour Homecoming sing has been my favorite part thus far of convention. I've never had an experience quite like that one. When I've been to Homecoming concerts in the past, there have never been that many artists on stage at one time.


So for the evening concert, here are highlights -

• Tonight was a sell out. Of course, the Gaither Vocal Band was the closer tonight. They had an extended set as well as the Hoppers.
• The reminder of Heaven was a major theme tonight. Jim Brady shared of his dad's passing and the song that came out of that. Mike LeFevre said goodbye to his mom only a few weeks ago and shared about her passing and then they sang a tribute to her.
• Patriotism was another theme of the night as it has been all week. The Nelons sang several from their recent Americana project. Selah actually joined the Nelons during their set. Of course, Legacy Five sang and played a couple as well. 
• Bill Gaither came up during the Hoppers' set talking about the new album he just worked on with them. Mark Trammell paid a touching tribute to Gaither before singing his song "The King Is Coming."
• The Gaither Vocal Band set was great tonight and gave us something different from what we had been hearing this week. Mark Trammell Quartet, the Hoppers and Tribute Quartet also had some of my favorite sets of the night.

Key Performances -

• "I'll Worship You Again" - The Taylors
• "To Say Goodbye" - LeFevre Quartet
• "When Grandpa Sang Amazing Grace" - The Nelons
• "Hallelujah, Praise the Lamb" - The Talleys
• "It Is Well" (a cappella) - The Isaacs
• "The King Is Coming" - Mark Trammell Quartet
• "Farewell, But Not Forever" - Jim Brady Trio
• "What a Meeting in the Air" - Tribute Quartet
• "Be An Overcoming" - The Hoppers
• "Facts Are Facts" - The Booth Brothers
• "'Til the Storm Passes By" - Gaither Vocal Band
• "It Is Finished" - Gaither Vocal Band

Wrapping Up Southern Gospel Picnic

Well I'm finally getting a chance to wrap up the rest of Southern Gospel Picnic at Silver Dollar City. On Sunday, we enjoyed a great morning service with Dennis Swanberg. I got to see Voices of Lee, Jeff Stice and the Martins later that day. Then on Monday, I enjoyed the last day of the festival with Spoken 4 Quartet, the Diplomats and the Isaacs before heading back to the real world.

Here are highlights from the last two days -

Voices of Lee

This was my first time seeing this group live, and I was impressed!

• "The Lord's Prayer"
• "No Longer a Slave" - This song featured Tripp Hess (son of Judy Martin Hess). Since the Martins sang that night, his mom and other family members were there to support him. He did a great job on this feature!
• "Higher"
• "Gloryland Medley"

Jeff Stice

• Andre Crouch Medley
• "Hallelujah Chorus"
• He brought Maddy on stage to sing "Sing." At 12 years old, she has quite a good voice!

The Martins

• "He Leadeth Me"
• "Love's Gonna Drive This Train"
• "The Promise" - One of my favorite gospel songs ever. Love hearing this long live!
• "Out of His Great Love"
• "On Days Like This" - This is a new song that will be on their upcoming album. I think I have the title right. It was great hearing new material from them!
• "You'll Never Walk Alone" - No one does a cappella like they do!
• "Love Enough"
• "I'm Still Standing" - Another new one that featured Judy!
• "So High" - They were about to close the night when Duane Garren came out and said they had to sing this song! I'm glad he did!

Spoken 4 Quartet

• "I Know My God Can Do It"
• "Blessed Assurance" 
• "Because He Lives" - Love hearing them on the classic hymns.
• "Light at the End of the Darkness" - Great hearing Cecil featured on this song!

The Diplomats

• "Sheltered in the Arms of God"
• "Walking With Jesus"
• "Scars on the Hands of Jesus" - Harold Reed was featured on this song. Love this one!
• Their live band is incredible!
• "I Wouldn't Take Nothing for my Journey Now"

The Isaacs

• "Rocks"
• "I Love You More" - Love hearing Sonya's testimony with this song. Definitely the moment of the night!
• "If That Isn't Love"
• "I Find It All in You"
• "Yours Amen"
• "Lord's Prayer" - You can't beat family a cappella harmonies.
• "Walk On"
• "If That's What It Takes" - Ben gave a bit of testimony before singing this song talking about how much it meant to him. 

