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My Southern Gospel Concert blog - 3/17/2007 7:34:52 AM
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Dinana
Posts: 10097
Joined: 3/28/2006
From: Kennesaw, GA
Status: offline
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I was blessed with 3 - count 'em 3 - southern gospel concerts this week.
First up was the Gaither Homecoming concert in Fairfax, Virginia, on Saturday night. During a visit to my younger daughter, we took in the concert at the Patriot Center. I was surprised that the concert wasn't a sell-out or even close to it. I'm used to seeing full arenas when the Gaithers are in town! This was the newer format of the show with fewer artists so that may have been a factor. The artists included Gaither Vocal Band, Jeff and Sheri Easter, Joy Gardner, Lynda Randle, Ben Speer, Kevin Williams, and Signature Sound. Yes, I included Kevin separately, because I'm thrilled that he's back with the tour!!! Kevin entertained us before the start of the concert and was also featured during the concert - both with his humor and his guitar! I got a good picture of him during the performance and his autograph afterwards. What a nice guy!!! I also got Wes Hampton's and Marsh Hall's autographs on a photo I had taken with them several months ago. They were both fun to talk to as well. The show met my expectations. Because there were fewer artists, we got to hear more of the Vocal Band, and as my daughter said, they can sing to me as long as they want to!!! This is my favorite configuration of the Vocal Band yet! All of the other performers were very good and the show wasn't so long that we were totally worn out like we used to be with the larger groups.
On Tuesday, we attended the season opening of Triumphant Quartet at the Miracle Theatre in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. This was an earlier than usual opening and we really enjoyed having less traffic in Pigeon Forge!!! The new show is great. They performed several of the songs that are on their new CD "You've Gotta Love It" that isn't released yet! I'm guessing at these names but I loved the songs --- "Herod Couldn't Kill Him", "He Heard My Cry", "My God Will Deliver", "Hey, Sinner", "The Great I Am Still Is", and "I Know I'm Going Home". David Sutton played "The Star Spangled Banner" on the harmonica but David and Jeff didn't do any of their wonderful harmonica/piano duets this time. (guess I'll just have to listen to my CD!) Jeff was featured on the Hallelujah Chorus" arrangement that is his trademark song, and he also did his Floyd Cramer and Ray Charles songs. There was a funny costume change that I won't go into detail about so that you can enjoy the surprise if you get to hear/see them at the theatre.
And then on Thursday night, I got to hear my favorite group - Mercy's Mark!!! I think these guys are always fabulous! It was a yukky, rainy evening, but the crowd inside really enjoyed the songs and the message. I made a list of the songs they sang, and I was just about to list my favorites --- then I realized they were ALL my favorites!!! In the first part of the program, I particularly enjoyed "Where Is God?", "When It All Starts Happening I Want to Be There", "Somebody Touched Me", Garry's keyboard solo "An Unclouded Day" (he's just incredible!), "All I Need to Know", and "Something's Happening." Then in the second part, the guys were just having too much fun (is that possible???) with "Whosoever Will" and "This Jordan". I love to see them having a good time together! Then the moment turned meditative and worshipful with "I'm Amazed" (first time I've heard it live -- great job, Brent!), "No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus" (wow, what a beautiful blend on a beautiful song!), "He Loves Me" (one of my all-time favorite songs), and ending with "Midnight Cry." It was such a wonderful concert!!!
_____________________________
< < Josh Feemster and me!
Dinana's Southern Gospel Concert Blog
www.myspace.com/dianaspages
www.youtube.com/DinanaSN
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RE: My Southern Gospel Concert blog - 3/19/2007 9:37:03 AM
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Dinana
Posts: 10097
Joined: 3/28/2006
From: Kennesaw, GA
Status: offline
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Just when I thought they couldn't get any better, they did!!! I went back to Alabama to see Mercy's Mark again last night and the service was really awesome. What a great altar call --- one salvation and several came down to pray. And one lady stood up in the middle of the church and testified. The Spirit was moving in a mighty way.
Here's the song list - - - -
Anytime
We Shall See Heaven Someday
When It All Starts Happening
He's the God of Second Chances
All I Need to Know (I LOVE this song --- Josh is so expressive on it and the words speak to me every single time I hear it.)
Somebody Touched Me (standing ovation for Brent --- it was his anniversary weekend with MMQ!)
Movin' Up to Gloryland
Life Will Be Sweeter Someday (I timed how long Brent held the long high note he always does in this song --- it was 25 seconds!!)
When He Reached Down His Hand for Me (Christian got a standing ovation for this!)
Something's Happening (another standing ovation!)
Second half:
Where Is God?
Prayer Will Take Heaven by Storm
I'm On the Battlefield (this was the best I've ever heard them do this song - - - it was SUPER!!)
Leading to the altar call:
No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus
It Is Well With My Soul
He Loves Me
congregational ---- Jesus Loves Me, There's Just Something About that Name
Altar Call:
I Surrender All
Because He Lives
Midnight Cry
Too Near Home
They just thought they were finished. Then the pastor requested a solo from Garry, so he did Unclouded Day. (I thought he did an especially good job on it!)
