Front Row Follies

with Lottie Squires

APRIL 26, 2010...Oh, heavens, I'm tired!  But it's a "good tired," because I had so much Southern Gospel fun over the weekend!  I started off on Friday night with the Taylors and Butler Hughes & Hayes at Gospel Tabernacle.  It was the latest Concert for Christ organized by Fleming Norris, and each of these concerts seems to be better than the last!  The evening started with both groups on stage; they sang "When I Get Carried Away" and "What a Meeting in the Air" together, then the Taylors took center stage.  "I'll Meet You in the Morning" has become their opener--at least in all their concerts I've attended lately--and it amazes me how these young people can take old songs and make them fresh again.  "Amazing Grace," "It Is Well" and "I Believe in a Hill Called Mount Calvary" are perfect examples; I've heard them a bazillion times, but the Taylors make me actually listen to them again and appreciate them more than before. Even when they sang their current single, "He Is Jehovah," they tied it into a classic; their stunning acapella version of "In the Presence of Jehovah" was the perfect lead-in. I loved it when they sang "Old Campmeeting Days" and Jonathan insisted they do the last chorus over because Chris "forgot" to do the low bass note at the end!  That's probably the most fun song they do! Butler Hughes & Hayes took over with "Still Feeling Fine," then "Thank Him for the Miracle" showed off their beautiful harmonies (the Booth Brothers would have been proud...and maybe just a little jealous)!  They did several songs from their "Back in the Day" project--"While Endless Ages Roll," "He Wrote My Name," "I Know My God Can Do It"--and I'm sure Lamar appreciated it when Michael pointed out that some of those songs were even older than Lamar!   They wrapped up their set with a new song (for them); Michael did a marvelous job on "I Stand Redeemed."  But I think everybody's favorite song of the night was the one Margie, our lovely emcee, was requested to sing..."Happy Birthday," while Lou Anne brought out a chocolate cake (complete with birthday candles), for Jonathan!

My friend Scott Spangler was singing at Savannah Hill P.F.W.B Church in Dunn on Saturday evening, so he came by the station to spend some time with me that morning.  I enjoyed the visit, but he's made it his mission in life to torment me when I'm on the air!  He came into the studio right in the middle of a song introduction during "Carolina Gospel Showcase," slipped up behind me, and poked me in the ribs...knowing that I'm very ticklish and I'd yell!  He doesn't realize how close I came to hurting him at that point!  He behaved after that, and did a very sweet interview, then I kicked him out so I could get some work done.  That night, though we had a small crowd at the church, we had a really good time of fellowship.  The Believers Quartet opened the concert--you'll hear their schedules on the concert update from now on, because Walter has promised to start sending them in; they did a nice job on one of my favorite songs, "He Bridged the Gap."  The Down East Boys did it several years ago; if I remember correctly, I think Jason Runnels wrote it.  Scott started with "The Call," acapella, then did Greg Day's "Great and Awesome God."  Greg wrote or co-wrote every song on Scott's first solo CD; he also sang "Angels in the Room," "When Jesus Returns," and "Midnight Cry."  He did a couple of the songs he used to sing with Naomi & the Segos, "I'll Put on a Crown" and "Bound for the Land of  Canaan," and the Dixie Melody Boys classic, "Antioch Church Choir."  I love those, but my favorite of the night was one he's just learned, the Kingsmen's "Wish You Were Here."  It was lovely, and I truly hope he'll be singing it a lot more often!  I got to hear all those songs again on Sunday morning, when Scott sang at Friendship Baptist Church in Hope Mills.  He even had time for a few extra songs, like "Carry the Gospel" and "1+2+3," and he had more time to tell how he came to be back on the road in a solo ministry.  The very, very, very short version is don't run from God because you won't win!  The morning would have been perfect, except for one thing.  Pastor Tom wasn't there with us, because he was in the hospital with heart problems, so please keep him in your prayers.

After an unexpected detour--Google and Mapquest were both wrong--I finally found Trinity F.W.B. Church and enjoyed another great concert by the Bledsoes.  They've got a new CD coming out in about a month, and they sang several of the new songs during the evening.  They did a tiny little bit of "Beulah Land" during sound check, and I believe I'm going to love their version, but I threatened to leave if they started singing "Glory Road!"  They opened the service with a Kyla Rowland song, "I Can Settle Down and Rest."  "I Firmly Promise You" and "Leave It There" are from the new CD, too, and they did a really good hymns medley that seemed to take the entire group by surprise when Rodney called it!  I loved it--it was the first time that Rodney, Robert, Charity and John have been on stage together.  The three guys usually do "Mansion Over the Hilltop," but Rodney let Charity sing his part this time; the guys still did "Just Over Yonder" and "I'll Have a New Song to Sing."  Rodney sang my favorite song from "Onward," "I'm Reminded God Is Good," and I feel very special because Charity told me that they only do it when I'm there!  I had such a nice time there; I got to meet several of our listeners and finally put some faces with the names.  And yes, I will tell Myrtle that you all asked about her!  Thanks to Evelyn for inviting us all back to her house for supper after the concert...actually, Rodney issued the invitations and Evelyn was a good sport about it...I hope everybody enjoyed the visit as much as I did!

I'm looking forward to a couple of special concerts this weekend, too.  The Rick Webb Family, Dailey & Vincent (Christian Davis joined them recently) and Canaan's Crossing will be in Rocky Mount on Saturday, and the McKameys will appear at Fayetteville Community Church on Sunday.  If you don't have your tickets yet, you can find the contact numbers on the concert update page.  And of course, there are lots of other concerts listed there, too, so you're sure to find at least a few that you want to attend!  Now my new puppy needs a cuddle, so until next time, I'll see you on the front row!

APRIL 19, 2010...It must be tough for such an organized, in-charge guy as Gary Casto of the Tribute Quartet to sing at Full Gospel Chapel, because at Full Gospel Chapel, Mrs. Kivett hijacks your program and never completely gives it back!  But most of the groups that sing there have been coming for years, so they know what they're in for and it sure does make for some hilarious moments!  For instance, when it was time to start the evening with a congregational song, she called Josh up to lead "Kneel at the Cross."  Her instruction to him was "Don't drag it!"  For the rest of the night, Gary kept reminding Josh, "Don't drag it!"  Gary said he was going to use that from now on...poor Josh!  He gets no respect!  For example, when it was time for his piano solo Gary wanted his favorite song, "Every Day with Jesus."  But Josh said he wanted to play his favorite song this time...Gary gave him a stern look, asked "And that is?," and Josh sheepishly replied, "Every Day with Jesus."  I know they probably do that every night, but it was still funny.  Mrs. Kivett also seems to meet each group at the door with a list of what she wants to hear, and heaven help you if you don't get to her requests fast enough.  With Tribute Quartet, her favorite song is "You'd Better Have a Boat," and if Dennis doesn't sing it early, she gets vocal.  She let Gary think he was in control for about 10 minutes, opening with "I Love Living in Grace" (which should definitely be released as a single) and "I've Been Blessed" (which is their brand new single), then she started reminding Gary about "Boat."  I guess you know they got to it pretty quickly after that!  She also loves "God Can't Remember" and wants Gary to sing it every year.  He complains that he doesn't know the words because they've only sung it three times--at their past three concerts for Mrs. Kivett--but it seems to me that since he knows she's going to ask for it he should be prepared.  It's kind of cute to see him get flustered, though!  And boy, did he ever get flustered about halfway through the evening.  He was remembering Pastor Kivett and commented what a fine man he was, and suddenly from the back of the choir loft Mrs. Kivett piped up that she "wasn't looking for another one!"  Gary, and everybody else in the building, absolutely lost it at that point!  It took a few minutes to recover our composure, but finally Gary got the program more or less back on track.  They sang their current hit, "That's Why I Love Him So," and Josh got serious for a few minutes for "That's What Makes Grace Amazing."  They even had Brian do a little tribute to the Happy Goodmans...Vestal with "This Is Just What Heaven Means to Me," and Rusty with "Who Am I."  If you've got a great tenor, you might as well make him work, right?! 

Next month's concert at Full Gospel Chapel is on May 14th, when Joel & LaBreeska Hemphill will be there.  I might go just to see what Mrs. Kivett will say next!  And of course, there are lots of other great concerts on the schedule as well! After you check out the concert update, don't forget to enter the homepage photo contest for your chance to win a WCKB t-shirt.  Until next time, I'll see you on the front row!

APRIL 12, 2010...If you weren't with us in Goldsboro Friday night, you missed a great concert!  Song Garden Music Group has put together a series of events celebrating 100 Years of Southern Gospel Music in America; Rick and Phyllis Webb told me about it a few months ago, and I've been looking forward to attending as many of them as possible.  Not only is the Rick Webb Family featured on each one, but they've got a great (and varied) lineup of groups joining them.  The latest concert on the schedule was at the beautiful Paramount Theatre in Goldsboro, with the Lefevre Quartet and Brian Free & Assurance.  I got a pleasant surprise when I arrived to find that Unity was there, too, to do a "pre-show" set.  (That term seems so silly to me...just admit that the concert will start 30 minutes earlier than the announced time and give your opening group a little credit!)  I was a little concerned that they might have had a group change when I didn't see Samantha, but there was nothing to worry about.  She couldn't make it that evening, but Emanuel, Fredric and Elmore had a young man with a beautiful voice fill in for her; they said he also filled in for Fredric when he had to be away.  I didn't catch his name, but I hope to see him again soon...if your group needs a tenor, try to find him!  Unity's set was short, but it was awfully good, especially "I Already Like It" and "Living in the Light of God."  The LeFevre Quartet was next on stage; I was excited about finally seeing them in concert, and very impressed with the two new members.  I met Keith Inman (Clayton's brother and Scott's uncle) and talked to him for a while before the concert started, and though I didn't meet Jeremy, the new tenor, David promised that I'd like him.  I did!  Mike, David, Jeremy and Keith sounded great together; this is likely to be the lineup that really makes this quartet.  I enjoyed their part of the program so much; it was all good, but my favorites were "Let Me Tell You About Jesus," "Days of Elijah," and "Big Mighty God."   I couldn't help singing along...so I must apologize to my neighbor!  The Rick Webb Family followed, and I'm sure you've noticed by now that I just adore them!  They opened with their new single, "Step a Little Higher," but I was a little distracted during the first half of the song...I thought I was having a camera malfunction--horrors!--but suddenly it dawned on me that I was putting the new batteries in backward.  (It's amazing how much better things work when you do it right.)  With that crisis averted, I was able to enjoy the rest of their set, including "A Wonderful Day," "Heavenly Sunrise," and "Let the Church Roll On," always fun, no matter how often I hear it.  Their best song of the night was "Every Knee Shall Bow," which just happens to be my favorite song from the new CD, "Faithful."  Parker does it beautifully (and I'm going to pitch a major hissy fit if that's not their next radio single), but he shared the feature this time.  David Staton from the LeFevre Quartet wrote the song, so he joined them onstage to sing the second verse; it was so good!  Brian Free & Assurance had the final spot on the program.  It was strange to be on Brian's side of the stage for a change--the last few times I've seen them have been at the Parker Homecoming, and I'm always on Jeremy's side at the civic center in Sanford--but at least I finally got a few good pictures of Brian.  (And Bill, and Randy, and Jeremy...I was snapping photos every couple of minutes!)  Of course, they sang the newest singles, "You Must Have Met Him" and "I Am Redeemed."  The other songs they can never, ever leave out of another program for as long as they live are "Save Me a Seat" and, you guessed it, "Long as I Got King Jesus."  At the end of the night, all the groups came back onstage to sing "When I Get Carried Away," and since Brian and Mike had sung it together with Gold City, I wasn't surprised to see Brian move nearer to Mike when it started.  I was, however, very surprised when Brian gave a loud shout in the middle of the chorus...and so was everyone else!  He certainly got carried away!

As much as I enjoyed the concert, I could hardly wait to get home...there's a new little one at my house!  My brother found an adorable ball of fur wandering in the highway last week (with no tags and no microchip), and he was just too little to leave.  So now his name is Jesse, and we're working very hard to spoil him rotten!  The other dogs accepted him immediately--Jacob decided that was his puppy, but he's reluctantly agreed to let us play with him, too--and the cats are simply ignoring him, so he fits right into the family!  I'll post a picture of him soon.  In the meantime, enter the homepage photo contest, and don't forget to sign up for our newsletter.  We're having so much fun putting it together each week, and we want to share it with all of you!  Until next time, I'll see you on the front row!

MARCH 29, 2010...I knew things were going to change as soon as I learned that James and Starla were having a baby.  So when I went to Clinton Friday night to see Kevin Spencer & Friends, I was afraid that it might be to say goodbye.  In a way, it was...but it won't be for long.  I had a chance to talk with Kevin before the concert, and he broke the news that James and Starla will leave the group in a few weeks, as they prepare for the little girl they'll have in June.  But they'll be back on the road in September, and though they'll still be Kevin's friends, they won't be "& Friends" anymore.  Kevin will be singing as a soloist now, and James and Starla will have a separate ministry.  It's really amazing to see how God worked everything out well in advance.  Kevin recorded a solo project, "Remembering Rusty," a year or so ago, and he's been doing some solo dates ever since to give James and Starla some time off, so it's not quite as big a change as it first seems.  But the neat thing, to me, is that they'll still be working together in the same office, just as they have for the past 13 years.  (It's hard to believe James has been there so long!)  They'll just be traveling separately, because there's no way a baby could handle the schedule that Kevin works.  Kevin was very gracious about explaining the change and promoting James' and Starla's new ministry during the group introductions.  I wish every group handled transitions this smoothly!  So the sad evening I was halfway dreading turned out to be a pretty positive night.  They opened the concert with "Look for Me," in honor of Pastor Kivett, who passed away a couple of weeks ago, and planned to sing "God Bless America Again" to start the second set, but the rest of the songs were all requests.  Kevin asked what we wanted to hear, and people starting calling out titles; all James had to do was line the tracks up on the computer..."When the Praises Go Up," "In My Robe of White," "The Blood Is Still There," "One Stone at a Time," "Come Away."  As someone in the audience commented, "there are just so many great songs!"  I'm so glad we'll still be hearing them all for many years to come as these two ministries continue.