It was a great festival again this year! Thank you Silver Dollar City, Brad Thomas, DA Callaway and Duane Garren for all you do to make this event happen each year!

Absolutely Gospel Awards 2017

The Absolutely Gospel Music Awards were held last night in Nashville. I always look forward to this awards show every year. It does a great job of highlighting achievements made over the past year and showcasing different groups.

Thanks to Absolutely Gospel for Facebook Live streaming the event. I got to watch most of it last night. Before the full list of winners, here are a few of my thoughts/ observations about the ceremony -

• I loved The Isaacs' acceptance for their award for Nature’s Symphony in 432 talking about the album and how much it meant to them because of all they walked through in the past couple years. They talked about how it was such a reminder of God's faithfulness and then seeing Sonya up there with her new baby was just icing on the cake!
• Each of the genre recording of the year awards were exactly as I would have picked. 
• Loved Karen Peck Gooch getting recognition for her songwriting! Her humility in her speech and how much she appreciated the award was so evident.
• The Bowling Sisters had one of the performances of the night. And it was apparent the crowd loved it. These girls not only showed their vocal chops, but they had church on stage.
• Another performance of the night was the Nelons. Not many groups can just get on stage and sing an a cappella hymn like that.
• Lauren Talley and Riley Harrison Clark were great hosts for the night. And their duet was amazing!
• It was sweet seeing Amy Zika getting the Susan Unthank Memorial Award.

Here's the full list of Absolutely Gospel Music award winners:

Song of the Year: “Home” – Jason Crabb (written by Gerald Crabb)

Album of the Year: Nature’s Symphony in 432 – The Isaacs (produced by Ben Isaacs)

Pacesetter: Crossroads Music Group

Breakthrough Artist of the Year: The Wilbanks

Male Vocalist of the Year: Riley Harrison Clark (Tribute Quartet)

Female Vocalist of the Year: Chris Freeman (The Freemans)

Male Group of the Year: Ball Brothers

Female Group of the Year: Bowling Sisters

Mixed Group of the Year: Karen Peck & New River

Songwriter of the Year (Artist): Karen Peck Gooch (Karen Peck & New River)

Songwriter of the Year (Professional): Sue C. Smith

Producer of the Year (Artist): Ben Isaacs (The Isaacs)

Producer of the Year (Professional): Cody McVey

Engineer of the Year: Van Atkins

Musician of the Year: Josh Singletary (Tribute Quartet)

Traditional Song of the Year: “Amazing God” – Triumphant Quartet (written by Lee Black, Janice Crow and Sue C. Smith)

Traditional Recording of the Year: Here For You – Tribute (produced by Wayne Haun)

Progressive Song of the Year: “Calling” – Karen Peck & New River (written by Jason Cox, Gerald Crabb and Karen Peck Gooch)

Progressive Recording of the Year: What a Moment – 11th Hour (produced by Jeff Collins)

Country Song of the Year: “Christ My Hope, My Glory” – HIGHROAD with Jason Crabb (written by Sarah Davison and Kenna West)

Country Recording of the Year: Nature’s Symphony in 432 – The Isaacs (produced by Terry Bradshaw and Ben Isaacs)

Special Event Project of the Year: The Hinson Side of Me – Chris Freeman (produced by Darrell Freeman)

Music Video of the Year: “The People In the Line” – The Talleys (directed by Jared Meyers of Meyers Media, LLC)

Fan Favorite Artist of the Year: Karen Peck & New River

Susan Unthank Memorial Award: Amy Marie Zika

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - April 1

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

• Audrey Woods, mother of Tim Woods and grandmother of Jim Hutson (The Woodmen Quartet) and Bryan Hutson (formerly of The Kingsmen and Soul'd Out Quartet) passed away at her home on Sunday, March 26. 
• The Gaither Homecoming Magazine is now rebranded as Back Home. Jason Crabb is featured on the inaugural cover.
• Congratulations to Jimmy and Sonya (Isaacs) Yeary who welcomed a baby girl on Friday. Evya Marcella Yeary was 8 lb., 6 oz. and 21 in. She is welcomed by big brothers Ayden and Gatlyn. 