One other cute thing that happened during the concert ---- Garry was thanking the wives for being so supportive and Brent's and Josh's wives were there. Garry also got Ivy Mitchell (I think she's 3 years old now) to sing her high note, which he said was about three times higher than Brent. It was a really, really high little squeal. And then she turned around and said "I call Brent 'Daddy'!" It was priceless!
I'm pooped this morning - but I'd give anything to be able to see MMQ twice a week every week!
_____________________________
< < Josh Feemster and me!
Dinana's Southern Gospel Concert Blog
www.myspace.com/dianaspages
www.youtube.com/DinanaSN
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RE: My Southern Gospel Concert blog - 4/2/2007 7:34:48 AM
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Dinana
Posts: 10097
Joined: 3/28/2006
From: Kennesaw, GA
Status: offline
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Have you ever attended a concert that was so good you didn’t even know where to start to tell about it? That’s how I feel about last night’s Collingsworth Family concert in Dalton, Ga. It’s the first time I had seen the whole family in person but I had seen two of their DVDs and had seen Kim at NQC last September. But to see the family in person was incredible. We had front row seats and sat next to Eva Mae LeFevre, who is always such a fun person!! I hope I’m as bubbly and happy as she is when I’m 89 years old!
I guess I’ll just start listing the songs (I’m guessing at a couple of the names) and give my comments as I go along. . . .
Not the Same – the whole family sang on this and it was very nice.
Farther Along – solo piano by Kim
God Can Do Anything with Anything – really good song
We’ve Come to Praise the Lord
My Favorite Things -- yes, the song from The Sound of Music. Olivia (who is turning 9 today) sang solo on this one with her mom accompanying her. I’ve worked with children’s choirs for over 30 years and I’ve heard lots of kids sing, but Olivia was just outstanding on this little song. She has quite a stage presence and she was right on pitch the whole time – even though Kim’s accompaniment did not play the melody along with her at any time. When she finished, her dad talked about a concert they had been at in Florida where all they saw across the audience was white hair, so Olivia sang another verse or two with items that would be appropriate for the seniors --- things like hearing aids and I don’t remember what all, but you get the picture!!
Then the older girls and Kim sang a trio on When God Whispers in Your Heart. The blend of their voices is wonderful and it was a terrific message.
Power in the Blood – really fun violin duet with Brooklynn and Courtenay.
No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus - beautiful, beautiful violin duet.
The Sun is Always Shining – whole family
Jesus Loves Me – Brooklynn, Courtenay and Kim. I think it was a capella – and it was gorgeous!
How Can It Be – Kim – piano solo
God Is Faithful
Offertory --- trumpet and piano – What a Precious Friend Is He
Meeting in the Air – Kim – piano solo ---- I put several asterisks by this one in my notes!!! I think it’s the one she played at this year’s Pianorama – someone correct me if I’m wrong.
We Still Believe – featured Courtenay and Phil, Jr. Phil, Jr. has quite a high voice. It’ll be interesting to see how he sounds when he’s grown — he’s only 12 now (for 3 more weeks).
Without Him - this was sung by Eva Mae and she brought the audience in on the chorus. It was very touching.
Then Phil took requests from the audience and Kim put several of the songs into an impromptu medley: My Tribute, I’m in the Lord’s Army (how fun!!), Victory in Jesus, Looking for a City, and Amazing Grace.
How Great Thou Art – I can’t say enough about her spirit-filled performance of this song – you just have to be there to really experience it. It brought the house down, needless to say.
The family closed with May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You.
I don’t know when I’ve ever enjoyed a concert more than this one.
_____________________________
< < Josh Feemster and me!
Dinana's Southern Gospel Concert Blog
www.myspace.com/dianaspages
www.youtube.com/DinanaSN
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RE: My Southern Gospel Concert blog - 4/11/2007 12:17:45 PM
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Dinana
Posts: 10097
Joined: 3/28/2006
From: Kennesaw, GA
Status: offline
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I attended a Greater Vision concert on Easter evening with some family and friends. The concert was so good and we really enjoyed it. I looked back at the song list from the March 1 concert we went to and it is very similar but not exactly the same. Here's the song list with my comments.
"Tell Me The Story of Jesus" --- isn't that a great way to open a concert?
"Paid In Full Thru Jesus, Amen"
"God's Got a Bigger Thing Going On"
"My Name is Lazarus" --- one of my personal favorites!
"We Are So Blessed"
"With All the Many Miracles" - Jason is featured and really did a beautiful job on this song.
"I Know He Heard My Prayer"
"Since I Have Been Redeemed" Medley
"It is No Secret What God Can Do" - Gerald - keyboard solo but he got the congregation to sing on the chorus. He uses a pedalboard attached to the keyboard for this.
About that time, Gerald noticed a plastic Easter egg laying in about the middle of the floor right at the bottom of the stairs up to the stage. He came off the stage and returned the egg to its little owner and made a little joke about it. Gerald is so good at those ad-lib moments!!
"He'll Carry Me"
"Far Above the Starry Sky" --- Jason's mother-in-law was at the concert and she came up on stage to play the keyboard for the guys on this one! It was a lot of fun!! Rodney played bass guitar for it, too.
"Lily of the Valley"
"He'd Still Been God"
"I Just Came to Talk with You, Lord" ---- a song Dottie Rambo wrote about 30 years ago and which Gerald was reminded about during the last Gaither taping. It's probably going to be on their new CD which they are heading to Nashville to get started this week.