I really wanted to see the Bledsoes Sunday morning, but I wasn't sure I wanted to commit to a 90 minute drive so early.  Then they called me Saturday night to see if I was coming, so of course I decided to go!  I would even have been there early, except for one teensy little problem.  I got stuck in traffic behind a house.  Yes, a house...I've never actually seen a house being moved before, and I hope I never see another one.  It wasn't fun.  I admit that I tend to drive just a little bit fast, so staying below 20 mph for 45 minutes was a real mental challenge!  When I was forced to accept the fact that I'd arrive late, I planned to slip into a back pew and try to be content there, but it turned out that I was only 10 minutes late, so I was able to sit up front after all.  It was a shorter program that I expected; they only sang for about 30 minutes, but they were 30 great minutes!  Rodney opened with "A Far Better Place," then they sang three of my favorites from the new CD ("Onward"), "I'm Reminded God Is Good,"  "He'll See Me Through," and "He Died, He Rose, He Lives."  Rodney, Robert and John sang "Mansion Over the Hilltop" and "Just Over Yonder," then Charity came back for "Gonna Stand By Me."  It was a quick service, but it was probably a good thing we got out early.  We ended up taking the "scenic" route through Wake Forest on the way to lunch.  The lesson we all learned was to trust the GPS, because though people may tell you that the highway you need is just at the end of this road, they may forget to mention that you have to make six turns and follow the yellow brick road to get there! 

I've waited 10 years to see Paid in Full in concert...ask me if it was worth it!  Oh, definitely YES!!!  They were at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Carthage last night, and I was beyond thrilled to finally get to see them live!  When I got there, I heard the intro to "Truth Be Told" as soon as I opened the front door, and I just stood there and giggled.  I had to get it out of my system before I went into the sanctuary, so I wouldn't make a complete fool of myself!  The concert was just wonderful...Lance, Bradley and Brock are every bit as good live as they are on CD, and they sang so many of my favorite songs.  Since they've never been in this area before, they even went back to their first projects to sing "Sailing Toward Home," "I Could Sing About Heaven," and "New Shoes."  They sang a lot of the favorites from their "Sounds of Home" and "Sounds of Faith" CDs...songs like "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," "Are You Washed in the Blood," "Blessed Assurance," "Unclouded Day," and the most amazing a capella "Heavenly Parade."  I had to really work to hold back the giggles when they did their radio singles "Lovin' Out Loud," "What the Storm Does Not Know," and "Truth Be Told," their current single.  I love that song!  They ended the concert with "Amazing Grace," followed by "More Than Amazing," a perfect combination of a classic hymn and a current hit.  So yes, it was definitely worth the wait to see Paid in Full...but I sure hope I don't have to wait another 10 years to see them again! 

That's all for this week, folks.  Be sure to enter the new homepage photo contest when the picture changes on Thursday...and please don't try any April Fool's Day pranks on me!  Until next time, I'll see you on the front row!

MARCH 22, 2010...There aren't that many groups that tempt me to drive two hours each way anymore--I'm just too busy (and too tired) to travel as far, as often, as I used to.  But if I want to see Soul'd Out Quartet...and I do!...I have to make the trip whenever possible.  They were at Koanoke Baptist Church in Winston-Salem last night, and the concert was completely worth the long drive!  (Actually, I got there before they did--Mapquest 1, GPS 0.)  They opened the program with "Someday We'll Know," and then did several more songs from their "Simply Put" project, favorites like "Jesus Is Coming Soon" and "Standing on the Solid Rock."  Matt Fouch (bass) did a beautiful job on "I'd Rather Have Jesus."  They also sang a lot from the new CD, "Blessed."  It's so good that I listened to it all the way to Winston-Salem, and could still hardly wait to hear them do the songs in concert!  They featured their new single, "Who Is This Man," "Cool Drink of Water," and "See Ya Over There."  Dusty did a gorgeous job on a song he wrote called "Maker of the Rain."  The live arrangement is a little different from the CD version...much simpler, with just the piano...but so beautiful.  Not only does Soul'd Out have a great (and absolutely adorable) piano player, but Michael can sing, too.  He's featured on "On My Way Home," and I was so glad they did it during last night's concert.  One of my favorite songs of the night was "Joseph Got His Tomb Back."  You might be more familiar with the Down East Boys' version, but Matt Rankin and Tanner wrote it, and Soul'd Out recorded it first.  (If you'll look at the credits on your CDs, you'll probably notice their names popping up a lot...if Soul'd Out isn't planning to send them to radio, they pitch their songs to other groups.)  They ended the night with a bang, with "Ain't Nobody."  I'll be watching their schedule for my next chance to see them...even if it means another 2-hour trip!

So, who would you drive 2 (or more) hours to see in concert?  Check out the concert update to see if they're coming to our area in the next few weeks.  It's possible...there are always so many great concerts on our schedule!  Maybe I'll join you there.  Until next time, I'll see you on the front row!

MARCH 15, 2010...One of the many things I love about this area is that you can enjoy top-notch Southern Gospel groups within 30 minutes of home!  I enjoyed four of the best this weekend!

On Thursday night, the Taylors hosted the Mark Trammell Quartet at Fellowship Baptist Church.  The Taylors always open the concert when they have a group at their church, which is one reason why those concerts are always packed!  They started out with "I'll Meet You in the Morning" from their new "Family Favorites" project.  They did several of those classic old songs, including "I'd Rather Have Jesus" and "Old Camp Meeting Days."  Their current radio single, "He Is Jehovah," is also great in concert, and one of my favorites.  They surprised their mom, Sandra, by singing one of her songs, "Down on My Knees," for the first time in concert.  I'm sure it won't be the last time!  The Mark Trammell Quartet--and doesn't that still sound strange?!--made their first appearance in this area, and I must say, "WOW!"  As great as the trio was, the quartet is even better!  Pat Barker is one of the most fun bass singers to watch; he gets so involved in every song.  I think he's just thrilled to have his own microphone after several years with the Dixie Echoes!  The quartet opened their program with "Gentle Shepherd," and that set the tone for their whole set.  They did many of the songs from their new quartet project (I have to keep saying "quartet" to break my "trio" habit), including "Mansion Over the Hilltop," "Hold Me," "Hide Thou Me," and the prettiest version of "While the Ages Roll" I think I've ever heard.  They're even singing "How Big Is God!"  They did a few of the songs from the last Mark Trammell Trio project, too..."Coming Out and Moving In," "I Always Have a Song to Sing," and "Loving the Lamb"...and they're even better now with the addition of Pat's beautiful bass voice.  My favorite song of the night wasn't sung at the church, however, but at the restaurant later that night.  While waiting for our order, Pat and Dustin entertained us with some of their favorite TV theme songs...including "Gilligan's Island!"  (Did you know that you can sing "Amazing Grace" to the tune of "Gilligan's Island" and it works...but you can't sing "Gilligan's Island" to the tune of "Amazing Grace?"  I'm just full of useful information!)

Fleming Norris puts together a "Concert for Christ" every couple of months, and he always chooses great groups.  Friday night's concert at Coats Baptist Church featured two of my favorites, Black Creek and Butler Hughes & Hayes.  They're also two of Margie's favorites, so she agreed to emcee the concert...any excuse to brag her hubby, right?!  Of course, it's not really bragging when they can live up to it, is it?  BH&H did a great job on "Alpha and Omega," "Thank Him for the Miracle" and "He Saw It All."  Lamar was especially good on "Meet Him Here," Darren did a lovely job with "The Secret Place," and Michael was wonderful on "Lovest Thou Me."  They brought us to our feet with "Long as I Got King Jesus" at the end of their set.  Great job!  I thought Black Creek was a surprising choice to pair with BH&H, but it really worked well.  They started with the bouncy "Hallelujah," and one I especially enjoy, "This Blessed Old Book."  They take some traditional quartet songs and turn them into bluegrass favorites--"Workin' on a Building" and "Just a Little Talk with Jesus" come to mind immediately.  Traci does such a beautiful job on "I've Come to Take You Home" and "It Is Well."  After an hour with Black Creek, I just have one question.  Is there any instrument they can't play?! 

I almost forgot that there was a basketball tournament going on--okay, I admit I was completely oblivious to it--but even I got a kick out Scott's observation that if you come to a gospel sing on Friday night during the ACC tournament, there's a good chance you're saved...or a Carolina fan!  Of course, I'd rather go to a gospel concert that almost anything else!  If you feel the same way, check out the concert update and I'm sure you'll find plenty you want to attend.  I certainly have!  Until next time, I'll see you on the front row!

MARCH 8, 2010...It's hard to believe another Parker Homecoming has come and gone!  As usual, it was a great weekend and the Civic Center in Sanford was packed with fans from all over the country.  One of the fans in the audience was Minister Josephine Norris--listen for her on Saturday at 2:15pm on WCKB--who taught Ivan Parker in Sunday School when he was a little boy.  She assured me with a laugh that he was a real rascal back then!

Friday's special guests, once again, were Brian Free & Assurance.  Their set was full of energy, especially "You Must Have Met Him" and "Long as I Got King Jesus," but I enjoyed their more serious songs best.  Randy did a really good job on "Healed," and I love their new single, "I Am Redeemed."  The sweetest part of the set was "Save Me a Seat."  It's a great song, and especially moving now, as Jeremy talks about losing his dad recently before he sings it.  Karen Peck & New River were back on Saturday night.  Their set featured some unexpected, but very effective, song choices...they went from "We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown" right into "Hold Me While I Cry" and from "Hey" into "Amazing Grace."  I really enjoyed "I Want to Thank You," but my favorite song was one Susan sang, "It's Gonna Have to Be God."  The ladies made a good choice when they picked 12th grade teacher Jeff Hawes to replace Devin McGlamery; Jeff did a beautiful job on "I'd Rather Have Jesus."  I just have one question...how come I never had an English teacher like that?!  Saturday's concert also featured Arise.  They opened with "What a Beautiful Day," and did a beautiful job of it!  Other highlights of their set were "I'm Free Again," and "Look Who Just Checked In."  I particularly enjoyed "I Feel a Little Song Coming On"...I never realized before that it absolutely needs a bass singer!  The Harvesters Quartet did a great job both nights, but the sound was much better on Saturday. I enjoyed meeting their new bass singer, Brandon; I'm not clear whether he's just filling in for Jim or if he's actually the new bass, but either way, I liked him.  And I finally got to meet G.W.'s little girl, Presley...she's an absolute doll!  The Harvesters did a couple of great programs.  It's hard to choose which songs were best, but I really enjoyed "There He'll Be," "An Old Convention Song," "Rise Up and Walk," "I'm Gonna Move" (Howard should audition for "Dancing with the Stars!") and "Hallelujah Square."  Ivan Parker did a few of the songs from his new CD, "Unity," but he knew that most of us wanted to hear our favorites, and he packed both programs with one hit after another.  Let's see, there was "I Choose," "I Can Only Imagine," "Best Hallelujah in the House," "Favorite Song of All," "When I Get Carried Away," and of course, "Midnight Cry."  Friday night, Brian Free & Assurance joined him when he sang it, and do I even have to say that it was wonderful?!  He surprised me Saturday by singing it much earlier in the program that I expected.  And though Mrs. Norris made be right about Ivan being a rascal, but he wasn't the only one...Ivan was singing his little heart out when Brian strolled out with a huge ladder and pretended to fix the stage lights.  When we all finally stopped laughing, which took a few minutes, Ivan explained that it was long-awaited payback for a prank he'd once pulled on Brian.  Apparently, during a very serious moment, a roll of toilet paper was sent rolling across the stage...I imagine that ended the serious moment pretty quickly!

I was back in Sanford on Sunday morning, to see Driven Quartet at Grace Chapel.  If I'd known they were going to sing in the 8:30am service, I'd have been there...but I admit I'm glad I only knew about the 10:30am service!  I always love seeing them, and no matter what they sing, I think it's the most marvelous thing I've ever heard!  Their program included "Between the Rock and a Hard Place," "It's Enough," "Feelin' Fine," and the beautiful "In God We Trust."  They brought in a special guest for a portion of the service, and granted a wish in the process.  Junior Cole, a member of Grace Chapel, was the one most responsible for bringing Driven to the church.  When he introduced the group, he mentioned that his dream had always been to sing with a quartet, so of course, they invited him to sing with them!  Junior, Jason, Chad, Will and Scott did "Boundless Love," "I'll Fly Away," and "He Touched Me."  I'm not sure who enjoyed it more...Junior or his friends at the church!  Everywhere you looked, people were just beaming while he was onstage! 

That's it for this week.  Check the Concert Update to make plans for the weekend, and maybe we'll cross paths!  Until next time, I'll see you on the front row!

MARCH 1, 2010...When the snow and ice storm hit at the end of January, I was delighted that it waited until after the Kingsmen concert in Fayetteville, but disappointed that I missed Vocal Reunion in Raleigh.  They usually only come up once a year, so I thought I'd have a long wait for the next visit.  But it turned out that their concert was cancelled due to the weather, and rescheduled for last Friday night.  Thank goodness Dennie remembered to let me know!  The timing was actually perfect, because their new project, "Greatest Story Ever Told," just came in last week; we may have been the first to hear it.  Marty, Garry and Dennie (okay, mostly Dennie) had to fake it a little on some of the words, but the new songs are really good!  I especially enjoyed "Somebody Say Amen," and think it should be the first radio single.  But they've already decided to send "Stepping on the Beautiful Shore" first.  That's one's good, too...and they promised that everybody was singing the same words on the recorded version!  Not all of the songs were from the new CD; they brought out a classic near the end of the program.  "Jesus Loves Me" may be the first song we all learn as kids, but it's beautiful no matter how old the singer is.  (I'm not making a comment on anyone's age, but if the shoe fits...buy it in every color!)  I'm hoping I'll have more than one chance per year to see Vocal Reunion from now on.  Marty is from Pinehurst, so surely they'll schedule a few dates in the area.  If nothing else, he can stop by the station and say hello on his way to Florence to meet the bus!