Anything I've missed?

Fun Clip Friday - Isaacs at Spring Break NQC

The National Quartet Convention Spring Break events started last weekend in Louisville and is going on again this weekend in Sevierville. Here's a clip from the Isaacs last weekend. With Sonya Isaacs Yeary's due date so soon, Judy Martin Hess was filling in for Sonya. Check out the clip below for today's Fun Clip Friday.

Fun Clip Friday - Isaacs and Reba

Happy Friday to everyone. A few weeks ago Reba McEntire released a new gospel album. The project featured the Isaacs as well a song written by Joseph Habedank. The Isaacs got the chance to perform with Reba at the Ryman during a special concert.

Check out the clip below from the Isaacs' Facebook page for today's Fun Clip Friday!

Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day! It's a day when we celebrate the love we have with the people God has placed in our lives. For many that's a spouse or significant other or it could be children, parents or grandchildren or could even just be good friends. But let's not forget the greatest love of all. Here are a few love songs to think about the great love that God has for us!

Top CDs of 2016

It's time to look at the best of 2016. There were many "must-buy" projects this year, but who came out on top? Of the 25 projects I reviewed that were released this year, here's my list of top 10 -

10. Undivided - Master's Voice 
Favorite songs - "Lord of Mercy" and "Everything the Blood Touches"

9. Only Faith Can See - The Erwins
Favorite songs - "Chasing After You" and "He's My Everything"

8. Family Harmony/ Stronger Together - The Nelons
The Nelons released two projects this year on the same day. I went back and forth on this, but decided to call it a tie and put them in the same spot at #8. 
Favorite songs - "We Shall Behold Him," "I Just Can't Make It By Myself," "Family Chain" and "You Can't Make Old Friends"

7. In the Hands of a Carpenter - Legacy Five
Favorite songs - "In the Hands of a Carpenter" and "Grace Will Find You"

6. Life Is Good - The Hoppers
Favorite songs - "Jesus, the One" and "Life Is Good"

5. This Changes Everything - Cana's Voice
Favorite songs - "Jesus Never Fails," "Same Hands" and "All My Reasons Are You"

4. Refreshing - Second-Half Quartet
Favorite songs - "Cheer the Weary Traveler," "Remind Me of Calvary" and "The Prodigal Son"

3. What a Moment - 11th Hour
Favorite songs - "When God Shows Up," "He Welcomes the Beggar" and "I Trust"

2. Nature's Symphony in 432 - The Isaacs
Favorite songs - "Rocks," "I Love You More" and "This Is the Year"

1. Here for You - Tribute Quartet
Favorite songs - "Nothing Stops the Savior's Love," "God of the Storms" and "Somebody Sing Me That Song"

When I first heard Tribute's new project this year, I knew it was the best they had ever released. Every song on the project is worthy of repeating. It was hard just picking the top three of my favorite songs. To me, this was the best CD released in 2016.

What are your top albums of 2016?

Nature's Symphony in 432 - The Isaacs - CD Review

I wanted to squeeze in one more CD review before the end of the year and before I made the list of best albums of the year. The final one for the year is the Isaacs' release Nature Symphony in 432.

The Isaacs released Nature’s Symphony in 432 is recorded in ‘Verdi’s A tuning,’ which is warm and gentle to the ear. Apparently, this is also the natural tuning for animals, like birds singing, whales bellowing explaining a bit more about the title and concept. Several songs have "nature" names - "Fields," "Rocks" and "Bird on the Wing."

Almost every song on the 15-song project was co-written by Becky Bowman and Sonya Yeary. Sonya's husband, Jimmy, also was a co-writer on several.

The first song I heard on this project was "I Love You More" in a live concert setting. I remember that night what an incredible song that was and especially coming off Sonya telling the testimony of the baby she and Jimmy lost. It's such a heartfelt, raw and reflective song about how God doesn't always answer prayers like we want, but ultimately it will draw us closer to him. We will love him more for it. Sonya's performance on this song is just incredible. "Keep Breathing" is another deeply personal song that Sonya delivers so well.