"'Til the Storm Passes By" - WOW! Gerald is fantastic on this song!
"God is So Good" - congregational song led by Rodney and then he transitiioned into the altar call.
"In Times Like These medley"
I just realized that they didn't do a shaped note song!! What is this world coming to?!?!?!?
Within the next week I have three concerts to attend!!! WOW!
_____________________________
< < Josh Feemster and me!
Dinana's Southern Gospel Concert Blog
www.myspace.com/dianaspages
www.youtube.com/DinanaSN
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RE: My Southern Gospel Concert blog - 4/22/2007 1:20:41 PM
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Dinana
Posts: 10097
Joined: 3/28/2006
From: Kennesaw, GA
Status: offline
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I got to see Mercy's Mark last night. I ended up working ALL night on Friday, but that meant I could go see my boys in Boaz, AL last night, so it was really worth it!!! They were great - of course! A combined choir from two baptist churches and one methodist church got the evening going with a bunch of old hymns. There was a soloist (the M-of-M from the methodist church) and a trio from the host church (Calvary Baptist) during the break/love offering. This was a home-town crowd for Josh, and he sure gave them some great music!!
Here's the song list:
The God of Second Chances
We Shall See Heaven Some Day
When It All Starts Happening, I Want to Be There
All I Need to Know - one of my very, very favorites (can you tell from my signature?!?!?)
Moving Up to Glory Land - Brent is a hoot on this one! I just love the way they sing it --- it's such a fun song.
Standing By the River -- this will be on their new hymns album. They said they were still learning it, and they did have a couple of bobbles where one of the guys didn't come in on a solo part or two, but it was a great song. They got a standing ovation for it, so you know it had to be pretty good!
Somebody Touched Me - Brent does this so well, and the blend was so nice on it. Got another standing ovation on this one!
Lord, Feed Your Children - featured Josh this time instead of Garry (don't know why and forgot to ask after the concert) This is another of my favorites!
I'm Free
No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus - keyboard on the first verse, Josh soloed on the second verse. Josh was so very, very strong last night!
When He Reached Down His Hand for Me - Christian is so outstanding on this one!
Josh gave his testimony, which was especially touching to me because it was his home-town crowd. When he was done, he asked that Brent sing He Loves Me. Oh, wow! You could really feel the Spirit moving.
Something's Happening (another of my very, very favorites!)
Second part of the program:
Where Is God
I Want to Walk Every Day with My Lord
I'm On the Battlefield --- another standing ovation!
Midnight Cry ---- just WOW!! You know people were on their feet for this one!!
I'm Too Near Home
They thought they were through, but a lady in the crowd spoke out and asked them to sing Beulah Land, so they did, and at the end Garry asked members of the choir to stand where they were and sing, and by the end we were all singing a capella. Really great way to end the service!
_____________________________
< < Josh Feemster and me!
Dinana's Southern Gospel Concert Blog
www.myspace.com/dianaspages
www.youtube.com/DinanaSN
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RE: My Southern Gospel Concert blog - 4/26/2007 12:54:16 PM
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Dinana
Posts: 10097
Joined: 3/28/2006
From: Kennesaw, GA
Status: offline
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I finally got my review done of the Triumphant CD . . . so here it is!
You Gotta Love It - the album name as well as how I feel about it!
What a variety of styles and messages in this album. This is my favorite Triumphant album yet, and I didn’t know that I would ever love one more than the self-titled album last year! All of the guys do a superb job on every style and I think there will be something on this album for many different tastes.
Giver, Creator, Savior – Wow, when this started out I thought I was listening to “rock and roll” because of the pretty loud electric guitar and drums but the song settled in to a pretty traditional SG number – written by Rodney Griffin. Lively, lot of fun!
You Gotta Love It – written by Marty Funderburk and Jerry Kelso. Pretty traditional sounding but fun at the same time with the informal language.
Smack Dab In The Middle Of His Will – co-written by Scott Inman with Chris Binion, this song is a bit country sounding – including the language of “smack dab”. Scotty is featured and does a fine job!
He Will Be – by Dianne Wilkinson and Ann Downing features David Sutton (tenor). It’s a slow song and the style is very traditional. David gives a really strong performance. There is a little bit of a background choir at the very end but the liner notes don’t tell who it was.
Let It Be Me – This was a bluesy/jazzy sounding number – a very different style for Eric Bennett (bass), who does a great job. The song really shows off his range. It also pokes fun by using the words “gladder and gladder and gladder.” It was written by Robbie Hinson.
The Great I Am Still Is – Phil Cross (with Twila LaBar) has come up with another fantastic song. I thought this was an older song, but the copywrite info said 2006. Scott Inman is featured and does a terrific job. I’ve heard this one in person and can’t wait to hear it again. I usually hit the repeat button on the CD player several times on this song before I can go on to the next one! This one has the choir in the background for a big ending. Really wonderful song!
The Old White Flag – can you say “BlueGrass?” Written by Dianne Wilkinson, this is another really fun song in a bluegrass style with guitar and banjo – no piano!! For a real treat, you need to see this one live at the theater!
He Rescued Me – their current single – is a traditional convention song (or what I think is a convention song!) with all of the voices taking turns on the lead portions. Written by Chris Binion.