I had my yearly visit with Commandment 11 on Sunday morning.  I wish I could see them more often, but they spend way too much time in Pennsylvania and South Carolina, and not nearly enough in North Carolina!  Yes, you actually do know them...remember Mended Wings?  Scott and Phil were part of that ministry for several years before going out on their own.  Pastor Tom asked them to sing one of the songs they did with Mended Wings; "God Leads His Children Along" was the highlight of the service for me.  I love their arrangement of "At Calvary," too, and "I Will Praise You" is another favorite.  I just hope they'll finally send something to radio this year! 

The sign by the highway said "Rick Webb Trio," but it was the Rick Webb Family that sang at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Carthage last night.  I always love seeing Rick, Phyllis, Parker and Hannah--I just don't get to do it often enough--but they did an especially good program this time.  They started with one of my favorites, "Bells of Heaven," and then did most of the songs I was hoping to hear..."Singing with the Saints" and "Days of Elijah," "Let the Church Roll On" and "Heavenly Sunrise," "The Battlefield" and "The Lord Is Great and Wonderful" (though only a chorus of that one, right at the end).  Rick did a stunning medley of "It Is Well with My Soul" and "He Hideth My Soul."  And they sang their new radio single, "Step a Little Higher," which finally arrived late last week, so you'll be hearing it shortly.  But they left out the one I really, really wanted.  Parker has a gorgeous song on the new "Faithful" CD called "Every Knee Shall Bow," which had better be the next single, but apparently he hasn't actually learned it yet.  He promised me that he'll sing it the next time I see them, and I plan to hold him to it!

I should be able to collect on that promise in April.  Rick and Phyllis told me about a concert series that their record company, Song Garden, is putting together.  The Webbs will be in Rocky Mount, Goldsboro and Greensboro, with artists like the LeFevre Quartet, the Ball Brothers, and Triumphant Quartet--I'll pass along the details as soon as they get them to me!  The next concert at Emmanuel will be on March 28th; I'm so excited that Paid in Full is coming!  Their new single, "Truth Be Told," immediately became one of my favorite songs when they sang it at NQC last September!  And don't forget about the Parker Homecoming this Friday and Saturday; be listening for your chance to win tickets, and for a special interview with Danny Parker this Wednesday afternoon.  You can find more information on the concert update, including Driven Quartet in Angier and Sanford this weekend.  Until next time, I'll see you on the front row!

FEBRUARY 22, 2010...Decisions, decisions!  It was hard enough trying to decide between the Greenes in Dunn or the Toney Brothers in Raleigh on Saturday night. Then Pastor Earl called to let me know that he'd booked the Skyline Boys here in Dunn and I got so excited until he said they were coming on Saturday, too.  Then I was just sick because, no matter how hard I've tried, I haven't yet figured out how to be in three places at once!  I tried to work out my schedule to see all three groups over the weeked, but the Greenes' Rockingham concert was on Thursday the week before, so I didn't quite manage it.  (Please forgive me, Jeff...you know I adore you!)

I had to go with the Toney Brothers on Saturday, since they're almost never in North Carolina (and I've known them the longest).  It was a good decision!  Not only did I get to see Terry and George, but I also got a lovely surprise--Kasey Kemp was with them.  I don't know if he's the permanent lead singer or just filling in, but I'm so glad we had a chance to catch up; I think it had been two years since I saw him.  It was nice to see Judson again, too, but I know he was just covering a couple of weeks.  I wanted to choke the emcee, who just had to keep pointing out how "dressed up" I was (even though he knew I came straight from work, I always wear a dress, and I'm really not comfortable with the attention), and the devil had taken possession of the sound system, but it was still a pleasure to see the Toney Brothers without having to drive for three hours!  (They were in Norfolk, Virginia on Friday...and I thought about it.)  With two new guys, they were a little limited in their song choices, but they did the country arrangement of "Amazing Grace" that I just love and George sang "Tougher Than Nails," so I was happy.  Now if Kasey turns out to be the permanent lead, they might get back this way more often, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

I was able to see the Skyline Boys in Rockingham on Sunday night.  Most of them, anyway--Bobby came down with laryngitis and had to miss the weekend, but I thought that Dennis, Jodi and Toby did a great job as a trio.  When they sang "I Can't Wait for Heaven," I knew the missing part wouldn't be any problem.  They might have turned up a background vocal to fill it, but whatever they did, it worked! I really enjoyed "Don't Drink the Water" and "Glory to God in the Highest," and of course, the new radio single, "The Blood on My Hands."  Jodi does a beautiful job with it, but then, I've never heard him sing a bad song (and I've got his CDs all the way back to Kevin Spencer & Friends).  Dennis nearly made me cry when he did "Look for Me."  He just lost his mother about a month ago, and I don't how he got through it.  They sang almost entirely from the latest project, "Free and Forgiven," but they did feature at least one earlier song.  Toby made "How I Picture Me" even better that it was on the CD!  I kept waiting and waiting for "I'm Movin' Out of Here," but they saved it for the very last song.  I was beginning to think they'd forgotten it, and I would have been so very disappointed! 

As always, I want to remind you to check the concert update; there are a lot of great concerts coming up!  If you're not getting our weekly newsletter yet, please sign up today.  We're having so much fun with it and just want to share!  Until next time, I'll see  you on the front row!

FEBRUARY 15, 2010...You all know what an animal lover I am.  I'd never intentionally hurt any creature (except for spiders, which must DIE).  That said, I'm almost ready to smack that stupid groundhog!  Enough winter, already--give me spring, quickly!

The snow on January 29th threatened to completely upset my concert plans.  The Kingsmen were coming to Fayetteville at the same time the storm was heading for us, but I prayed really, really hard that the weather would hold until after the concert.  Calvary's Hill Quartet opened the service; I was excited to see the new lineup because I remembered how much I'd liked Eric and Jerry in another group, and Roger had done some serious bragging about his new lead singer.  He was right; Bill did a beautiful version of "There Is a River."  Since they only had a short time to sing, I liked the fact that most of their songs were uptempo--"He Lifted Me," "Hey Jonah," and "In My Robe of White" impressed me most.  The Kingsmen started their set with my least favorite song of all time, but I can even enjoy "Glory Road" when the Kingsmen sing it!  They sang several of their biggest hits during the concert.  Phillip did an outstanding job on "My Past Has Passed" and Harold was just wonderful on "He's All I Need."  But my favorite was "Make It to Other Side."  Every time I hear that little "squiggle" at the beginning, I can't help smiling, whether it's on CD or in concert.  (I know that's not the correct musical term, but that's what I've always called it.)  Bryan is featured on the Kingsmen's current hit, "The Word," which is so much more moving when you hear it live.  Harold is on the next hit.  "God Saw a Cross" is the new radio single, and it's one of the most beautiful songs they've ever done!  After that, I'm hoping for "When It's All Said and Done," because by then we'll be ready for a fast song, with Ray Dean's wonderful bass notes prominently featured!  All of the guys did a great job, but the crowd favorite was very clearly the Kingsmen's new piano player.  Cody's just 18, and it was funny to see Bryan giving him instructions during the group introduction.  "Look at the people" and "Smile big" were the main points he kept trying to make.  Cody seems to be a quick learner, and he's certainly a great player, so I expect he'll do just fine!  And the snow storm?  We got snow, we got ice, I got stuck at home for three days...but we got nothing until I was only fifteen minutes away from the house.  Thank you, Lord, for perfect timing!

There was lots and lots of rain for the Dove Brothers' homecoming on February 5th.  It was raining so hard I half expected to see animals pairing up, and it was one of those cold, heavy rains that make you question how badly you really want to be out. I was already thoroughly upset because the Diplomats had been switched from Friday to Saturday--when I couldn't go--and I briefly considered forgetting the whole evening.  But then I thought of the groups that were still going to be there, and I knew the evening would be too good to miss!  Of course, I was glad I braved the weather as soon as I drove up and saw the buses, and the fact that Wesley and Scoot were the first ones I saw there just confirmed that I was going to have a wonderful night!  The Dixie Melody Boys went on first.  It's the same group I've heard before--Jonathan, Donald, Steven and Mr. Ed--but something was different, because I don't know when I've heard them sound better!  They did a bunch of past DMB hits, like "Sending Up Boards," "He Came Back," and "When the Sun of My Life Goes Down."  I knew every one of them, but tried not to sing along too loudly so I wouldn't disturb my neighbors.  One of the best songs in their set was "The Night Before Easter."  Steven did a gorgeous job, so good that he had to sing it twice!  Following that would have been tough enough, but there was more.  McCray wanted us all to feel very safe, so he introduced the very special security guard hired for the occasion, and Larry Delawder proceeded to do the best "Barney" since "The Andy Griffith Show" went off the air.  He was so funny!  The Dixie Echoes couldn't possibly have done a serious song after that, so they started with a very lively "I'll Be Ready to Go with Him."  When they sang "The Devil and His Old Suitcase," to borrow one of my favorite quartet lines, if they weren't having fun they were the best bunch of hypocrites I've ever seen...and I know those of us in the audience were loving it!  Wesley got one of the biggest cheers of the night, and it wasn't just for being a marvelous tenor.  Apparently, Fish Pond, Alabama is a very popular place!  (And Louisiana, for some reason, isn't.)  They did eventually get to do a few of their more serious songs, like "Now I Have Everything" and "How Great Thou Art," but they didn't sing "How Big Is God."  I nearly cried, because it was Pat's last weekend with them and I really wanted to hear it one more time--I found out later that the Mark Trammell Quartet has already recorded it, so maybe I'll hear it in Lillington on March 11th!  Finally, the Dove Brothers got their turn onstage, and absolutely everything they did delighted their hometown fans...even the jelly jingle!  I'm not making that up--the Dove Brothers now carry Muscadine grape jelly from a local vineyard on their product table, so of course, McCray had to write a jingle.  As if the Dove Brothers weren't already a great quartet, now they've got an extra spark, provided by a great live band.  Adam Harmon is their new piano player and Eric's son, Devin, has joined to play drums.  I don't know if he'll be with them for every concert, but you'll be in for a treat whenever he's there.  Everything was a little bit better with the live music, especially "Hold On," the current Dove Brothers single.  They had to do three encores, and probably could have justified a few more, but they had to reserve some energy for the big finish.  Of course, that was, as it must always be, "Didn't It Rain" and "Get Away Jordan!"  Even after the concert ended, our evening didn't.  McCray made arrangements for a local restaurant to stay open late, so all three groups and many of us from the audience enjoyed a late dinner together.  It was just the most perfect way to wrap up a wonderful night.  I can hardly wait for next year's homecoming--I just want to know for sure which night the Diplomats will be there!

For the third weekend in a row, weather threatened to ruin my concert plans on  Sunday morning.  (Did I mention enough already with the winter precipitation?!)  Fortunately, the snow came and went quickly, and I trusted that I'd avoid any lingering ice, because I simply couldn't bear to miss HisSong in Fayetteville.  They sang for Journey Community Church, which fit perfectly with their new CD, "Journey Through the Sky."  Their current hit, "I Believe in Prayer," is from that project, and so is the new single, "What a Difference a Day Makes."  Both of those songs feature Dennis, but the Adams had their moments, too.  Adam Elrod, one of my favorite tenors, did a fantastic job on "They're Getting Ready in Glory."  Adam Cannon was featured beautifully on "When God Moves a Stone."  Another song they did from the new project was "Jesus Is the Best Thing."  It's pretty much the old Gladys Knight song with reworked lyrics.  Dennis sang the first verse while the Adams stood quietly in the background, but when he reached the chorus, it was the second coming of the Pips!  That brought down the house!  And that wasn't our only treat...Christian Davis was there; he had the morning off from his new group, Dailey & Vincent.  He used to do a lot of concerts with HisSong, so naturally they invited him to sing with them again, and naturally he chose to sing "Thanks to Calvary."  It was lovely!  I don't have the details yet, but I've heard that HisSong will be back in the area in a couple of months.  I'll let you know as soon as I find out something!

Now let's pray for good, warm weather this coming weekend.  I will do serious harm to that groundhog if winter strikes again, because the Toney Brothers are coming to Raleigh on Saturday night!  I'm so excited about seeing them again!  Look for that listing and lots more on the concert update.  As long as you have to go back to the homepage, have you signed up for the newsletter yet?  Are you following WCKB on Twitter?  And when will you enter the photo contest?  I know, it's a little tough this month, but you can figure it out.  I have complete confidence in you!  At least make a guess...you've got nothing to lose and you just might be the winner!  That's all for now--work is waiting--so until next time, I'll see you on the front row!

JANUARY 26, 2010...I was running a little late Saturday on my way to see the Bledsoes in Lucama.  I drove way too fast in order to make it there early so we'd have time to visit before the service, but when I got to the church, there was no bus!  I was a little worried, but their name was on the sign so I knew I was in the right place.  Pastor met me (and everyone else) at the door with "They're on the way...stuck in traffic...they'll be here in fifteen minutes."  We finally heard the bus pull up about 6:30pm, everyone gave a little cheer, and then the fastest set up and sound check I've ever seen followed--one chorus of "Mansion Over the Hilltop," one chorus of "Marching Onward," and they dashed back to the bus to change from set up clothes to singing clothes.  Rodney, Robert and Charity opened the service with "I Just Came to Praise the Lord," and that church came alive!  They loved "A Far Better Place," and the new single, "He Died, He Rose, He Lives," got a great reception, too.  "What a Wonderful Change," "He's Still God," and "The One" seemed to be as fun for them as they were us.  The Bledsoes' CDs always feature strong ballads, and the new project, "Onward" is packed with them.  We got to hear several during the service, including "He'll See Me Through," "I'm Reminded God Is Good," and my favorite, "This Too Shall Pass."  I had to force myself not to reach up for the repeat button when Rodney finished that one, because I always play it at least three times in a row when I'm listening to it in the car!  Charity took a break so John could come up for "Mansion Over the Hilltop" and "I've Got a New Song to Sing."  Rodney tried to convince Gary Burdette to sing bass with them on "New Song," but had no luck.  Gary said his "do-re-mi" was fine, but "fa" was out of the    question!  They had to make room for several requests, including "Grace Every Time" and "Memories of Mama."  I resisted the urge to cry this time (mostly), but it wasn't easy.  Rodney even had to sing "This Valley You're In" a second time.  If I'd realized that he'd repeat a song, I'd have asked for "This Too Shall Pass" again; I'll have to keep that in mind for my next Bledsoes' concert!