The Isaacs' break out of their typical shell a bit with "Lord of My Heart," which has a more praise and worship style to it. Becky is featured on this song. "Dining With the King" is probably my favorite Becky feature on the project. This song tells the story of Mephibosheth and how David pulled him from poverty showing kindness to him let him dine with the king.

"This Is the Year" is a song that pays tribute to their Jewish heritage about the Year of Jubilee. The end of 2015 to late 2016 was the Year of Jubilee according to Hebrew calendars. The song starts with the blowing of the shofar. It does a great job of featuring all members of the group. It's a great contrast of celebration after a wilderness time in our lives.

The bluegrass is turned up on "Bird on the Wing," which features Sonya. Another country/ bluegrass uptempo song is "God Is Still With Me." It's a fun song to break up a lot of ballads, but still keeps with the same theme of the album.

Lily sings on "I Find It All in You," which is a great ballad that speaks to the peace and rest we find in Christ. "If That's What It Takes" is another heartfelt, tender song featuring Ben. This song is sometimes a scary prayer, asking God to do things to get our attention and humble if it will draw us closer to Him. It's a sweet surrender to God, to do whatever it takes to be closer to Him.

"Rocks" is one of my favorites from this project. It tells the story of the adulterous woman. It's easy to reach down and pick up rocks to throw at people, but think about how our rocks (words) can hurt them and think about the sins in our own lives because we throw rocks at others. It's got a great country feel, and, let's be honest, a great message that we all need to be reminded of.

The project ends with "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" where producer Terry Bradshaw joins them.

I'm going to say that this is the strongest family group project released in 2016. See where it actually ended up on my list of best in 2016 later this week. In the meantime, make sure you pick up a copy of this project if you don't already have it!


Song List -
1. "Nature's Symphony"
2. "Fields"
3. "I Love You More"
4. "Lord of My Heart"
5. "This Is the Year"
6. "Bird on the Wing"
7. "Keep Breathing"
8. "I Find It All in You"
9. "Rocks"
10. "If That's What It Takes"
11. "Yours Amen"
12. "God Is Still With Me"
13. "Dining With the King"
14. "None So Lovely"
15. "Great Is Thy Faithfulness"

Wrapping Up Southern Gospel Picnic 2016 - Silver Dollar City

Well, I am back in the real working world, so my last recap of Silver Dollar City's Southern Gospel Picnic is a little late coming.

The last day of the picnic wrapped up with me seeing 11th Hour, the Kingsmen and the Isaacs, who typically close out the festival each year.


11th Hour

They started their set with "Mountain Moving Faith," and then Jaquita was featured on "Bound," two great songs from their most recent project.

Then Grant and Amber were featured on the verses of the classic "He'll Roll You Over the Tide." Love hearing them sing this one live!

Amber sang "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" a cappella and wow! She did an incredible job! They sang two more of their most popular songs, "Jesus Is in the House" and "Room With a View" before the end of the set.


Kingsmen Quartet

This was my first chance to see the Kingsmen with new tenor Joshua Horrell. He's doing a great job with them so far and brings a lot of energy on stage. He was featured on "He's All I Need," beautiful job!

It was good to hear a mix of classic Kingsmen with some of their newer songs. They started the set with "Beautiful City" and then sang "Battle Cry" and "I Know" both from their most recent project.

They ended with "Saints Will Rise," which was a fun one to close with!


The Isaacs

The Isaacs took the stage for the last night of the 12-day festival.

They just released their new project Nature's Symphony in 432. They sang several from that project. It was great to hear all of the new songs. They sang a couple of more uptempo ones like "Bird on the Wing," "This Is the Year" and "Rocks." One of my favorites they sang from the new project was "I Love You More." Sonya gave her testimony about her miscarriage and explained where the song came from.

It doesn't get much better than the Isaacs a cappella. They sang "The Lord's Prayer" right before intermission; it was incredible!!

It's good to see the next generation of Isaacs on stage. Levi is playing with his family now and was even featured singing on the John Denver song, "Back Home Again."