Delivered Again – the second song on the album written by Dianne and Ann – features David Sutton. It has a nice, gentle swing beat and has very comforting feel and message.
The Holy Hills of Heaven Call Me – copywritten in 1968 by Dottie Rambo. A very traditional style with Clayton doing a great job on the lead.
I Know I’m Going Home – by Jeff Stice. This is one energetic, fun song. I sure hope this makes it out as a single. All of the guys are really strong on this and I enjoyed the bass line immensely! It has a reprise, and the song goes "on and on and on and on and on!" (You’ve gotta hear it to know what I’m talking about! Great message and a really great feel-good song.
I think anyone who likes quartet music would be very happy with this album in their collection.
_____________________________
< < Josh Feemster and me!
Dinana's Southern Gospel Concert Blog
www.myspace.com/dianaspages
www.youtube.com/DinanaSN
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RE: My Southern Gospel Concert blog - 6/12/2007 9:44:19 AM
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Dinana
Posts: 10097
Joined: 3/28/2006
From: Kennesaw, GA
Status: offline
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Concert report from the first night of the Diplomats' homecoming:
Seems like I have more time to go to concerts than to report on them lately!! This is a modified post I put on the Southern Gospel forums.
It was a great concert --- almost as good as the ones Robert York promotes (his wife told me to say that) !!!!! I really enjoyed all of the groups and was there early enough to get to talk with most of them. Karen Peck and her group were caught in some really bad traffic and almost ended up being late --- they weren't late just because the concert didnt start until Devin had a chance to get their stage equipment loaded in. Everyone had bargains at their product tables, so I got a bunch of CDs. I even got the brand new NQC 2006 highlights DVD. (I was pretty disappointed in the DVD - it didn't have captions for the groups and just showed a minute or so of main stage appearances of a good many artists and then had a Louisville tourism advertisement and showed a little bit of Exhibition Hall. If you can't get it free somehow, I wouldn't waste money buying this DVD. I'm glad I got it practically free as part of a special offer from Mark Trammell.)
There was a thread about Karen's song "Last Night" and I said that I like "Four Days Late" better. Well, I really enjoyed hearing "Last Night" live. They did a great job on it ---- but they ended their part of the program with "Four Days Late" and it's still my favorite! It was the crowd's favorite, too.
I've heard Dixie Echoes and Mark Trammell Trio twice recently and both of those groups are just wonderful. I haven't gotten to see them very often, though, so I need to check their schedules and see when they're going to be close enough again.
The promotional material had said that the Kingsmen were going to be there but they were somewhere else last night. I would've enjoyed hearing them - haven't seen them since Tony Peace left.
I'm really looking forward to seeing Brian Free & Assurance tonight with Jeremy Lile and I'm sure I'll have something to say about it!! But I know I'm not going to have time to post tomorrow --- gotta go see my boys in Alabama!!!
_____________________________
< < Josh Feemster and me!
Dinana's Southern Gospel Concert Blog
www.myspace.com/dianaspages
www.youtube.com/DinanaSN
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RE: My Southern Gospel Concert blog - 6/14/2007 12:34:12 PM
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Dinana
Posts: 10097
Joined: 3/28/2006
From: Kennesaw, GA
Status: offline
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I’m going to go to a concert tonight and one tomorrow night, so I figured I’d better get the ones from last weekend done! I’ll make this as short as I can!
I’ve already written up about the Friday night of the Diplomats Homecoming. On Saturday night, there was a real treat – Little Ernie Phillips with The Land of the Sky Boys and Brian Free & Assurance. The Land of the Sky Boys was a “mature” group with all of the men being at least in their 40’s and up (the bass looked the youngest). They were a very easy to listen to group and I thoroughly enjoyed them. My favorite was probably “Hide Thou Me”. Ernie has such a pure sound and made it look so easy. I don’t know whether it was the bass or the bass with the sound system, but the floor sure did rattle!
Brian Free & Assurance were great. The air conditioning was not working well so they had the good sense to perform in shirt sleeves and no ties. The important stuff --- Scott and Jeremy had new hairdos (well, new since I had seen them!) and there was a little wisp of hair below Brian’s lower lip (don’t know what to call it!). What’s up with that??? Anyway, here’s what they sang: What a Lovely Name / Deep, Deep Sea (Jeremy was all smiles on that one which has some neat stuff for the bass) / In My Robe of White / Healed / a new one that I think may be called Pray, Daniel, Pray – Brian got very, very high on this one / Lookin’ For a City – WITH ERNIE!!! / Jesus Will Pick You Up / For God So Loved / Long As I Got King Jesus.
The Diplomats also performed as did a family group called Unity from Columbia, SC.
Sunday night I got to see Mercy’s Mark. I don’t always write up my notes about their concerts – they’re always great but I don’t always have something new to say. I can say that Brent Mitchell (tenor) was very talkative that night!!! There was a lot of humor about fans from another state and about Brent’s ranking in his graduating class and about a test he got an A on, etc., but then between the verses of “He Loves Me”, Brent gave such a touching comparison between how he relates to his little girl and the way God relates to us and wants us to relate to Him. Wow – it was powerful! Here’s the song list: Anytime / Where Is God? / We Shall See Heaven Someday / He’s the God of Second Chances / All I Need to Know / I’m Winging My Way Back Home / Standing By the River / When He Reached Down His Hand for Me (gotta stop and say – Christian is so awesome on this song – and the harmony between Brent and Josh on what sounded to me like some pretty high notes was gorgeous as well ) / No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus / He Loves Me / Jesus Loves Me (with congregation) / Something’s Happening / I’m On the Battlefield / Too Near Home / Living in the Arms of Mercy / I’ll Fly Away.