Emmanuel Baptist Church opened this year's concert series with Adoration Quartet on Sunday night.  They were just finishing their sound check when I arrived, and Terry remembered that he hadn't told the other guys the story of "hanging" me by calling and pretending to be a music minister in search of groups for his church.  I talked to that "music minister" for ten minutes, answering questions about groups I knew and recommending people for him to contact, and I honestly never realized it was Terry...thank goodness I had nothing but praise for Adoration!  (So if you're a real music minister and I behave strangely when you call, it's just because I think you're Terry trying to pull another prank!)  That led to another story, then another, and next thing we knew, Scott and Keith were teasing Melvin mercilessly; I believe it was just because they knew they were going to miss him so badly, since it was his last night filling in for Chris.  We laughed until they realized it was almost 6:30pm and they'd better get dressed to sing.  They opened up the concert with "Will the Lord Be with Me," a fun quartet number.  Terry sang "Had It Not Been" earlier in the program than I expected; that changed the mood from entertainment to worship real fast.  They did a few more fun songs like "Let's Go In" and "Come to the Fountain," but they concentrated on familiar old songs like "Hallelujah Square," "In the Sweet By and By," and "Amazing Grace."  Between those songs, Terry was quoting lyrics from other hymns; he was about to preach a few times!  They ended with two of the big ballads I love so much, "Peace Through the Blood" and "Just One Hope," which really did all the preaching that was necessary.  As I told that "music minister," if you have a chance to bring Adoration Quartet to your church and you don't do it, you're just very silly!  (I actually wanted to say "You're a fool," but since I really did think I was talking to a music minister, I thought I'd better be nice!)

Go get your calendars now and mark Emmanuel Baptist for the fourth Sunday of every month except July, November and December.  They've got great concerts scheduled with the Rick Webb Family, Paid in Full, the Taylors, the Anchormen, the Browns, Southern Sound, the Old Paths, and Driven Quartet--you won't want to miss any of them!  Don't forget about Brian Free & Assurance, the Kingsmen, and the Dixie Melody Boys in the area this week; you can find all the information on the concert update.  I must work now, so until next time, I'll see you on the front row!

JANUARY 19, 2010...I'm not really as far behind as you think I am.  Sure, it's been a month, but I've just got four concerts to talk about (darned holiday breaks!), so I can start the year fresh from here. 

The Dove Brothers were in Fayetteville on December 10th; it worked out perfectly since Ron's Barn--my regular Thursday destination--had ended their 2009 concert schedule the week before.  I walked in all happy and saw Jerry Kelso immediately, then I was unhappy because he told me it was his last week with the group.  At least he said he was glad to see me one last time (for now, because I'm told he's already rejoined the Stamps Quartet; maybe I'll get to see them again someday).  Other than that, it was a great evening, and more than enough to tide me over til the concerts started up again.  The Dove Brothers sang most of the songs from their new CD, "Hold On."  I love this one!  It's full of great new songs, and even the remakes--Eric's "He's Gonna Smile on Me" and David's "Little David"-- are new to me.  McCray wrote "Hold On," and I half-expected him to follow it with "He Stopped Loving Her Today."  George Jones doesn't sound that much like George Jones anymore!  Of course, Jerry Martin's best was, and will probably always be, "I Can Pray."  I don't know if it was written with him in mind, but I just can't imagine anyone else singing it nearly so beautifully as he does.  I confess to being a little relieved that they didn't sing any Christmas songs (I was a wee bit burned out on them by then), but McCray told me later that they're thinking of recording a Christmas CD this year.  He did promise original material, though!  And he made me very, very happy when he talked about the Dove Brothers Homecoming, to be held February 5th and 6th in Elizabethtown.  On Saturday night, their guests will be the Greenes, the Chuck Wagon Gang, Little Roy (Lewis) & Lizzie, and the Spokesmen Quartet.  That'll be a great concert, but it's Friday night that truly has me excited--the Dixie Melody Boys, the Dixie Echoes, and the Diplomats will be there!  I've already got my ticket! 

I hadn't planned on doing anything for New Year's Eve--I detest New Year's Eve--but then Terry Carter called the station to let me know that Adoration and the Anchormen would be in Sanford that night, and there went my quiet evening!  When I got to the church, I realized that Terry had left out some very important information--Unity was there, too!  I hadn't seen them in two years, so I'm surprised they remembered me.  I got a copy of the new CD ("Unity"), so you'll be finally be hearing new material when they're featured on "Carolina Gospel Showcase."  They had some exciting news to share...they've signed with a division of Song Garden Music; Fred and Emmanuel were telling me about the expected first single, "Step a Little Higher," and I just couldn't wait to hear it!  Well, they left it out of the program that night, but I figured it had to be great, because "Livin' in the Light of God," "I Already Like It," and "Say the Word" certainly were.  Any of those will make great radio releases, too!  Adoration Quartet has been without their bass singer for several months, since Chris was called back to serve in Afghanistan.  (He's home safe now!)  Terry, Keith and Scott would have made a great trio, but instead they featured a special guest bass while Chris was gone, Melvin McBride.  He used to sing with Chapter 4 and recently with the Men of Faith Quartet; it was so good to see him and Trudy again, even if it was for just a short visit.  Although officially a part-time group, Adoration is easily as good as any officially full-time quartet you'd see on the NQC main stage!  From "Jesus Really Cares" to "Palm of His Hand" to "Amazing Grace," they did such a great job that I'd have felt sorry for most groups having to follow them.  But the Anchormen aren't most groups, and they were completely up to the challenge!  Keith, Karl, Paul and Michael have really developed into a great team, and people are noticing.  Their new CD, "Always a Road," is doing very well; the new single, "All in a Sunday's Work," has already shown up on the national charts (and it's doing great at WCKB, too)!  The project feels a little more country than you might expect from the Anchormen, but it works!  "Better Than Ever" and "Everything but Time" are such fun in concert, and "One Day I Will" is just gorgeous.  If you love big ballads--and I do--that's one you'll listen to over and over again.  I enjoyed the evening so much, I've decided that maybe, just maybe, I don't hate New Year's Eve after all...not as long as there are concerts like this one to celebrate!

I wasn't sure what I'd be doing this past Friday night, until Jason called to let me know that Driven would be at Savannah Hill...then I knew I'd be on the front row, right side, with Lou Anne, Mary Anne and Roger (with Durwood and Miss Rosina right behind us, and John on the third row).  We had the best time!  It's always so good to be with Jason, Chad, Will and Scott, especially since we only see them every few months now.  They sang so many of our favorites--"Jesus Is Coming Get Ready," "Boundless Love," "That's Enough"--that Lou Anne remarked that they were doing all the good songs, and I  had to agree; it was almost as if we'd made up the set list ourselves!  They claimed to be so tired of "Working on a Building" that they hated to hear the track start up anymore, so they do it without the music; I think they just want an excuse for the great big "HUM" at the beginning.  They had to do it several times before they could stop laughing long enough to continue with the rest of the song!  Lou Anne and I had given Chad a couple of requests before the service started, and just when I was beginning to think he'd forgotten about them, the very last songs were "Marriage Supper" (my absolute favorite) and "I Feel Like Running" (Lou Anne's choice).  Both were definitely worth waiting for!   

Fayetteville Community Church opened the 2010 Sunday Night Homecoming Concert Series with the Isaacs; you know it's January when the Isaacs come to FCC!  This year's concert was special; we got to meet Sonya's new husband, Jimmy, and we got to hear great new songs from a new project.  They were still unpacking equipment when I arrived, so Sonya introduced Jimmy to everyone who wasn't totin' a speaker; he seems really nice and she seems awfully happy!  They were running a bit late because of a late night show in Nashville and the I-40 closure, but they finally got everything in place and checked out; I think the hardest part was Sonya and Becky trying to remember what colors they'd worn there for the past couple of years...we all finally decided they'd done red last year and black the year before, so this year they chose shades of brown.  (Yes, guys, it does matter!)  The choir opened the concert with a couple of great songs, as usual.  Wesley sat next to me on the front row while they were singing, and I thought he was talking to me until I realized he was giving instructions to the folks in the sound booth!  (Honestly, the Secret Service has nothing on the staff of FCC when it comes to headsets and hidden mics!)  He usually only does two choir numbers before the featured group, but his friend Billy had made a special request, so Wesley did "Through the Fire," too...and oh, it was gorgeous!  The Isaacs followed that with an amazing medley of hymns, then the first half of the concert was one hit after another.  The second half came mostly from that new CD, "Naturally--An Almost A Capella Collection."  They did six completely a capella songs, and the rest just use one or two instruments.  For example, the new single "A Little Bit of Heaven'' features only a banjolin and a washboard...yes, I said washboard!  My favorite song is "The Three Bells," and Ben should expect me to ask for it every time I see them from now on!  I always did love hearing Jim Ed Brown sing it, and Ben does it so beautifully, too; I truly hope they'll send it out to radio when "Heaven" is finished!  They even sang a Hebrew folk song, proving that you never know what to expect at an Isaacs concert!  Wesley asked them to sing "It Is Well" at the end of the evening; Sonya didn't seem too sure about that since they didn't have a fiddle player, but they did it anyway, "Naturally," and it was the most stunning portion of the whole concert!  When you've got voices like the Isaacs', who needs a fiddle?!   

The rest of the FCC concert series is booked.  You'll be glad to know that the Booth Brothers will be back in July and Signature Sound returns in October.  You'll probably be surprised to learn that the McKameys are coming in May!  I'm looking forward to that one!  And Wesley is planning Sing-a-Longs in the spring and the fall, featuring many of the groups who record at his studio.  If you missed the one last October, please don't miss either of them this year!  In the next few weeks, look for the Kingsmen, the Dixie Melody Boys, the Greenes, and a bunch more to be in the area.  Find all that information on the concert update page.  If you haven't yet, check out some of the new pages, too.  I'm still working on "The Product Table."  It's turned out to be a big job, but I'm having a ball with it!  You can still sign up for our newsletter on the homepage, the photo contest has its own page now, and you can even find the "Good Morning, Charlie" lists on the website--just pray for me as I try to decipher Charlie's scrawl every morning!  Now until next time, I'll see you on the front row!

DECEMBER 8, 2009...Having a love/hate relationship with Christmas music--I love the first three times I hear "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," after that I want to smack an elf or two (but never a reindeer; you know how I love animals)--I wasn't really sure how I'd enjoy a Christmas concert. But even the Grinch would have had a great time with Ernie Haase & Signature Sound at Fayetteville Community Church on Sunday night, and I loved it! 

Ernie paid me a wonderful compliment as soon as I walked in; he asked if I had my camera with me (well, of course, I did) and he said I took great pictures!  I was so surprised that he'd think so, but I can't take much credit because it's awfully easy to get great shots of them.  I always enjoy being there during sound check to see how they work on getting every phrase just right and figure out exactly when to start a track so it flows smoothly; really, you have no idea how much thought goes into every detail, because they make it look so natural and so easy.  So I had some advance idea how the concert would go, but seeing it all come together was so much more impressive and exciting than I expected.  The CD and tour are called "Every Light That Shines at Christmas, " and they do expect and encourage audience participation.  We all got little EH&SSQ flashlights as we came in, and they were twinkling like crazy most of the night.  If you looked at the screens, all you could see in the audience were the lights--it was beautiful.  The concert had a great mix of the serious and the silly; there was truly something for everyone.  Traditional Christmas carols? "What Child Is This" and "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen."  Profound messages? "Redeeming Love" and "Light a Candle."  Romance?  "All I Want Is You" and "Christmas in Indiana."  Pure fun?  "If It Doesn't Snow on Christmas" and "Mr. Heat Miser."  Ernie and Tim hammed it up on that one...they're too much!  (You've got to hear the song to appreciate that!)  The night was made even better by the presence of a live band, and though Ernie forgot to introduce them, they did a great job.  Of course, it's not really Christmas without kids.  The big kids--Ernie, Ryan, Doug and Tim--did a beautiful job on "Thank God for Kids," and the FCC Kids Choir did a beautiful job on "Christmas Is Christmas (Wherever You Are)" and "He Started the Whole World Singing/O Come, All Ye Faithful."   They sang every song from the new project and several from the 2004 Christmas CD, and you know they didn't dare try to leave out "Oh What a Savior," so it was a packed two hours.  I'm trying to decide which song was my favorite, and I just can't!  I was most surprised, though, by "Tennessee Christmas," simply because I didn't realize that Wayne Haun was such a great singer!  (Now finish that CD, Wayne!)  And Mr. Fashion, Tim Duncan, didn't disappoint...this year he had a bright red shirt and tie, red belt, red boots--it all just screamed "Christmas!"  I can't wait to see what he'll be wearing next time!

I asked Wesley about next year's concert schedule, and it's looking good!  The dates aren't set in stone yet, but the Isaacs and the Booth Brothers will be back, they're working to get Greater Vision, and I'm sure we can count on Ernie and the guys coming back.  But the best news is that Wesley is planning two Sing-Along concerts next year, since everyone loved the one in October so much!  Plan on one in the spring and another in the fall, and whatever you do, don't miss them!  Right now, it's time to head over to the station Christmas party to see what zany games Ron has come up with this year.  You never know what he's going to make us do, but it's always very silly and lots of fun!  Speaking of...did you see the picture of Neal in the Dunn Christmas parade?  It's on the homepage, and then you can enter the new photo contest, and sign up for the newsletter if you haven't done it yet.  Don't put it off...you'll miss all the fun!  Until next time, I'll see you on the front row!