They, of course, sang several favorites like "Walk On," "If That Isn't Love," "Stand Still" and "I Have a Father Who Can." They ended the night and the festival with "He Ain't Never Done Me Nothin' But Good." I can't think of a better way to close it!

Night of Worship - Isaacs Concert Recap

The Isaacs were in Russellville, Arkansas a few weeks ago. It hadn't been that long since I had seen them. They were at the Gaither Christmas Homecoming in mid-December, but it wasn't a full concert by themselves. It was also shortly after Sonya and Jimmy had their new baby. So it was good to see all of the family back together for a full concert!

I arrived at the church about 20 minutes before the concert, and already they had a packed house. Thankfully, there were still a few seats left in the balcony where I quickly made my way. 

The Isaacs

The Isaacs started the night with "Walk On." This is a great concert opener that really gets the crowd going. They then sang "That Is Why I Sing" and then "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive," which is always a fun song. 

Sonya talked about the love of God and how hard it is to comprehend. She talked a little bit about the new love in her life, baby Gatlyn Solomon. She said he came a little early just so she wouldn't still be on maternity leave for this concert. The love she has for her children help her understand the love that God has for us just a little better. They then sang "If That Isn't Love." I think their version of this song might be my favorite. Love hearing them sing that song! Sonya then led the congregation in "Oh How I Love Jesus."

Becky then gave her testimony with Crohn's Disease. The doctors told her that there was no cure for what she was going through. She decided to sign up for an experimental program in Nashville, but as of this month she's five years medication free. She was featured on "Waiting in the Water," which has become her testimony song. This is one of my favorites that she has written. It was definitely a highlight of the evening! They picked up the tempo next with "Get on Board." After the introductions, they sang "Why Can't We." I love the message of this song!

Lily then read an excerpt from her book about her mother being saved from the gas chamber line in the concentration camp. She said that her friend may not have known what her actions did that day when she insisted that Lily's mother stay in line with her, but God knew. Becky then sang "I Know Who Holds Tomorrow." And then the family sang "The Lord's Prayer" a cappella. There is nothing better than hearing the Isaacs sing a cappella! They are absolutely incredible!

To start the second half, the Isaacs sang "Four Men Walking Around" and "The Three Bells." Sonya had someone request "I'm Gonna Love You Through It" during intermission, so they sang that one next. Love hearing them sing this song!

They pulled out another Dottie Rambo classic next with "Mama's Teaching Angels How to Sing." Then, they sang "Stand Still." This was definitely the highlight of the night. You could feel the Spirit moving on this song. Becky moved to the other side of the stage because she felt like she needed to sing to someone specifically on that side of the congregation. I love the message of this song. It was just an incredible moment. 

Sonya shared her testimony of the miscarriage she suffered in 2014. She lost her baby girl after carrying it for six months. She said that in that moment she had the decision to really be mad at God, because He can do anything and He could have healed her baby. She instead decided to trust God, knowing how much He loved her. She said when she found out they were expecting, she was so scared. She had a few complications but thankfully she delivered a healthy baby boy on December 8. Through all of this, they began writing songs and drawing closer to God. She said all of these new songs on their project really take you from pain to praise. She said after the loss, she loves the Lord more. She said because He's brought me through more, she has more to be thankful for. They sang one of their newer songs next "I'll Love You More." Beautiful song! 

They ended the night with "It Is Well." Beautiful way to end the service. It's always great to see this family! Be sure to check their schedule and see when they will be near you!

Top Moment #4 of 2015 - Sonya Isaacs Yeary's testimony

In February I attended an Isaacs concert at the University of Central Arkansas. While I love their music, this concert made this list not because of what was sung, but what was said.

The concert came just a few months after Sonya and Jimmy Yeary lost their baby. Sonya gave a powerful testimony that night about the loss they experienced and how God gave them strength through it.

Sonya was 5 1/2 months pregnant. Their little girl already had a name, but she began having some issues. When she went to the doctor, there was no heartbeat. Sonya had to deliver the baby because of danger to her health but instead of having a new baby full of life to take home, her baby had already gone home to Heaven.