_____________________________
< < Josh Feemster and me!
Dinana's Southern Gospel Concert Blog
www.myspace.com/dianaspages
www.youtube.com/DinanaSN
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RE: My Southern Gospel Concert blog - 6/15/2007 3:26:50 PM
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Dinana
Posts: 10097
Joined: 3/28/2006
From: Kennesaw, GA
Status: offline
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I saw Mercy's Mark again last night. They started out with the same first two songs as the concert on Sunday, and I wondered if they were going to follow the same program. They didn't! This was a program that mixed songs from each one of their 4 CDs as well as a number of songs they haven't released on recordings but which were favorites of the crowd that was on hand. Here's what they sang:
Anytime
Where Is God?
When It All Starts Happening I Want To Be There
He's the God of Second Chances
All I Need to Know
Movin' Up To Gloryland
Life Will Be Sweeter Someday
Winging My Way Back Home
Somebody Touched Me ---- got a standing ovation for Brent Mitchell, tenor
When He Reached Down His Hand for Me ---- got a standing ovation for Christian Davis, bass
Lighthouse ---- got a standing ovation for Josh Feemster, lead
Whosoever Will
This Jordan
Unclouded Day ---- piano solo by Garry Jones
Something's Happening ---- got another standing ovation!
I'll Fly Away
I discovered that I could get video clips using my digital camera (duh!), so I managed to get two very shaky clips that I'll be posting soon on my MySpace profile page. Go to Diana's MySpace if you'd like to see them.
Now I'm off to see Jeff Stice in concert!!!
_____________________________
< < Josh Feemster and me!
Dinana's Southern Gospel Concert Blog
www.myspace.com/dianaspages
www.youtube.com/DinanaSN
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RE: My Southern Gospel Concert blog - 8/5/2007 6:43:05 PM
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Dinana
Posts: 10097
Joined: 3/28/2006
From: Kennesaw, GA
Status: offline
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What a Triumphant evening!!
I had the pleasure of attending a Triumphant Quartet concert in Gadsden, Alabama, last Thursday night and it was such a blessing. It was one of those concerts that was held at a restaurant, so it is not really set up properly for a concert. The equipment was set up on one end of the room --- about 8 or 10 feet was all they had between the wall and the first table of diners. There were about 125 people crowded into the room and I was one of the happy people that got to sit in the front row! And I almost got run over by a train during the concert!!!
Here are the songs they sang (and a few comments).
Someday We Know
Don't Let the Sandals Fool Ya (I'm still disappointed that this song didn't get "Song of the Year" at the Singing News fan awards last year.)
Walk With Me (David is so terrific on this song!)
Forgave Me, Saved Me, Raised Me
Jesus Walked All the Way
The Old White Flag (The fans really love this one and wave their own white flags (tissues!) during the chorus - what fun!)
The Great I Am Still Is (What an amazing song. Scotty does a wonderful job on it and it is such a great reminder that God is not just in the past, He Is working in our lives every day.)
Amazing Grace (David Sutton on the harmonica and Jeff Stice on the keyboard. This is breathtakingly beautiful. Eric had the audience sing two verses of the song a capella after David and Jeff were finished and it was just beautiful. Gospel music fans are pretty good singers!)
First Date
Georgia
Hallelujah Chorus
He Is (You just can't beat the father/son combination on this one. And what a powerful song.)
second part of the program:
Long Black Train (Eric Bennett is perfect for this song!)
Terrible Time Down There/Wonderful Time Up There (This is where I almost got run over!!)
I Know I'm Going Home (one of my two most bestest favorites on the new "You Gotta Love It" album)
God Bless the USA
I wish I could've gone back to Alabama again Friday night for the concert in Birmingham, but, alas, I have to work for a living and can't get off early every day - even for a Triumphant concert. I'll be going back to Alabama next week for another concert. These guys are really "worth the trip", as the old saying goes.
_____________________________
< < Josh Feemster and me!
Dinana's Southern Gospel Concert Blog
www.myspace.com/dianaspages
www.youtube.com/DinanaSN
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RE: My Southern Gospel Concert blog - 8/5/2007 7:02:59 PM
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Dinana
Posts: 10097
Joined: 3/28/2006
From: Kennesaw, GA
Status: offline
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I got to hear Gold City in concert Friday night. I didn't know whether I would be able to stay awake after my very late night Thursday, but it was certainly worth the effort to go to the concert. Everyone sang really well, but Steve didn't sing as much as usual. I read somewhere that he was a little under the weather at a previous concert, so I guess that would explain it. Here's what they sang:
There's Something About a Good Gospel Song - this was a new song for me. Aaron was featured on the first verse and he really did a great job. It was a good style for him.