NOVEMBER 23, 2009...Yes, I've finished getting all of our Christmas music ready!  Be listening for it starting Friday morning.  You'll hear your favorites, I'm sure, plus some great new and (thank goodness) original Christmas songs.  How did those early leaders I mentioned last week fare?  "Mary Did You Know," "Beautiful Star of Bethlehem," and "White Christmas" are well represented, with 15 or 16 versions each, but the winner is "O Holy Night," with 23 separate versions, followed closely by "Joy to the World," with 21!  And those numbers don't even count the times the songs show up in the middle of a medley!

I heard some beautiful Christmas music from the Taylors on Thursday night.  Most of the evening was a regular concert--"I Believe in a Hill Called Mount Calvary" was breathtaking--but during the second half they sang several of the songs they've prepared for their annual Christmas program at their home church in Lillington.  (Those dates are December 11th and 12th, and the details are on the concert update.)  My favorite, without question, is "Wonderful News," and Jonathan has promised that it will be on the Christmas project they plan to record this coming year!  But first, we've got the hymns project to look forward to.  Jonathan, Suzanne, Chris and Leslie have done great work on songs like "I'll Meet You in the Morning," "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus," and "It Is Well with My Soul."  You could tell people were singing along with every one of them...I know I was, though I did sing very, very quietly because I can't carry a tune in a bucket!  The CD should be out in time for Christmas, and I can't wait to hear it!  I know they've recorded 21 hymns; I'm not sure if they'll all be on this CD or if they'll release two separate projects, but either way, I plan to add them to my collection.  And have you gotten your December Singing News yet?  Mine came over the weekend, and I was so excited to see the beautiful full-page ad for the Taylors on page 11!   It's the best-looking page in the whole issue!  Their current radio single, "He Is Guiding Me," is doing very well--I can't say how well until after Neal finishes the monthly countdown--and "He Is Jehovah" will be the next release.  When that one comes out, I'll be expecting a full article in Singing News...and can't you just picture the Taylors on the cover someday?! 

Friday night I went to Clinton to see the Nelons; they're with the Kivetts every November.  Kelly, Amber and Jason covered a lot of ground in just under two hours, from the old Nelons hits like "Robe and Crown" to their brand new hit "He Found Me."  I was glad to hear "I Choose the Lord," probably my favorite Nelons song, and Jason's presentation of "God from A to Z" was just as powerful as the first time I heard it last spring.  I hope they get it recorded soon!  Kelly asked a question that I believe I can answer--yes, I'm quite sure your dad would be very proud of the way you're carrying on the Nelons name!  And I'll bet that it won't be long until we see Autumn on stage, too.  Kelly did a great interview with Neal before the concert, and she told him that Autumn is making her recording debut on the new Nelons CD, "Beside Still Waters."  I was hoping to pick it up Friday night; the T-shirts are on the table already, but I guess I'll have to wait a few more weeks for the CD...maybe I'll get it for Christmas (even if I have to buy it for myself)!  I was a little surprised that they didn't sing any Christmas songs, but Jason told me after the concert that their shipment of the Christmas project hadn't come in yet.  But don't worry, we have it...and you'll be hearing it a lot over the next month!

In the meantime, don't miss our traditional Thanksgiving Day airing of "A Christmas Carol."  It's a Focus on the Family Radio Theatre production, and it's first-rate.  I think we've timed it just right, 2pm til 4pm, so no matter if your big meal is at lunch or supper, you should be able to sit back and enjoy it.  Then the holiday music starts on Friday morning.  Or maybe I'll sneak in a couple Thursday afternoon; I'm actually looking forward to it this year!  I guess it's time to get busy on the shopping and decorating and baking and Christmas cards, so until next time, I'll see you on the front row!

NOVEMBER 16, 2009...A few years ago at NQC, I saw the cutest little dog in one of the booths, so of course, I had to stop and meet her!  That was also when I met the LeBeaus, and I've looked for them--and Buttons--at every NQC since.  But I've only just now had a chance to see the LeBeaus in concert; they were in Cameron last night.  Tim and Timmy opened with the newest radio single, "This I Know," and I knew before the song was over that it was going to be a great evening!  (If you haven't heard it yet, keep listening to WCKB.  We just got it, and I think it's their best song yet.)  They did the radio singles I've enjoyed playing in the past year or two--"Lost and Found," "So You Would Know," and "Already on My Knees"--and I loved hearing them done live.  I was really impressed by the other songs, too...the ones I was hearing for the first time.  Tim did a great job on "Hanging on a Nail" and "Oh How Much He Cares."  Timmy's best song was "Never Too Broken to Belong" and his version of "Don't Let Me Miss the Glory" was gorgeous.  They've got a new Gerald Crabb song, "Rocking My Boat," that should definitely be a radio single!  "My Kind of People" may not be the most spiritual song on the program (Tim's description), but it's certainly the most fun (my opinion).  I even enjoyed hearing Timmy sing "Mary Did You Know"...and since I've heard 412 versions of it in the past week, that's really saying something!  I'll be keeping a close eye on the LeBeaus' schedule from now on.  I just hope they bring Buttons with them next time!

I know what you're thinking.  Why have I heard 412 versions of "Mary Did You Know" in the past week?  I've been hard at work putting all of our Christmas music into the computer so it will be ready for you.  I'm nearly finished, but now I've got to add the LeBeaus' Christmas CD...so make it 413 "Marys," 517 "Beautiful Stars," and 632 "White Christmases!"  Okay, okay, I'm exaggerating just a little, but those do seem to be the most popular choices for Christmas projects, so I hope they're your favorites, too.  Get ready; you'll be hearing them all starting on November 27th.  This week, remember that we'll be collecting your Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts through 3pm on Friday.  Packing a shoebox or two (or more) will put you in the Christmas spirit faster that Santa and all his elves!  Now it's back to those Christmas CDs, so until next time, I'll see you on the front row!

NOVEMBER 10, 2009...Where have I been?  At my desk and in the control booth, mostly.  I spend more time at work than I do at home.  Why haven't I written Follies lately?  I lost my beautiful 12-year-old Chow mix, Cindy, on September 26th.  Then my Diogy was sick for two weeks--thank goodness, he's finally better and feeling well enough to fuss when he gets his medicine--and honestly, I've just been too depressed and distracted to do it.

Don't get me wrong, it's not like I haven't attended any concerts since NQC.  I've been part of some great services.  I saw the Greenes in Lillington on September 24th, and they were wonderful.  I never, ever get tired of hearing Jeff Snyder sing "Without the Cross" and it was so good to see Tony and Taranda doing  well following the kidney transplant.  Tony couldn't visit with us individually due to doctors' orders, but he looks great and it's obvious that he's finally feeling better.  Even though it was the night after Cindy died, and I was on the edge of tears all evening, I loved seeing N'Harmony again on the 27th.  I'm still just thrilled that Shane has put the group back together--and that Brent, Josh and Will are part of it now!  Driven Quartet came to town on October 2nd, and Jason and Chad came by the station for a visit before the concert.  It was on the day of Charlie's Oldies Show (the first Friday afternoon every month), but I thought I'd figured out a way to make their visit tie in to the show...I handed Charlie a Cathedrals CD, pointed out a couple of songs that featured Danny Funderburk, and made sure he knew that Danny is Jason's dad.  Perfect, right?  Well, it would have been, but Charlie played the Statesmen before and after interviewing Jason and Chad!  He did get to "Somebody Touched Me" later in the program, so I couldn't really complain too much...but it really would have been perfect if he'd done it when they were there!

Full Gospel Tabernacle hosted the Tribute Quartet on October 9th, and we had a ball!  The concert was great, but it was more fun for me just to sit and talk with Josh and Gary; we'd hardly had time to say hello at NQC, so we did our catching up in Clinton.  They almost committed the unpardonable sin of forgetting Mrs. Kivett's favorite song, but she wasn't shy about reminding them, right on stage, to sing "You'd Better Have a Boat!"  Naomi & the Segos were in Angier for a homecoming service on October 11th.  I got teary when I passed Cindy Drive, but managed to compose myself by the time I got to the church.  I got to play with Coco for a while, so I felt better.  I was delighted to finally hear "Walk Away Free" in concert; it's doing so well on radio that they finally had to learn it and add it to the program!  I normally would have gone to their evening service as well, but I'd been looking forward to the Sunday Night Sing-a-Long at Fayetteville Community Church too much to miss it.  Many of the groups that record with Wesley Pritchard were there, and honestly, a Gaither Homecoming couldn't possibly have been any better!  Fortress, the Dennis Family, the Royal Descendants, the Second Edition Quartet, Stillwater Quartet, the Southern Ambassadors and Canaanland were just a few of the groups represented; that gives you some idea of what a marvelous night it was!  My one and only complaint was that it was too short!  And since I heard that same sentiment every time the concert was mentioned for the next several weeks, I'm pretty sure we'll be doing it again next year! 

A last minute cancellation meant that we got to spend an evening with the Anchormen on October 16th.  They came by the station that afternoon for an interview with Graden and he let them know that they would have to sing something a cappella before they left the studio, so while the news was on and with me for a delighted audience, they pulled together a beautiful arrangement of "Amazing Grace."  They did it so well that Graden told them he expected to hear it in concert that night...but they forgot to do it.  Graden did not find that to be an acceptable excuse, so met them at the product table and escorted them back to the stage before the rest of us had even left our seats.  I'll be willing to wager that they don't forget his requests ever again!  Squire Parsons had a cancellation, too, so he came to Benson Grove Baptist on October 17th.  The crowd but small, but that happens sometimes with short-notice dates; we still had a great night.  Squire didn't do his most recent radio hits...and he admitted later that he just simply forgot about them...but he did sing "Beulah Land," so no riots were started!  On a lot of the songs, Squire did the first line or two, then let Sam take over for the rest of the song.  That made me very happy, because I usually don't think Sam is featured quite enough!

I had a very special day on October 25th.  Eighth Day was in Benson for the morning service at Banner Chapel; Scott was the first one ready, so we had a nice chat before everyone else came in.  I heard Joni sing "Trust His Heart" live for the first time; I've only been waiting for fourteen months for that!  I had asked (several times) for Derek to sing "Back to Me," since he was gone for a year or so while it was on the charts, and it's still one of my favorite songs; they did it at the very end of the service.  I finally got to meet his lovely wife, Carolyn, and while I understand why he left the road for a while, he'd better not do it again!  Scott was unusually serious for most of the service--unusual because he's just about the funniest person I know--but I got him to tell the state trooper meets rattlesnake story (and it really is a true story) to the pastor's wife and a few friends after church; ask him to tell you the next time you see Eighth Day!  And yes, Tanner was with them; just when I finally figured out the retractable leash, Scott called him to get back on the bus.  If you've ever seen the Marmaduke comics, you've got a pretty good idea of what happened...I just held on and prayed!  After lunch, Eighth Day headed south and I headed to Carthage to see the Bledsoes at Emmanuel Baptist.  Rodney, Robert and John are now joined by Charity Bobbitt, and they sound better than ever; the guys are really going to have to work hard to keep up with her!  I'd been listening to their new CD for a week already--Rodney e-mailed the tracks to a group of us to get some advance opinions, and in my opinion it will be their best project yet!--so I was hoping they'd include a few of the new songs.  I knew that some of the older songs would have to go to make room for the new material, but they still sang "I Just Came to Praise the Lord" and "A Far Better Place" and "This Valley You're In," so I was okay with the changes.  And the new songs really are super!  "Wonderful Change" and "He Died, He Rose, He Lives" were crowd favorites-- that third encore nearly wore them out!--and they even sang my favorite of the new songs, "This Too Shall Pass."  Rodney wrote it and it's just simply beautiful.  The new CD is planned for a March release; it's called "Onward," and I promise you're going to love it!

Sometimes, even I'm just too tired to enjoy a concert as much as I'd like to; unfortunately, one of those exhausted nights was October 30th.  I only stayed for the first half of the Harvesters Reunion, but I got to hear the current Harvesters, who were down to a trio for the evening.  Jim was too sick to be there--and if he misses a concert, you know he's awfully sick--but they managed just fine.  Just don't make a habit of it!  And we still enjoyed a great bass singer with the Southmen Quartet.  You might have heard of him...Tim Riley!  Yes, he's back with Gold City, at least for a while, but this was already booked so we had dibs!  Jim Hefner spent way too much time picking on Tim when they could have been singing, but when they did sing it was marvelous!  You just can't beat their version of "Let the Lower Lights Be Burning."  Even when Tim forgot a word or two in "After Awhile," it was great!  I didn't stay to see the tribute to Bill Hefner--I wasn't kidding when I said I was exhausted, but Graden did and he loved it.  By the way, it's not too early to get your tickets for the Parker Homecoming next March; call Danny at 919-776-4055.  

I was working (naturally!) on October 31st and couldn't attend the women's conference at Johnson Memorial Church, but I did get to see Dr. Brenda Robinson on Sunday morning, when she sang with New Desire.  We'd played phone tag all week trying to set up an interview, but I didn't realize it until she mentioned the message she'd left on the machine...we don't have a machine.  She really had tried to call me back, but somehow the number had gotten mixed up by the time it got to her; we'll work out that interview next time!  I wish I'd known about the early service because I heard so many great comments on Dan's message, but I enjoyed the 11am service a lot.  Brenda spoke for just a few minutes... long enough to tell that she's a great teacher...and they got in plenty of music.  Brooke and Labron's son was with them for the weekend, and got to sing "Ain't No Grave."  Brenda was quite obviously very proud of him!  They didn't have time to do the new radio single ("Living in the Promise"), but Labron did sing "It Doesn't Matter Who You Are," so I was happy.  Be paying attention to the homepage photo contest; I'm almost certain--okay, very certain--that the picture I got with New Desire will show up soon!