Thankfully, Sonya and Jimmy delivered a healthy baby boy just a few weeks ago, but here are a few nuggets of what she shared that night -

"It was one of those moments where I understood finally the peace that passes all understanding. That's what we had. And we knew that peace because we trust God and because we don't have any question about how He loves us....

"I can't help but think about how much I love the Lord tonight. And the reason why tonight I love Him more now than I did a year ago is that He's brought me through more. He was faithful to me when I needed Him the most.

"When tragedy comes and trials of life come as they will, we have two choices. We can run to God and say, 'Hold me Father.' Or the other choice is to run away from God, be angry at Him, and somehow act like it was His fault. If you want the peace that will get you through the trials of life, run to God."

It was such a powerful testimony of honesty and vulnerability. It was a reminder of how the trials of life can bring you closer to God and that should be their purpose. If you'll let Him, God will use those times in your life to make your walk with Him closer than it's ever been before.

Top Moment #8 of 2015 - Gaither Homecoming Christmas

As I mentioned I love all things Christmas, so here's my second Christmas-related top moment of 2015. Last weekend, I had the chance to see the Gaither Homecoming Christmas tour in Little Rock. The night was just incredible.

This night on the tour featured Kevin Williams, Charlotte Ritchie (who also filled in with the Isaacs since Sonya just had a baby), Gene McDonald, the Nelons, Angie Primm, the Isaacs and the Vocal Band. I always enjoy seeing these large tour events with several groups. And the quality of the production that the Homecoming Tour puts on is just top notch. Bill Gaither knows how to read the audience well and move the night along seamlessly.

This was my first chance to see this lineup of the Gaither Vocal Band with Wes Hampton, David Phelps, Adam Crabb, Todd Suttles and Bill Gaither. I like how they sound together and their interactions on stage. They seem to really have a great time together! It was good to hear them individually featured along with the group. We really got to hear from each of the guys and what great vocalists they are!


Highlights from the night included -

• I loved getting to hear more from Charlotte Ritchie. She sounded amazing with Isaacs, pulling double duty that night!
• This was also my first chance to see Angie Primm live, wow, what a voice and what energy she has on stage!!

• Kevin Williams is just funny and super talented. He did a great job warming up the crowd and his interactions with Bill are hilarious!
• David Phelps - I think that's really all I have to say. I forget how great of a singer he is! 
• The Nelons never fail to impress me with their vocals. It's great to see Autumn have more of a presence on stage with them.
• The younger generations are all having a greater role. Levi Bowman joined his family on stage during the second half and was featured, singing with his mother and Autumn.
• I liked how the second half was more of a sing-along. The groups and various members were showcased but the audience got to join in some!

Here's a clip that the Nelons had on their Facebook page from one of their stops on the tour -

From the Gaither Christmas Tour tonight, we not only celebrate the birth of Jesus, we celebrate His life and Ressurection! Please share and enjoy
Posted by The Nelons on Thursday, December 10, 2015

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - December 12

It's been slow news lately, but I'm back at trying to do this each Saturday. Here are some news items from this week in gospel music -

• Congratulations to Sonya and Jimmy Yeary and big brother Ayden on the new addition to their family. Gatlyn Solomon Yeary was born on December 8 weighing 8 lbs. and 10 oz.
• Labreeska Hemphill, matriarch of the Hemphill family, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 9. She was 75 years old. Her service in Nashville will be at Christ Church at 2 p.m. on Saturday. It will be livestreamed for those wanting to watch online, you can go to http://www.christchurchnashville.org.
• Congratulations to Karen Peck and New River and Jason Crabb who received Grammy nominations this week!

Anything I've missed?

Silver Dollar City Southern Gospel Picnic - Sept. 7

I'm a little late getting up the recap of the last day at Silver Dollar City up. It was back to the real world for me first thing on Tuesday unfortunately. No more days full of gospel music, but actual work! However, the great time we had at Silver Dollar City was definitely worth the pile of work waiting for me when I returned to work!