It's Just Another Red Sea
Get Up, Get Ready
I Just Came to See a Soul Saved
There Rose a Lamb
The Old Gospel Ship - pianist Josh Simpson
I'm Not Giving Up
Teach Me, Lord, to Wait
I'm Rich
Truth is Marching On
second half:
He Said
It's Still the Cross
I'm Free Again ---- Jonathan was "helping" Aaron keep the beat and Aaron kept getting tickled and laughing and missing his solo parts. It was hilarious, of course.
Alone In The Garden - another new one to me.
In My Robe of White -- they did a reprise of the chorus, and Steve and Jonathan came out into the audience.
Midnight Cry
_____________________________
< < Josh Feemster and me!
Dinana's Southern Gospel Concert Blog
www.myspace.com/dianaspages
www.youtube.com/DinanaSN
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RE: My Southern Gospel Concert blog - 8/20/2007 7:27:41 AM
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Dinana
Posts: 10097
Joined: 3/28/2006
From: Kennesaw, GA
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I had the delight of seeing Mercy’s Mark in concert this weekend. I just saw them last weekend, but I enjoy them whenever I am blessed to see them. They sang during the morning worship service at a church in Adger, Alabama (a suburb of Birmingham) called Dogwood Grove Missionary Baptist Church. It was a small church and it was really in the middle of nowhere!! The people were extremely friendly and I had a great time with them!
During the worship service, they started off with two songs with Garry playing the piano – There’s Something About That Name and You Have Given Life to Me (that may not be the real name, but you’ll know the song!) . Both of them were beautiful and worshipful. They followed those with Where Is God, Anytime, and The God of Second Chances. Shane Dunlap was featured on Had It Not Been. Every time I hear him do that song, it gets better. Garry went back to the piano and sang Because He Lives with Brent singing the second verse. They closed the service with Garry leading the congregation in an a capella version of What a Day That Will Be. (Just a little side note: Garry was introducing various MMQ friends that were visiting at the church and he called my name and then said maybe he should say “Dinana”. Lots of people came up to me afterwards and were asking about the name, so I explained about these forums. Maybe we’ll get some more posters from it!!)
The stage for the after-lunch concert was the front steps of the church and there were several tents (and lots of portable fans) set up for the audience. I was a little bit surprised at how great the sound was for the concert. The guys did a fabulous job despite the mid-90’s (or above) temperatures!!! They sang We Shall See Heaven Someday, When It All Starts Happening, Prayer Will Take Heaven by Storm, All I Need to Know, I’m Gonna Walk Every Day with My Lord, Moving Up to Gloryland (Brent is such a hoot on this!), and I’m On the Battlefield (I’ve put a video of this one on MySpace). After a short break, they came back and sang Gonna Be Movin’. Then they had one of the hosts of the event, Larry Parsons, come up and sing baritone (while Garry played) on Winging My Way Back Home. I’ll just say that those boys know how to have fun! They closed out with Midnight Cry. Shane fits in so well with Mercy’s Mark (I sure am hoping he stays around permanently) and there were several times when the harmonies and blend were extra special --- someone (no names – initials are SD) told me that’s what they call “magical moments” and they sure were!
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< < Josh Feemster and me!
Dinana's Southern Gospel Concert Blog
www.myspace.com/dianaspages
www.youtube.com/DinanaSN
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RE: My Southern Gospel Concert blog - 9/6/2007 5:49:53 PM
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Dinana
Posts: 10097
Joined: 3/28/2006
From: Kennesaw, GA
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These are my comments about a concert on August 27 in Bessemer, Alabama. I've been incredibly busy, so it has taken me this long to get around to posting! This concert featured three former members of Gold City - Garry Jones (and his group Mercy's Mark), Brian Free (and his group Assurance) and Ivan Parker.
This was a really fun night – I wish I could press "rewind" and see it all again! Everyone knows that my favorite group is Mercy's Mark, but I also love Brian Free & Assurance and Ivan Parker, so I was just thrilled to be there.
Mercy's Mark started it all off with We Shall See Heaven Someday, When It All Starts Happening, The God of Second Chances, Had It Not Been, Moving Up to Gloryland, I'm on the Battlefield, and Somebody Touched Me. Of course, they were wonderful!
Next was Ivan Parker singing Little Is Much in the Hands of a Big, Big God, I Can Only Imagine, Best Hallelujah in the House, Amazing Grace – instrumental with Casey Martin on the sax and his Ivan's son Joshua on the guitar, Thank You, a repeat of Amazing Grace because there were such sound problems the first time, and Hit the Ground Running.
Brian Free's group did What a Lovely Name, Deep, Deep Sea, Only By the Blood, Praying Man, Looking for a City (the first time I've seen this without have dueling tenors!!) For God So Loved, and Long As I Got King Jesus.
After an intermission, the Golden Moments part started with a video introduction narrated by Paul Heil. Brian, Ivan, and Garry (also on keyboard) sang I Think I'll Read It Again, John Saw, In My Robe of White, Shouting Ground, and When I Get Carried Away. They picked up some bass singing with Christian Davis on I Want to Walk Every Day With My Lord and Jeremy Lyle on If God Be For Us. The trio then also sang No Other Word for Grace But Amazing, Love Went Deeper, One Scarred Hand (my favorite!), Lighthouse, and Getting Ready to Leave This World. The last song was --- you guessed it ---- Midnight Cry and for this they brought on the other singers. Throughout the night there were problems with the sound systems and the electrical power on the stage, but everyone kept right on and got through it with grace and humor! And there was a lot of joking with each other and telling funny stories about each other. They even took questions from the audience. Daryll LeCroy, another former Gold City member, was also on hand to play guitar and steel guitar for them. Ricky Free played the drums and Rodney Blackston played bass.