This past Saturday, November 7th, I was in Lillington with the Taylors and Butler Hughes & Hayes.  The Taylors (I almost said "the kids," but I know they don't like it) were wonderful, as always!  I believe they get just a little bit better every time I see them...but I'm biased, and I admit it!  They did several of the songs from the new Hymns project; it should be here in about a month, and it's going to be excellent.  "I Sing the Mighty Power of God" is good enough to release to radio, and I wish they'd send it, but Jonathan says the next single will be "He Is Jehovah."  If you've heard it in concert, you know that's a good choice!  If you haven't heard it yet, I can say with confidence that if you liked "Jerusalem" and "Yahweh," you'll like this one, too.  My favorite Taylors song is "You Are Loved."  You probably remember it by Hope's Call; I love the Taylors' version so much that I sent a copy to Donna Beauvais, who used to be one-third of Hope's Call.  She knows the kids (sorry!) from the Steve Hurst School of Music, and she completely agrees that it's gorgeous!  Speaking of gorgeous, you should have heard Butler Hughes & Hayes!  They sang a lot of Gaither Vocal Band and Booth Brothers songs, and they were all just as great as the "hit" versions...some even a little bit better, and no, I'm not just saying that because I know them!  "I Pledge My Allegiance" and "Thank Him for the Miracle" were outstanding, and they've added a really nice cover of "The Secret Place."  But the best part of the night, especially for those of us who've followed Michael Hayes' singing career for a while, was his signature piece, a great hymn of the church...the yodel from the mountain climber game on "The Price Is Right!"  Yes, Michael, it's truly a blessing, and yes, I'll ask you to do it every time I see BH&H!

Okay...now I'm caught up here and it's on to the next big project.  I've got two weeks to get all the Christmas music loaded into the computer and ready to play.  Wish me luck, because I'm going to need it!  Until next time, I'll see you on the front row!

SEPTEMBER 21, 2009...This is the hardest Follies I write all year--there's so much from the National Quartet Convention that I want to talk about, but neither of us has a week to spare, so I really have to trim it down and leave so much out!  So let me say at the beginning that even though I can't mention every single group I heard on a showcase or tell you every song I heard from the Main Stage or say hello to everybody I talked to in Louisville, it was all just wonderful and I treasured every moment of it! 

Absolutely the only day that I don't wish curses on the inventor of the alarm clock is the Monday when NQC starts!  I got on the road at 5:45am, with the Dixie Echoes and the Bledsoes first up in the CD player.  The only sunrise I'll see all year long was gorgeous and it was a beautiful day for a drive; I got to Louisville around 4pm, checked into my hotel, and was at the Expo Center by 5pm.  The first thing I do every year is buy a program book and check the Main Stage schedule.  I was lucky, because the groups I really wanted to see on Monday were all grouped together at the beginning, so I headed to Freedom Hall to enjoy the Down East Boys (I have to go to Louisville to see them because they hardly ever sing in their home state!), the Skyline Boys (it was wonderful to find out that Toby Siler is with them now), the Soul'd Out Quartet (I love them!), Priority (I didn't know Jordan LeFevre could sing, but he practically stole the show when he stole his dad's mic and took over), Brian Free & Assurance (Jeff Chapman filled in for Jeremy Lile; Jeremy's father passed away, so keep Jeremy and his family in your prayers), the Dixie Echoes (are they the perfect quartet, or what?!), and the Dixie Melody Boys (Mr. Ed should be very, very proud of the guys on the bus these days!).  I'd have loved to stay for all the evening concerts, but I couldn't wait to get into the exhibit hall and start visiting!  I spent a good part of the evening with Eighth Day, because Joni could only be at NQC that one night.  She'd taken a nasty fall and broken her arm and her knee, and had to get back home for doctors' visits, so we made the most our short time.  They knocked down the hotel across the street where we went for midnight breakfast buffet last year--and it was unnerving to see that empty lot every day--so after the hall closed for the night, Scott and Joni, Derek, Tony and Kim, and I joined the crowd at Denny's.  If you've ever seen Eighth Day in concert or spent five minutes with Scott Robinson, you know that he is funny!  How funny is he?  Well, it wasn't me, but he got to punch line of one of his stories just as someone took a sip, and she laughed so hard she spit lemonade all over him!  His reaction to the lemonade shower made the rest of us laugh even harder!  (I won't say if it was Joni or Kim...you'll have to ask them yourself!)

I figured out a few years ago to decide which NQC location has more of the groups or events you want to see during the day and stick with it; I used to try going back and forth, and ended up getting bad seats for half the showcases (bad for pictures, even though I still enjoyed the music) and still missing the rest.  For me, East Hall wins out these days with Bible Study, Chapel and the Featured Artist Showcases.  I planned to be at the convention center early each day, so I'd get a front row seat.  But no matter early I showed up, there was a group that always beat me there!  I concede to their dedication, but I've developed a plan--settle for second or third row early on, and make a deal with the first row folks to move up when they leave...hey, it works!  If you go to NQC next year, try to make it to Bible Study and Chapel at least one day.  I heard great preaching from Mark Trammell, Jerry Goff and Dr. David Jeremiah; and great music from the Mark Trammell Trio, Legacy Five, the Hoppers, and the Booth Brothers.  They sang "The Secret Place" without the tracks--just Ronnie playing guitar--and it was absolutely, stunningly beautiful!  I love the showcases that Zane King produces each year; he includes so many of my favorite groups that it's almost scary--how does he know?--like Driven Quartet, Four Fold, the Ball Brothers, the Webbs, the Toney Brothers, Paul's Journey, the Nelons, New Ground, the Anchormen, Mercy's Well, the Diplomats, the Hunters (you'll know before long why they made the list of favorites!) and if I don't stop now I'll have to list every group!  (I could do it, you know...I write down every group I see at Convention because I know I won't be able to remember them all in order when I'm trying to sort pictures.)  Daywind Records always has a great showcase for the DJs on Thursday, with almost all of their artists performing their latest singles.  This year, everybody got together at the end to sing "Jubilee," from the new Booth Brothers/Legacy Five/Greater Vision joint project, and right in the middle of it, Les Beasley and Derrell Stewart wandered in to join them!  I made it through part of the bluegrass showcase; I enjoyed the Rochesters, the Primitive Quartet and Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, but that was my bluegrass quota for the week.  I didn't get to attend the "Fire in the Choir" showcase because the Stutzman Family had their first Top 40 celebration scheduled at the same time (for "I Know Which Boat to Ride"), but I did get to hear part of the sound check, so I know it great!  My favorite showcase of the week actually surprised me--the McKameys and the Inspirations did a "Family and Friends" event on Wednesday, and I loved it!  I don't believe I've ever seen the McKameys in a full concert before, but I really enjoyed them, and the Inspirations were amazing!  The only showcase I really hated to miss was the Cathedrals Remembered on Saturday, but I took a chance that they'd tape that one, since I just couldn't miss Driven and the Anchormen...who'd both better appreciate the extreme sacrifice I made for them of missing Danny Funderburk!!!  My gamble paid off; I've already confirmed that it will be available later in the fall, but it was still a huge decision!  (And I did get to see Danny at the booth several times--hey, there are limits to what I'll give up!)

I hardly spend any time in Freedom Hall anymore, but I hit the jackpot this year.  Naomi & the Segos were on Main Stage Wednesday night, and I ended up walking down with them.  When they went into the artist circle to wait their turn, Jerry told me to come with them...and I figured no one would kick me out if I was with an artist, so I did!  Miss Naomi, Jerry and Scott did a great job--she's still got it!--and since no one told me I had to leave, I stayed to see the Browders' first Main Stage appearance (they did great!), Paid in Full (the next single had better be "If the Truth Be Told"), Karen Peck & New River (hey!), and the Collingsworth Family, also appearing on Main Stage for the first time ("Fear Not Tomorrow"...oh, wow!).  On Thursday, I simply had to see HisSong's first time on Main Stage--even if it was only one song, I wasn't about to miss it--and I got lucky again!  When I went down to find a seat, Jimmy, Liz and Devin from McMillan & Life were sitting in the circle, so I asked if I could sit with them for a while.  HisSong was wonderful, and so were the Lesters (great new CD!), Ricky Atkinson & Compassion (again, wow!) and the Greenes (Jeff Snyder was amazing on "Without the Cross!").  I saw more Main Stage performances--the Dove Brothers, the Whisnants, the Diplomats, and the Pfeifers, to name a few,  and of course, the awards show on Saturday, but I enjoyed those in comfort...on the big screen TVs scattered throughout the exhibit hall booths.  I was delighted that the Booth Brothers won so many awards again this year!  And so was Austin, who's just learning how to say "Boof Brovers!"  He was adorable every time he saw his daddy on the screen!

The music was all wonderful, but my favorite memories from NQC 2009 weren't made in Freedom Hall or at a showcase.  I already told you about Monday night with Eighth Day; even after Joni left, the rest of us would meet there at least once a night.  I stopped by the Taylors' booth just about every night, and on Wednesday, they talked me into trying the Wii bowling game they'd brought with them.  Keep in mind that I've bowled only once in my whole life, so I had no idea what I was doing!  They found a suitably inept opponent for me, and I ended up winning...but I have no clue how I did it!  Thursday night, a bunch of us decided to go out for a late dinner, and I did something I will never ever do again--I rode with the Stutzman Family.  It's not that I don't love them--I do--but Ryan scared the daylights out of me!  Heather and the girls are used to his driving, so they were okay, but let's just say my prayer life improved a lot that night.  When we found the restaurant, Calvary's Voice was there ahead of us.  Ryan wouldn't sing for our waitress, but Greg, Bryan and Daniel did when she asked them.  It was so cool to have a private mini-concert in the middle of the night at Applebee's!  We took the scenic route back to the Expo center to pick up my car, because somebody wouldn't listen when we told him to take the airport exit...Tony said to take 264 east, so Ryan took 264 east, even though he knew the convention center was next to the airport!  We couldn't help laughing when we ended going all the way around the city to get back to the AIRPORT!  I spent a lot of time all week with the Bledsoes...so much that I was afraid they'd get tired of me, but I knew they'd be too nice to say so!  I got to go with them to a TV taping for one of the gospel websites (well, somebody had to take pictures!), and we enjoyed the most wonderful impromptu sing-along on Friday night, around the piano at the Homeland Records booth!  Rodney played, the Bledsoes and the Branham Family sang, and I was completely charmed by two-year-old Savannah.  She was just precious!  She was clapping and enjoying the music and she was not ready to leave when her grandpa decided it was time to go.  He put her down for just a minute to get the stroller packed, and she just turned to me and held up her little arms...what could I do but pick her up?  Hey, I wasn't ready to leave, either!

The very best thing about NQC is always seeing friends you don't get to see anywhere else, and this year I ran into people I hadn't seen in years!  Wednesday must have been the designated reunion day.  After Chapel, I slipped out to get some wonderful Erhler's strawberry ice cream, and heard a little girl next to me begging to be allowed to ride the escalator (remember how much fun that was when you were a kid?).  I glanced over at her, her dad glanced over at me...it was Jake Sammons!  I hadn't seen him since he left the Toney Brothers about five years ago; I nearly cried when I realized it was him!  I could have gone home happy then, but there were more reunions to come.  I knew that Kasey Brandon was with the Greesons now; he was with Appointed for their final year before they disbanded, but that was so long ago that I didn't think he'd remember me.  I stopped by their booth to say hello anyway, and I nearly cried again when he did remember!  And while I was with the Bledsoes later that night, an adorable young man stopped by to speak to them; I kept thinking that he looked familiar, but I couldn't place him until he mentioned that his dad was Wayne Stewart.  Noah?!  I told him I used to know him when Wayne sang with New Jerusalem; he claimed he remembered me, but Noah was only four the last time I saw him and he's ten now, so I know perfectly well that he was just being polite...and I don't care--I adored him then and I was so thrilled to see him again!  After that, every time I saw Noah in the exhibit hall, he stopped and gave me a hug, and I was able to find Wayne and Gina the next night.  And just when I thought I'd seen everybody and was almost ready to leave on Saturday night, I finally found Perfect Heart at their booth.  I was speaking to someone in front of the booth when I looked over and recognized Wesley Anders sitting there!  I met him nine years ago when he was with the Down East Boys, and it's been nearly forever since I saw him last!  Now guess which group is one of my new favorites?!

NQC ended on Saturday night, but I wasn't quite through yet.  I love Four Fold, and have for years, but they never manage to get this far east when they travel.  So while I was at the booth one night (be nice to Eric or you'll be banished beyond the duct tape!), I perked up when Greg said they were singing fifteen minutes away on Sunday morning.  I got caught in a traffic jam, so it took a bit longer than fifteen minutes to get to New Albany, Indiana, but I made it just in time for the service.  It was great to spend a little extra time with them, and to hear more than the two songs they're allowed in a showcase.  I really enjoyed hearing "I've Been Revived" and "Streets of Gold," and I couldn't believe it when they reached way, way back for "God Will Make a Mighty Warrior Out of Me."  They were singing that a hundred years ago when I drove to Bat Cave, North Carolina to see them for the first time.  (Yes, it's a real place...section D-3 on the official state map.) 

It was finally time to head for home, which is always kind of sad because NQC such a wonderful week.  The trip back took a lot longer than the trip to Kentucky; there was a lot of rain and several accidents delayed traffic on the interstate.  But I had a stack of new CDs to listen to, so I didn't really mind.  The Dixie Echoes have another great one, "I'd Rather Have Jesus."  I loved "Always a Road" by the Anchormen and "Faithful" by the Rick Webb Family (Parker and Hannah have wonderful features on this one!) and "No Trace of Rain" by Paid in Full...but my favorite this time is the Kingsmen's "Missing People."  Oh my gosh, just wait until you hear Phillip sing "Mountain of Grace," and "God Saw a Cross" will absolutely grab you by the heart!  (It would take days to set up links to every group I've mentioned, but most of the new music is available from Springside.  If they don't have what you want, let me know and I'll try to find group contact information for you.)  It was after midnight when I finally got home and settled down for a long group snuggle with all the dogs.  They know I wouldn't leave them for any other event!  Now I'm exhausted and there's a pile of work to catch up and it will take weeks to get all my pictures edited and posted--I took over 1000 pictures; I couldn't believe it when I realized how many there were!  And I can hardly wait for next September, to do it all over again!