Silver Dollar City's Southern Gospel Picnic went out on a high note on Monday night. I was able to see five different groups on Monday night including two groups I had never seen live before. I wanted to get in all I could on the last day.

Here are the highlights -

Dixie Melody Boys

• I really don't think I have ever seen this group live before. I could be wrong, but if I have it was so long ago before I really kept up with all the groups and was as big of a fan as I am today. Anyway, it was good to see the legendary Ed O'Neal in person.
• "Little Is Much" - Tenor Doug Pittman really impressed on this song!
• "Family Bible" - Loved hearing Ed sing this song!
• "Hello Mama"
• "The Lord Will Make a Way Somehow"

Diplomats

• I normally just see this group at Southern Gospel Picnic and honestly I forget how good they are. With the live band, they really are a group packed full of talent.
• "He Gave Me Joy in the Storm"
• "Rainbow of Love" - Gotta love when the bass and tenor show out!
• "I'm Winging My Way Back Home" - Since Alex Utech has joined the group, his twin brother is driving the bus. They brought out Andrew to sing in the quartet on this song.
• "Unclouded Day" - Instrumental
• "God Walks the Dark Hills" - Rita knocked this one out of the park!

Sunday Drive

• This was a new group to me. Although, when Jeff Treece was making the group introductions I definitely recognized that name. He played for the McKameys for many years and had The Jeff Treece Band for a few years as well.
• "Jesus Loves Me, This I Know"
• "Happy Happy Happy" - Great song. I actually heard this on the radio a few days before I saw them in person. The song caught my attention, and I had to find out who was singing!
• "I Wouldn't Take Nothing for my Journey Now" - They did a great job on this Happy Goodman Family classic.
• "American Hero"

The Browders

• "Lift Up His Name"
• I love hearing Tommy Browder give his testimony. It's really incredible to hear how the Lord has worked in his life. After his testimony, he sang "I Am So Blessed."
• "Praise You in This Valley" - Such a powerful song! One of my favorites from this group.
• "Fall on my Knees" - Matthew sang this one alone, definitely a powerful moment with just Sonya on the keys accompanying him.
• "Stumbling Blocks to Stepping Stones"
• "Listening for the Shout" - Great uptempo song to end their set with! 

The Isaacs

• Anytime the Isaacs sing something a cappella it's going to be a highlight! They seriously amaze me every time with their incredible harmonies. They sang several songs a cappella:
• "Walk Together Children"
• "The Lord's Prayer"
• "I Will Praise Him"
• "I Know Who Holds Tomorrow" - Becky was featured on this great hymn!
• "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive"
• "Waiting in the Water" - Becky gave a little bit of her testimony before the song.
• In addition to Becky's testimony, Sonya opened up about her miscarriage last year (She is now expecting again.) Lily also read from her book talking about all that her parents endured being Holocaust survivors. Loved that they opened up and shared their hearts.
• "Four Men Walkin' Around"
• "Get On Board"
• "He Ain't Never Done Me Nothing But Good" - What a great way to end the night and the festival!!

Fun Clip Friday - The Isaacs and Terry Bradshaw

The Isaacs had a special guest join them on stage recently during a concert in Texas. Terry Bradshaw, former NFL player and TV analyst, was at a concert. The Isaacs convinced him to join them on stage for the hymn, "What a Day That Will Be." Who knew that this Hall of Famer was such a gospel music fan and could sing? Watch the video below from the Isaacs' Facebook page for today's Fun Clip Friday!

What an honor to have our friend Terry Bradshaw in concert last night. Listen to this!!!!
Posted by The Isaacs on Sunday, April 12, 2015

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - April 4

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

• Rickey Gooch began treatments for cancer on March 3. He is undergoing chemo and radiation. Please keep him, Karen and their family in your prayers. See the full update.
• Congratulations to Heather Ruppe (Sisters) who married Blake Bennett last night.
• The Isaacs will be featured on Sirius XM this weekend on the Bluegrass Junction. Tune in at 11 today and 4 p.m. Sunday to hear them.
• Jon Epley (formerly of the Inspirations) is now singing bass with the Ball Brothers. Andy Tharp previously held the position.

Anything I've missed?