The promoter has told me that they are considering having more Golden Moments concerts. I'll let you know locations/dates as soon as I hear anything!
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< < Josh Feemster and me!
Dinana's Southern Gospel Concert Blog
www.myspace.com/dianaspages
www.youtube.com/DinanaSN
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RE: My Southern Gospel Concert blog - 9/18/2007 5:53:55 PM
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Dinana
Posts: 10097
Joined: 3/28/2006
From: Kennesaw, GA
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What a great way to open NQC! The opening concert on Sunday night featured The Booth Brothers and Legacy Five. Both groups gave outstanding performances to a crowd that was ready for some great singing.
The Booth Brothers sang first with He Saw It All - last year's song of the year. Next came Feeling Fine. I can't think of a stronger opening than that! Next came a song that was new to me, The Eyes of Jesus. Jim was featured on this and I'm guessing that he wrote it. It was a wonderful song. Michael was featured on The Night Before Easter. Then came Still Feeling Fine and another new one that Jim wrote, Tears Are a Language God Understands and a song by Mosie Lister, It Takes a Storm (or It Took a Storm to Make Me Strong). They performed the next song, Up the Winding Trail, at one mic - and they "walked" the mic over to each side of the stage for all of us that were sitting to the side instead of in front of the stage. The rest of the songs included: Over the Moon, Won't that be a Hallelujah Meeting, I Would (from Ronnie's new solo album), and Crucified with Christ. There were several really hilarious moments with Michael and between the Booths and L5.
Legacy Five started off really strong with Oh Say But I'm Glad, Strike Up the Band, I Have Been Changed, and The Blood that Stained the Old Rugged Cross. Then Tim Parton did a medley from the new Christmas CD and Oh, Holy Night that was joined at the end by the voices and some very big orchestration (reminded me of the London album). Next up was I Go to the Rock and Winging My Way Back Home on which they changed parts (ending with Scott Fowler on a high double A flat!). Then they sang There's Something About that Name leading right into Holy Is Thy Name. They ended with Jim Brady joining them for Truth Is Marching On, which Jim wrote.
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< < Josh Feemster and me!
Dinana's Southern Gospel Concert Blog
www.myspace.com/dianaspages
www.youtube.com/DinanaSN
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RE: My Southern Gospel Concert blog - 9/18/2007 5:58:50 PM
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Dinana
Posts: 10097
Joined: 3/28/2006
From: Kennesaw, GA
Status: offline
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Monday evening concert - NQC:
The Florida Boys, who were at the very first National Quartet Convention, opened the concert Monday night. Among the groups that sang were Dove Brothers, Southern Sound, Doyle Lawson & Quick Silver, Kingsmen, Greater Vision, Dixie Melody Boys, Anchormen, Hoppers, Pfeifers, Perrys, Old Time Gospel Hour Quartet, Mark Trammell Trio, Torchmen, Inspirations,Talley Trio, Karen Peck & New River, and the Booth Brothers. Interspersed between some of the groups were vintage videos of some of the older groups - The Goodman's, Speer Family, Cathedrals, etc. There's no way to tell about each group, so I'll just include what were the highlights of the evening for me.
I enjoyed the a capella version of Good News, Chariot's a Comin' performed by King's Heralds off stage (during an equipment setup between groups). This is something new this year and King's Heralds are going to be doing several of these ittle moments.
Doyle Lawson & Quick Silver performed two a capella numbers that I really enjoyed, although theirs is not a style I normally want to listen to.
The Kingsmen had a good set, although I wasn't real crazy about the "rock concert" sounding song the band played.
Greater Vision is always great! My favorite is My Name Is Lazarus, and apparently I'm not the only one with that opinion because there was a lot of applause when people recognized the introduction and beginning of the song and then standing and clapping at the chorus and throughout the rest of the song.
The Booth Brothers were outstanding! They had guest musicians Roy Webb on piano, Corey Pearson on bass guitar, and Scoot Shelnut on drums.
_____________________________
< < Josh Feemster and me!
Dinana's Southern Gospel Concert Blog
www.myspace.com/dianaspages
www.youtube.com/DinanaSN
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RE: My Southern Gospel Concert blog - 9/18/2007 5:59:57 PM
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Dinana
Posts: 10097
Joined: 3/28/2006
From: Kennesaw, GA
Status: offline
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Tuesday at NQC
Showcase highlights for me:
I especially enjoyed the two songs that Driven quartet presented. I had heard this newly-formed (this year) group in a multi-artist event one time and wanted to hear more!
The Shafer's trio --- I particulary enjoyed their presentation of Amazing Love.
Paula Stephanovich (writer of Jerusalem made popular by the Hoppers) was outstanding with There's a Healer in Your Presence Now and East of Jerusalem. She got a standing ovation for East of Jerusalem.
I particularly liked a song that Tribute did - I think the title would be something like Moving Out of the Darkness. The tenor was featured on the song.