Until next time, I'll see you on the front row!  (Or maybe in the artist circle...)

SEPTEMBER 7, 2009...I'll get to the concerts in just a minute, but first, I've got to tell you about the CDs I just got.  I'm so excited about them!  The Ball Brothers were featured on the Gospel Greats a few weeks ago, so you may have already heard several of the songs from "Breakthrough."  I've listened to the whole CD now, and every song is fantastic!  They've got some hard choices to make, because every song on this project is good enough to release to radio; I'm glad I don't have to pick one, because I loved them all!  If you're a fan of the Booth Brothers, Legacy Five or Greater Vision--and I think they covers just about all of us--you're going to love "Jubilee."  From the opening notes of "The Happy Jubilee," I was hooked!  All three groups do two songs together, each group gets one of their own, and the rest feature the guys in different combinations, like "Come Unto Me" by the Booth Brothers with Scott Fowler and Gerald Wolfe.  I wish some other groups would get together like this, but I imagine it would be tough unless they were all on the same record label.  Even with all three of these groups on Daywind, I know it was a huge job to get this CD done, but it was well worth the effort!  The one I've waited for the longest, and was most delighted to get, is Aaron Minick's "The Gospel: A Collection of Sacred Hymns and Spirituals."  I first heard Aaron sing when he and his dad, Johnny Minick, were with Vestal Goodman in Raleigh in 2002, and I just fell in love with his voice!  I asked him that night if he had a solo CD and he said he was working on it.  I've seen him a few times since then, and every time I asked about the CD, he was always "working on it."  I guess he really was--the CD credits show that the earliest music tracks were recorded in 2002.  If you like a big band sound, Southern Gospel meets Sinatra, you'll love this one!  I just hope he gets the next CD completed a little bit faster!

Now back to our regularly scheduled programming!  I got a shock on Thursday, when my brother agreed to meet me at Ron's Barn for dinner and the King's Messengers!  Jimmy had never heard live Southern Gospel music before, though he has occasionally agreed to listen to it on long car trips...usually after I've endured several hours of classical stuff and the whole family can see that I'm about to snap!  I'm glad that his first concert featured a good quartet.  I've tried for years to explain why I love this music; "An Old Convention Song" said it perfectly!  "Go Jonah" had the best introduction I've heard lately.  It's about "a low-level Mediterranean cruise and motivational seminar!"  And though I've heard many groups sing "Amazing Grace," I've never heard any other group sing it quite like the King's Messengers...to the tune of "House of the Rising Sun."  I never liked that song, but it really works with "Amazing Grace."  My brother wasn't able to stay long before he had to go to work, but he seemed to enjoy what he heard...hey, it's a start!  I might be able to convince him to go this Thursday to see Fortress.  Jeff and Amy Moore gave us our baby, Jacob--some heartless fool abandoned him as a three-month-old puppy--and it would be a perfect opportunity to thank them (again)!

I hadn't planned on going anywhere Sunday night, but then I got an announcement from Crossroads Community Church in Carthage.  The Bledsoes were coming...so I was going!  Crossroads is the home of David Bibey Ministries; they broadcast across the country, and they filmed part of the concert for a future broadcast, so be watching for it!  Rodney, Robert and Buffy opened with "I Just Came to Praise the Lord," then sang their new radio single, "A Far Better Place."  Robert was heading over to the piano for the next song when Pastor Bibey came up to start the broadcast; he told Robert that he'd have to wait until they finished filming to play, because they wanted all three of them on the stage!   He told Rodney to sing "A Far Better Place" one more time so it would be on the broadcast.  That was fine with me; I love the song!  Most of the service featured a mixed trio--Buffy, Rodney, and either Robert or John--but the guys did get to sing a couple on their own.  "Just Over Yonder," a cappella (that's correct; I checked the dictionary), was especially good!  They did two songs from an older CD I hadn't heard before, "Although I've Failed the Lord" and "There's Always a Rainbow."  I've got that CD now!  Rodney had a request to sing "Memories of Mama," and I don't know how I got through it without sobbing; I always have to skip that one on the CD...go hug your mother right now; at least call her!  I thought they weren't going to do "This Valley You're In," but they slipped it in at the end, just before the invitation.  After the service ended, we chatted at the product table until the crowd thinned out, then I got to meet the Bledsoes' very special guest for the weekend, Milo.  He's an adorable little Yorkie-Pom, and I was so disappointed when Rodney said Milo wasn't going with them to NQC next week!

Wait a minute...NQC--next week?!?  Yikes, I'd better get back to work; I've got a monster to-do list to finish by Saturday!  Don't look for Follies or the newsletter next week, but I'll get the newsletter out the following week and have Follies back within two weeks.  That's the plan, anyway...wish me luck!  If you're joining us in Louisville, have a safe trip, and be sure to thank Clarke Beasley and all the NQC board members for all their hard work...even if your favorite group isn't on the main stage this year!  Until next time, I'll see you on the front row!

SEPTEMBER 1, 2009...Fleming Norris is definitely on to something here!  About a year ago, he decided to put on a special "Concert for Christ," with Fortress, the Dennis Family, and the Taylors.  To say it was a success would be putting it mildly!  Grace Chapel was packed that night, and Gospel Tabernacle was packed last Saturday when they all got together again.  The Dennis Family got the evening started with songs from their new project, "Lost and Found."  From "That's All" to "Thanks to Calvary" to "What Salvation's Done for Me," smooth is the best way to describe their sound.  They did a beautiful job on "Holy Shore," too...they always shine on the big ballads!  Fortress was up next; their new CD is "Simple Faith," and we got to hear a lot of it.  They brought the audience to its feet with "How Great Thou Art" and the title song, "Simple Faith," is so gorgeous I hope they'll seriously consider sending it out to radio.  "Hallelujah Meeting" nearly wore them out, but they had fun with it...but then again, they seem to have fun every time they sing!  The Taylors also have a brand new CD, "He Leadeth Me."  They sang a few of the new songs--"He Is Guiding Me," "He Is Jehovah," and "The Potter Knows the Clay/Have Thine Own Way Lord"--but they didn't forget about our favorites.  (Well, my favorites, anyway!)  I was thrilled when Chris sang "I Stand in Awe."  No matter how often I hear it, I still love it as much as the first time!  And I was delighted when Jonathan said they'd sing just one more, and started the music for "Wonderful News."  I hate it when a evening like that ends, but since it must, that's the way to do it!  I'll be looking forward to another "Concert for Christ" with these groups soon...just name the date and the place!

I met Dave McVay when he joined Three Bridges, and he quickly became one of my favorite tenors.  He started a solo ministry two years ago, and when I saw him at NQC last fall, he promised to get to this area soon.  I wouldn't exactly call eleven months later "soon," but it was worth waiting for!  Dave was at New Hope Church of the Nazarene in Hillsborough on Sunday morning.  It was their annual "parking lot concert," and we had a lovely time.  The weather was amazingly cool for August, the showers held off, and best of all, a young mom was baptized during the service.  Dave presented a great concert.  He sang several of my favorite songs, like "Table of the King," "He Lifted Me," and "When I Get Carried Away."  He still does a few of his best songs from the Three Bridges years--"Waitin' on Jesus," "I Believe," "Bless Your Holy Name Again," and "At the End of the Road."  His dad wrote that one years ago, so it's special.  And it's so good, I'm going to be very upset if he doesn't release it to radio.  He's promised to send it soon...uh-oh!  Dave, "soon" means within one month, not eleven, okay?!

That's it for this week!  Before you get back to what you're supposed to be doing, visit the home page and enter the new photo contest.  Sign up for our newsletter and Twitter updates, too.  Until next time, I'll see you on the front row!

AUGUST 24, 2009...The NQC countdown is on!  Just three weeks to go, and yes, I'm getting excited about it!  I had a chance to interview Clarke Beasley last week; if you need any information at all about the National Quartet Convention, you can find everything at www.natqc.com.

I don't have to go to Louisville to hear great music; last Thursday, I only had to go to Coats.  Black Creek sang at Ron's Barn, and since the place was packed, I think it's probably safe to say they'll be back on the schedule next year.  I used to think I didn't like bluegrass at all, but Craig, Scott and Tracie are changing my mind!  They're all great musicians--I guess that's a rule in bluegrass--but I love to hear Black Creek sing, too.  They seem to sing a lot Isaacs and Rochesters songs...and I end up liking Black Creek's versions best, especially "I've Come to Take You Home" and "Patching It Up."  I've never heard anyone else do "This Blessed Old Book" or "Casting All Your Care," so no matter where they came from, those are Black Creek songs to me.  And after hearing a gazillion quartets do "Have a Little Talk with Jesus," it's refreshing to hear it done a little differently!  If you want to hear some outstanding bluegrass gospel, pick up Black Creek's brand new CD, "I Come in the Name of the Lord."  I can pretty much guarantee that you'll enjoy it!

Emmanuel Baptist Church in Carthage has had a killer concert series this year; the latest in a great line up were the Nelons on Sunday night.  They had to be just a little frazzled--they're in the middle of a move from Atlanta, Georgia to Jacksonville, Florida; Amber's just started her second year of college; and Kelly had caught the bad cold that Autumn, Amber and Jason generously passed through the family--but when Pastor Eugene introduced them, none of that seemed to matter.  If Kelly hadn't told us she had a bit of laryngitis, you wouldn't have noticed; her only real concession to it was singing "Oh for a Thousand Tongues" earlier in the program, just to be on the safe side.  Jason did a great job on "I Choose the Lord" and the brand new (you'll hear it as soon as we get it) single "He Found Me," but he impressed me most when he spoke on "God from A to Z" near the end of the evening.  He actually did go through the entire alphabet for names and characteristics of God...Q was for "quickening," in case you're trying to do it yourself...but I had to tease him a little about X, when he fell back on excellent!  (Hey, you try to find something besides x-ray and xylophone!)  Amber was amazing...from "Jesus I Heard You Had a Big House" to "We Speak Your Name" to "Amazing Grace," she did a beautiful job all evening.  And if you've ever wondered what life is like for the Nelons when they aren't on the bus, you'll soon have a chance to find out.  They're filming a show called "Life in Harmony," which should begin airing in a few months.  It'll be worth signing up for Sky Angel just to see that!  (The Nelons can give you more information about how to sign up.)  If you weren't able to make it to Carthage, you'll have another chance to see the Nelons in November, when they'll be back at Full Gospel Chapel in Clinton.  All the details will be posted on the concert update soon.

Did you sign up for our brand-spankin' new e-mail newsletter yet?!  Please do!  The very first one went out last Friday, and we're excited about it!  Don't worry, it's not just from me.  Margie, Sheree, Neal and Graden are all contributing, too.  We all hope you enjoy it!  Until next time, I'll see you on the front row!

AUGUST 18, 2009...Wow!  What a weekend I had!  I can't even begin to tell you everything, but I'll try to hit some of the highlights.

Thursday night, I saw Legacy in Coats.  Great food, great music and a book I just couldn't put down...it doesn't get much better than that.  Legacy opened with "Statue of Liberty," which was stunning.  Although I was deep into my book...giant prehistoric shark wasn't extinct after all, mayhem ensued...my attention was captured again and again by great songs like "I'm So Glad He Found Me" and "I'll Never Be Over the Hill."  And if you miss the Cathedrals, pick up Legacy's latest project, "A Tribute to God, Family and Friends."  The Cathedral Medley probably includes your favorite song.  Now, don't get me wrong, I love the Cathedrals, too...but I really prefer Legacy's version of "Sunshine and Rainbows," and "Sinner Saved by Grace" is awesome!

I've often wondered what would happen if the Anchormen staged a reunion concert, and now I know.  What happened Friday night in Goldsboro was one of the very best concerts I've ever been privileged to attend!  For their 30th anniversary, over 20 of the former members came together for a special evening.  The church starting filling up early, and I'm sure most of the people were doing the same thing I was--looking around to see if their favorite Anchormen were in the building!  I got lucky as soon as I walked in the door; the first person I saw was Jeff Chapman!  Considering the huge job of coordinating schedules, it's a tribute to Ray Bullard and Tim Bullins that so many could be there; several who couldn't make it--like Phillip Hughes, David Sutton, Chad Smith, Will Lane, and David Hill--sent notes to be included in the program book.  Sherry Watkins was the only female on the program (lucky girl); she opened the evening with a bang!  Then the current Anchormen--Keith, Karl, Michael and Paul--debuted several songs from their new CD; I can't wait to hear the rest of them!  "All in a Sunday's Work" is a great choice for their next radio single, and Tim said we should be getting it in the next few weeks.  After their set, Terry Carter was in charge of the reunion...was there any doubt he'd emcee this event?  A very few of the guys I'd never met before--David Walker, Benny Smith, Dale Forbes; some I met when they were with other groups after the Anchormen--Benny Blackburn, Tony Jarman, Ricky Wilhide, Ron Crawford, Gary Burdette, Joey Gore; a couple I knew before they were Anchormen--Michael Hayes and Dwayne Coppedge; and of course, a few I met through the Anchormen--Steve Ladd, Jeff Chapman, Eddie Johnson.  (If you were there and I didn't mention your name, please forgive me!  There were a few guys I didn't know and I can't remember all the names.)  It was wonderful to hear some of the old hits done live by the Anchormen who originally sang them--"We're Gaining Ground," "It's a Wonderful Day," "Second Time Around," "One More Testimony," and "I've Been Touched," just to name a few.  "Behold the King" was spectacular!  But the most special ones for me were the ones from my Anchormen.  I started to cry when Steve sang "Giver of Life" and I sobbed all the way through "Good News from the Graveyard," "Inside of Me," "He Brought Me Out," and "Somebody Touched Me."  I wish I hadn't...I don't cry pretty...but I just couldn't help it!  I got myself under control just in time for "I Feel Like Running."  That one would make anyone feel better!  After the concert was over and I'd hugged everybody I could find, Stacie and Kimberly and I went out for a late dinner.  And I do mean late--when Terry said it was 10 minutes til 11pm and they wouldn't keep us much longer, I could hardly believe it; we were having such a good time that the hours just flew by.  What did we talk about at dinner?  The first time we'd each seen the Anchormen, who we most enjoyed seeing at the reunion, who we wish had been there...you can never get enough of the Anchormen!  I didn't get home til 3am, but it was completely worth it!  When can we do this again?