Bringing Church to the University - Isaacs Concert Recap

If you’ve read my blog for any time, you have probably realized that if my schedule is free and a gospel group is close, I’ll be there. As a result, I’ve visited a lot of churches in the Central Arkansas area and even a few farther away. However, Friday night was a first. I got to see the Isaacs at the University of Central Arkansas.

The large college auditorium was pretty full when we got there. You could tell the audience was going to be a mix of those who had seen the Isaacs before and those who had not. Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect with the popular bluegrass gospel group being at a public university. It was going to be a completely different setting than your typical church service. While it might not have been at a church, I was so impressed with how the Isaacs ministered to the audience, and they truly brought the church atmosphere with them.

The Isaacs - Becky Isaacs Bowman, Lily Isaacs, Sonya Isaacs Yeary
and Ben Isaacs

The Isaacs took the stage and started with “Walk On.” Then, they kept the uptempo pace going with “Four Men Walking Around.” Lily then was featured on “That Is Why I Sing.”

Sonya talked about how they liked all different style of music and had several different influences musically. They then sang a song from the 1940s, “Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive.”

Becky then stepped up to sing one of their newer singles, “I Wanna Be There.” Becky, Sonya and Sonya’s husband Jimmy wrote the song. Such a beautiful song! Then they sang “The Lord’s Prayer” a cappella. The Isaacs are one of those groups that give you chills each time they sing something a cappella. As much as I love the fact that they have so many live instruments on stage, I love hearing them put the instruments down and enjoying the family harmonies. So incredible!!

Becky then gave her testimony and her battle with Crohn’s Disease before singing “Waiting in the Water.” This is a song she wrote as her testimony song. This is becoming one of my favorite Isaacs songs. We all have steps of faith to take in our Christian walks. And sometimes He’s just waiting on us to take that first step for our own miracle.

Sonya then introduced her mother and siblings. She talked a lot about Lily’s book. If you haven’t had a chance to get it, you should definitely check it out!

Ben then got to introduce Sonya and Ayden, Sonya and Jimmy’s 3-year-old son. He ran around the stage and told a joke and then got to play the drums. It was too cute!

They then picked up the tempo again with “Get on Board.” Lily read an excerpt from her book that had to do with her father. She talked about the regrets and things she wished she could have told him. She said that she didn’t get to know him the way she had wished she could have. She had a lot of unanswered questions. This set up “In the Living Years” perfectly. The first half ended with “I Will Praise Him” a cappella. Absolutely incredible and the highlight of the first half!!

After intermission, they kicked off the second half with “I’m Gonna Move,” always a favorite, and “Heroes.” Then, they sang the Dottie Rambo classic “Mama’s Teaching Angels How to Sing” for a lady in the audience whose mom had just passed away at 93.

Ben then sang the always crowd favorite “Three Bells.” The audience seriously always has such a huge reaction every time I’ve heard them sing this song. Then, Sonya was featured on “Grandpa Tell Me About the Good Ole Days.” Loved hearing this one too! They sang another Dottie Rambo song, “If That Isn’t Love.”

Then, Sonya gave her testimony of her and her husband Jimmy losing their baby girl in October. Sonya said they were beside themselves with this new baby so they would have one of each. She started having some complications and went to the ER. They couldn’t find the baby’s heartbeat. She was more than five months along. She said that she questioned God why this would happen, but through prayer God gave them strength. She said in that moment God gave her the peace that passes all understanding. She talked about how much more she loves God now and how much closer to God they are now because of what He brought them through. It was such a touching story and amazing testimony of how God used that situation in their lives. They then sang “It Is Well.” It was a beautiful moment and such an amazing way to share Jesus.

They closed the night with “He Ain’t Never Done Me Nothing But Good."

I’m not sure how many chances groups get to minister like this on a college campus. And I realize that a good many of those present weren’t students, but for those that were who might not have heard of the Isaacs before got a chance to hear the gospel. They got a chance to hear of God’s love and mercy and a peace that only comes from knowing Him. While it might not have been your typical church setting for a concert, I’m thankful the Isaacs brought the Spirit’s guidance and church with them Friday night!