The Imperials were great!
HisSong was terrific - really strong and energetic.
Evening concert:
Performers for the evening: Triumphant, Mercy's Mark, Gold City, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, King's Heralds, Florida Boys, Legacy Five, Down East Boys, Melody Boys, McKameys, Reggie Sadler Family, Dennis Swanberg, Greenes, Rick Webb Trio (now called The Webbs), Toney Brothers, Chuck Wagon Gang, Ricky Atkinson, Beene Family, Lesters.
I left this concert very early, but the highlights of the groups I did get to hear included:
Jeff Stice was wonderful on his tribute to Roger Bennett by playing his "Jesus Saves."
The whole Triumphant set was a highlight for me! Someday We'll Know, He Rescued Me, Walk With Me (featuring David Sutton, tenor), The Old White Flag, and He Is (with father and son Clayton and Scotty).
Then my favorite group, Mercy's Mark, just amazed me with their set which included We Shall See Heaven Someday, Til the Storm Passes By (featuring fill-in lead singer Scott Allen) and I'm On the Battlefield. Wonderful performance by all of the guys!!!!!
I also particularly enjoyed hearing Gold City perform Under Control with bass Aaron McCune. Their whole set was very, very good but I had not heard Aaron do this song which was such a favorite of Gold City fans when Tim Riley performed it.
_____________________________
< < Josh Feemster and me!
Dinana's Southern Gospel Concert Blog
www.myspace.com/dianaspages
www.youtube.com/DinanaSN
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RE: My Southern Gospel Concert blog - 9/18/2007 6:01:36 PM
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Dinana
Posts: 10097
Joined: 3/28/2006
From: Kennesaw, GA
Status: offline
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Wednesday at NQC
Showcase Highlights:
Greater Vision performed for us after the chapel service and they were so good! They had Stan Whitmire with them on piano and he's always very special! My favorite songs were:
I Sing the Mighty Power of God - a capella - very nice, though it was pretty high for tenor Jason Waldroup that early in the morning!!
A new Rodney song for Jason - You Can - was very nice, too. It had a lower range on it and also featured Jason. I really like to hear him in his lower range and it was a good song.
They had multiple requests for it so they also performed A Pile of Crowns.
I LOVE their new single - I think the title is It Means What It Says. Rodney wrote this one, too, and he didn't mean for it to be recorded (you'll have to hear Gerald tell the story) but I'm hoping this one will be up for song of the year next year.
Zane King hosted one of the showcases and when one of the groups cancelled, he filled in with two songs that he wrote and that I absolutely loved: He Thought of Calvary Every Time He Drove a Nail and Lord Keep Me In Your Will So I Won't Be in Your Way.
The Diplomats were great during their two-song set of The Hills of Home and Down By the River.
Evening Concert:
Performers for the evening included Pfeifers (1 song opening for the evening), Jeff & Sheri Easter, Roy Webb, Hoppers, Primitives, King's Heralds, Inspirations, McKameys, Kingdom Heirs, Gold City, Tony Greene, Dove Brothers, Brian Free & Assurance, Florida Boys, Dixie Echoes, Booth Brothers, Pfeifers, Whisnants, Greenes
I didn't stay until the end on this concert either but here are my favorites for the evening:
The whole Jeff & Sheri set was a highlight for me. I don't get to hear them often, and although they do a lot of the same songs every time, I enjoy them every time!
Valor didn't make it to NQC, so Roy Webb filled in with a piano solo of Just a Little Talk With Jesus. The crowd loved it (and so did I)!!
I especially enjoyed two of the Dixie Echoes' songs If We Never Meet Again This Side of Heaven and Little Is Much.
The Booth Brothers' entire set was great! They sang His Grace Is Sufficient, Testify, I Would (a new song from Ronnie's solo album) and Look For Me at Jesus' Feet.
_____________________________
< < Josh Feemster and me!
Dinana's Southern Gospel Concert Blog
www.myspace.com/dianaspages
www.youtube.com/DinanaSN
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RE: My Southern Gospel Concert blog - 10/16/2007 1:15:57 PM
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Dinana
Posts: 10097
Joined: 3/28/2006
From: Kennesaw, GA
Status: offline
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On October 12, I had the great joy of attending the annual Sevierville Jeff Stice piano concert! Jeff gives a limited number of solo concerts throughout the year, but this one is very special since he lives in the area. The auditorium was filled for the event with several gentlemen busily placing more chairs for the larger-than-expected crowd. The concert featured old standards and some brand new arrangements of popular classics and sacred selections that were being released that evening on two new CDs – “From Broadway to Classical” and “In the Shadow of Virtuosity.” Whether the arrangements were piano only or with pre-recorded instrumental or vocal accompaniment, all of the numbers were performed with Jeff’s own special expert touch. He is certainly a master pianist.
Here are most of the songs he performed – I know I’ve probably left out one or two! (I’ll mark them with one asterisk for being on the “From Broadway to Classical” CD and two for being on the “In the Shadow of Virtuosity” CD.)
Jesus Saves ** written by Roger Bennett and played as Jeff’s tribute to his friend who passed away this year.
I Sing the Mighty Power of God (with The Sound of Music)
Amazing Grace
What a Wonderful World
When We All Get to Heaven (with Do-Re-Mi) | | |
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