After getting home so late, I was simply exhausted Saturday.  If I hadn't had a very good reason to stay awake...but I did!  The Whisnants and the Greenes were just a few miles away in Spivey's Corner.  I knew the church was likely to be packed--and I was too tired to get much done here, anyway--so I went over about 4pm.  The Whisnants had just arrived, and were bringing in all the equipment.  I wondered when they'd hired a driver, then suddenly realized that the very tall young man was Austin!  (When did that happen?  He was just a kid last time I saw him!)  Reason #4378 to love being so early:  Jeff Whisnant was singing "What Children Believe" very softly the whole time he set up equipment; I doubt he even realized I could hear him.  The Greenes' bus pulled in a few minutes later, and John and Jeff (Snyder, not Whisnant) joined the work crew.  You can tell they've done this a few times--nobody tripped over anything and they made room for two keyboards, two soundboards, two sets of monitors...they did share the speakers, though.  By 7pm, just like I expected, the place was packed.  They brought in several rows of folding chairs--and yes, Lou Anne and I moved up a row every time they did!--and filled the choir loft, too.  The Whisnants sang first, with Eric and Austin providing the music.  They have a new CD, "Life Worth Living," so they sang several of those songs.  "I Am Persuaded" is a new version of one of our favorite old hymns; "Nothing but the Blood" uses the old favorite in a new way.  Susan sang the brand new radio single, "I'll Pray for You."  You'll love it!  I hope it's okay to say this, but it must not be a big secret since Jeff told us all; congratulations are in order--the Whisnants had just found out that "Be Not Afraid" will be the #1 song for October!  Susan is so excited for Aaron, since it's the first #1 that's featured him!  The Greenes opened their set with "I Am Redeemed," their current single.  It's actually on Taranda's solo project, "In the Sanctuary," but Tony and Jeff are singing it with her so they released it as the Greenes.  Their set included "Stand by the River" and "Sky Full of Angels," but my favorite was Jeff singing the daylights out of "Without the Cross!"  It was the first time I'd heard him with the Greenes, and he's perfect for them, or they're perfect for him...either way, it works!  (Yes, I'm partial!)  We had two group's worth of equipment on the stage, and we ended up with two groups, as well.  When it was time to wrap things up, the Whisnants joined the Greenes for "Glorious City of God," and it was a glorious way to end the concert!  After it was over, I had a chance to make a new friend.  Just as I was walking past the Whisnants' bus on the way to my car, Aaron came out with T-Bear, the cutest little ball of fur I'd seen all night!  Now I've got another place to go at NQC when I miss my own dogs and need someone to cuddle!  On a more serious note, keep Tony and Taranda Greene on your prayer lists.  The kidney transplant is scheduled for August 25th; we hear more about Tony, but it's going to be tough for Taranda, too. 

I had a last minute change of plans for Sunday evening.  McCray, please forgive me...but I'll see you and the Dove Brothers at NQC.  I hadn't seen the Glory Bound Quartet in a couple of years, so when I found out they'd be in Lillington, there was no way I could miss them!  I was a little worried, though, when I got to the church at 5:30pm and they weren't there for a 6pm service.  At 5:45pm, I was a lot worried, and went to find the pastor.  I found him on the phone, giving them directions to the church.  If you've ever been to Lillington, you know it's just not easy to get lost there, but GBQ did it!  Eddie thought the service started at 7pm, so they didn't know they were late until they got there...I've never seen anybody move so fast to get unloaded, set up and dressed to sing!  But we were only a few minutes late getting started, and after that, the service went smoothly.  Why haven't I seen them in so long?  These guys are great!  I've known Chris and Eddie for quite a while; as long as they're around, I'm happy.  Since I saw them last, they've got a new lead singer, Ronald, and a new tenor, Larry, who was so good with the Serenaders.  One recent addition that really sets this quartet apart is their choice of musician--everybody and his uncle has a piano player, but GBQ has a guitarist; Freddie is just fantastic!  They did a couple of Eddie's originals, "Homecoming Day" and the gorgeous "Cross on a Hill."  They covered a few recent hits like "I Cast My Bread Upon the Water."  They did a few classics like "Let the Lower Lights Be Burning."  When they asked for requests, the guys were stumped by the first few, but finally someone suggested "Jesus Loves Me," and Larry had the very good idea of just letting Freddie play it.  It was lovely!  I can't wait for you to hear them, too...but it looks like I'll have to, at least for a little while.  Chris is wonderful about sending their schedules, but they don't have anything listed in this area for the next few months.  Somebody please get them at your church as soon as possible!  I absolutely promise you won't be disappointed!

Goodness, this was a long one, wasn't it?!  One more thing, and I'll let you get back to what you're supposed to be doing...we're going to be starting an e-mail newsletter either this week or next, so if you'd like to get it, just send me your name and e-mail address.  Neal, Graden, Sheree and Margie have all agreed to contribute, and I'll plan on sending it out on Friday afternoons.  Be patient if I have a few kinks to work out in the first few weeks, please!  (Concert update, homepage contest, twitter...you know the drill!)  Until next time, I'll see you on the front row!

AUGUST 11, 2009...The Collingsworth Family was supposed to be in Virginia on Friday night, but luckily for us, that concert was cancelled and they came to Fayetteville instead.  I was thrilled; I thought it would be next year before they'd be able to come back!  I've seen the Collingsworth Family several times now, and I'm always amazed by the variety in their concerts.  If you like light, uptempo songs, you'll enjoy"Not the Same."  If you like a little country, Olivia sings "The Good Ole Days."  (Remember the Judds' doing that back in the early 1980's?)  Prefer something a little smoother?  You're going to love "Oh the Thought That Jesus Loves Me" and "I Could Never Praise Him Enough" from the new CD.  And if you want to hear something that will absolutely knock your socks off, you've got to hear them do "Holy Holy Holy!"  Not only are the styles different, but you don't always see the same lineup on stage all night.  Sometimes it's the whole family, sometimes it's a trio (Phil, Kim and Brooklyn or Kim, Brooklyn and Courtney), and sometimes it's just the kids, but it's always good.  And the music is awesome!  Everybody knows that Kim is a wonderful pianist, but don't forget Phil (trumpet) and Brooklyn and Courtney (violins, or fiddles, depending on the song).  I could listen to the Collingsworths play all night long, even if they never sang a note!  And there's more to look forward to...Kim told me that Phillip will probably start playing his guitar in their concerts very soon.  Olivia hasn't settled on an instrument yet, but I'm sure she's thinking about it.  If you're going to NQC this year, look for the Collingsworth Family on the main stage Wednesday and Thursday nights and Kim in the piano showcase on Friday afternoon.  You might even see them accepting Singing News Fan Awards on Saturday night--they're nominated for favorite mixed group, favorite musician (Kim) and favorite young artist (Brooklyn).   I'll also be looking forward to seeing Spanky again...he's an adorable little Maltese who joined the family on Olivia's birthday.  She's promised to let me play with him at NQC!

I can't forget to mention the special guest on Friday night...Christian Davis sang a much too short set midway through the evening.  I especially enjoyed "Holy Manna," which I've loved hearing ever since the Christian Brothers Quartet recorded it several years ago.  And of course he had to sing "Thanks to Calvary."  It's becoming a signature song for Christian, just like it was for George Younce, who I'm sure would be proud of the way Christian does it!  Christian is one my favorite bass singers, and now I have to say he's also one of my favorite baritones--I had no idea he could sing that part so well, too!  Keep Christian and the guys from HisSong in your prayers, as they'll be traveling to Norway for a concert tour later this month.  Don't worry, they'll be back in plenty of time for NQC.  Look for Christian at the Dominion Agency booth, and be prepared to fall in love with beautiful baby Anneliese!

I've been trying for months to see the Bledsoes again, but our schedules just wouldn't come together.  Well, finally, I caught up with them in Carbonton on Sunday morning.  Rodney, Robert and Buffy opened the service with "I Just Came to Praise the Lord."  That CD, "The Journey," also features their new single, "A Far Better Place" and my favorite, "This Valley You're In."  I especially love "Fourth Watch," and was thrilled when they sang it, too.  Rodney wrote both those songs; he really is a great songwriter, even though he made a joke about it in the introductions.  Buffy was featured on a beautiful old song, "When I Step Off on That Beautiful Shore."  Robert and Rodney did a piano duet, and Rodney, Robert and John did several trio songs together.  We even got to hear what Rodney sounded like as a kid--they started out "Pay Day Someday" with a recording from a few years ago (!), then they picked it up live with the second verse.  If you're free on August 29th, head to Surry Central High School in Dobson (near Mt. Airy) for the Bledsoes' homecoming concert with the McKameys and the Primitive Quartet.  It'll definitely be worth the drive!  I'm trying to convince Rodney that the Bledsoes really need to be at NQC, but if I don't see them in Louisville, I know I'll see them at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Carthage on October 25th! 

This weekend is going to be super busy, with the Anchormen's 30th anniversary reunion concert on Friday, the Whisnants and the Greenes on Saturday, and the Dove Brothers on Sunday--and those are just the ones I'll be going to!  There are many, many more on the concert update, so you're sure to find a great concert practically in your own back yard...please support it!  Don't forget to enter the homepage contest and sign up to follow us on Twitter.  Until next time, I'll see you on the front row!

AUGUST 3, 2009...I think Coco recognizes me now!  She was traveling with Naomi & the Segos when they came to Raleigh on Thursday night and she acted like she was delighted to see me when I got on the bus...or maybe she just knows that anyone who comes to the bus is only there to give her a tummy rub!  We had a good time together, and that's all that really matters, after all.  I had a good time with Miss Naomi, Jerry and Scott, too.  They were all exhausted, wrapping up a month-long road trip to Canada and the West Coast, but still gave us a great concert.  Scott kept things moving quickly, with choices like "Heaven," "Wake the Town," and "Angels Camping All Around Me."  I've always enjoyed those songs, no matter who Miss Naomi was singing with, but I think they're even better now with Scott and Jerry.  Jerry sings a song that's new to me, but is becoming a favorite, "It'll Be Different the Next Time."  I was hoping to hear "Walk Away Free," their new radio single...but no luck.  They've been on the road so much that they haven't had time to actually learn it yet!  (That's high on the "to do" list when they get back home.)  I wonder if Miss Naomi can even begin to count the number of times she's sung "One Day at a Time" or "Where the Roses Never Fade" or "This Is Just What Heaven Means to Me?"  I hope she still enjoys singing them as much as I still enjoy hearing them!  Of course, they saved the best for last.  They closed with "Sorry I Never Knew You" and "Put on a Crown."  Where they found the energy to do that one, I'll never know--but if they can bottle it, I want some! 

I had the most marvelous time at Fayetteville Community Church last night! I was excited about seeing the Booth Brothers, but a smidgen nervous, too.  I knew that Michael was taking a few weeks off--he's fine, don't worry; it's just his turn for a rest--and that Steve Ladd was filling in for him.  I love to hear Steve sing, but wondered how different the Booth Brothers would sound with him.  One verse of "Love Was in the Room" during sound check was all it took, and I knew it was going to be great night.  It still sounded like the Booth Brothers...except when Steve did "Willie," which actually almost worked on that song!  When it was time for the concert to start, Wesley was full of surprises.  First of all, he was very proud to show off his almost 2-week-old grandson, his new best buddy!  The choir opened the concert; Byron was featured on "You Brought Me from a Mighty Long Way."  Then Wesley surprised us all by calling his dad up to sing "The Lighthouse" with him and Byron.  I had no idea Pastor Ken could sing like that!  Then he called Milton out to sing "Lead Me Savior" with him and Byron--I knew he was a wonderful pianist, but I had no idea Milton could sing!  When they finished that one, the choir sang one more, with a special guest; Jim Brady joined them on "Loving God, Loving Each Other."  It was a great night before the Booth Brothers even got to the stage, and it just got better when they did!  They sang a lot of new songs from the "09" CD..."Sail On," "He Came to Me," "Oh What a Happy Day,"  "Tradin' the Old Cross," and "Love Was in the Room."  (Sorry, guys, "Willie" didn't make an appearance!)  New songs are one thing, but I wondered how (or if) they'd do some of the songs that featured Michael.  How?  Beautifully!  Steve sang "Look for Me at Jesus' Feet" and he and Jim did "The Secret Place."  Ronnie handled the emcee duties, and if I had been seeing the Booth Brothers for the first time, I would never have guessed that this wasn't the way it was supposed to be.  Ronnie and Jim had nothing but praise for Steve--we all agreed that we missed Michael...but not all that much!  (Of course, that's easy to joke about when I know he'll be back by NQC!) 

The next concerts at FCC are scheduled for October.  Gordon Mote will be there on October 4th at 10:30am, then on the 11th, Wesley is bringing in ten of the groups that record at his studio for a "Gaither-style" concert.  I'll let you know the whole list as soon as he gets it to me, but he's already mentioned Fortress, the Royal Descendants, the Dennis Family, Stillwater Quartet and Canaanland.  Then on December 6th, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound will present a special Christmas concert; tickets are on sale now, so don't wait too long to get yours.  The next concerts I'm excited about are the Collingsworth Family this Friday night (call 910-484-6996 for tickets), the Anchormen's 30th anniversary concert on the 14th (Steve will be there, along with other past members), and the Dove Brothers on the 16th.  Eric Ollis called me earlier today, and there may be a concert with the Whisnants and the Greenes on the way, too!  And that's only the beginning; check the concert update and you'll be amazed at how many of the top groups are going to be in our area in just the next few weeks!  If you haven't entered the homepage photo contest yet, you've only got few more hours to do it; I'll draw for a CD winner tomorrow.  Until next time, I'll see you on the front row!

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