Front Row Follies

with Lottie Squires

AUGUST 5, 2008...Okay, so I'm not getting to as many concerts these days.  But that makes the ones I do attend extra special!

For example, I'd been looking forward to Friday's concert at the Lighthouse for months.  Of course, I'd have been there anyway for the Taylors--I love those kids!--but when I saw that Keith Plott was scheduled with them, I got really excited.  I met Keith at NQC in 2002, at the Eddie Crook Company Reunion Showcase.  The section where I wanted to sit was reserved for ECC artists and their families, but I asked if I could sit there anyway.  At the time, Keith was singing with Safe Harbor, and it was just lucky that he's the one I asked!  He said, sure, I was family, and he's called me "Sis" ever since!  You probably met him while he was with Brian Free & Assurance, and if you were very, very lucky you may have seen him with Danny Funderburk & Mercy's Way (I never managed that, unfortunately), but a bit over a year ago he decided to go solo.  It was a good decision.  Keith just released his second CD, "There Is One," and after finally seeing him in a solo concert, I know why his schedule is filling up so fast.  He's found great new songs that sound like they were written just for him ("I Hear My Father Calling Me" and "That's the Truth" are two of my favorites), but he's included songs audiences already know and love ("Long Black Train" and "Thanks to Calvary"), and several that he invites you to sing along with ("I Can't Even Walk" and "He Set Me Free").  And he's just such a teddy bear, you have to like him!  If he doesn't win you over, Bobbie will.  Spend five minutes at the table with her and you'll feel like you've been friends for years--hey, if Keith calls me Sis, does that mean I can claim her as a sister-in-law?  And of course, you must love the Taylors, or you'll have to deal with Fran (and Lou Anne, and Durwood and Miss Rosina, and Mary Anne and Roger, and me, and Grandma)...we're all just ridiculously proud of them!  We love them because Leslie, Suzanne, Chris and Jonathan are just the sweetest kids you'll ever meet, and we're proud of them because they've worked so hard in the past couple of years to make the group the best it can be.  They're doing something right--they won the Grand Champion trophy at the State Singing Convention in June, and they're scheduled to sing for the promoters association at NQC next month.  I hope they'll sing their arrangement of "New Day Dawning," with a bit of "What a Day That Will Be" mixed in for emphasis.  No, wait, they should do "Halfway," which you've noticed by now I love!  What about "If You Ever Needed the Lord Before?"  It's always a concert highlight.  (Chris has promised to sing it on August 23rd at Grace Chapel, because Fran and I have both begged!)  Or how about the new song?  I didn't catch the title, but it's one of several their mom, Sandra, wrote for the new CD.  I guess it's a good thing I don't have to make the choice!  I just know that if they do as well then as they did Friday night--and they will--it won't be long before they're singing all over the country.  (And I still think they should get a batch of Taylors Ties made up for the table, just like the one dad James was wearing!)

Did you recognize the Talley Trio in the homepage contest photo last month?  Did you e-mail that fact, so you'd have a chance to win?  Follow through, people, follow through!  Check out the new picture that's just been posted, and enter to win the next contest.  If you wonder how your favorite song is doing this month, our new Top 60 chart is available.  And as always, study the Concert Update before making your weekend plans.  I already know I'll be seeing Naomi & the Segos on Sunday, and I hope you'll join me.  Until next time, I'll see you on the front row!

JULY 22, 2008...I just looked over my calendar, and it suddenly struck me that there are only seven weeks left until NQC!  Have you got your tickets and travel plans yet? 

I'm sure I'll be spending some time at the Anchormen's booth--I always do!  I spent last Thursday with them at Micro Baptist Church; that's always a fun concert, but this one was really unusual.  It was time to sing at 7pm, and Karl, Keith, Paul and Bryan were on stage...but nobody was standing in front the baritone mic.  So Keith called his son Alex to come up and they started without him!  Michael took over with the second song, and I was impressed with the new guy; he sounds good, he seems to be having a good time, and if they'll all chip in and buy him an alarm clock, this is gonna be great!  It'll be great even without the clock--I'm just teasing!  Beside, if Michael is running late again, the Anchormen have some options.  Alex travels with them as much as he can while school's out; he's going to be a great addition to a group when he graduates (and I'm really hoping it's the Anchormen).  They let him sing again later in the service, and Keith's grin was even bigger than usual; I guess he's just a little bit proud of the kid!  And if Alex isn't with them, they've got yet another reserve to call upon...Bryan Elliott.  I can't believe that it's taken seven years to discover that Bryan can sing as well as he can play!  He sang "Come See Me," and did a beautiful job; I was so surprised and so proud of him!  Keith told me later that Alex and Bryan had filled in while he was on a few weeks' vocal rest, and did so well that they're both part of the program now.  He also said it's a hoot to watch people like me who've known Bryan for years, and see our faces when we hear him sing for the first time!  I'm sure I'm not the only one who's been very impressed!

Another group I spend quality NQC time with is Rejoice.  Actually, I've known Rejoice since before they were Rejoice.  I looked back over my Carolina Gospel Showcase records, and found that I did an interview with Sherri in August, 2000, when they were called Exalt.  I've attended their NQC showcases, but in all these years, somehow I'd never managed to catch up with them in a full concert until Saturday night.  (That's not entirely my fault.  Pastor Earl was severely scolded for not telling me he brought them to Dunn two years ago, so he always makes sure he calls me now!)  I'm sorry it took so long, but it was worth waiting for.  Now I've finally seen Rejoice in concert...two-thirds of them, anyway.  Sherri, Melissa and Sherri's son Tyler were setting up the table when I walked in, and I asked if Tyler was planning to sing one for us.  Actually, Tyler was planning to sing everything for us.  Maria had to work, so Tyler was drafted to fill in.  He did just fine, but it couldn't have been easy for a bass singer to reach even the low ladies' part!  He did it, but for him to sing that part, Sherri had to move up and take Maria's part.  It may have been a little confusing for them, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.  Next time Melissa needs to try a different part, too...why should Sherri and Tyler have all the fun?!  Pastor Earl is already making plans for the next concert, probably in early December...he'll be sure to let me know when it's set! 

When I get the details, they'll be on the concert update.  In the meantime, they are plenty of concerts to keep us busy; check out the page when you have a minute.  I've got new pictures in the photo gallery (and if I haven't finished posting them by the time you've read this, just give me a few more minutes).  And as always, remember to enter the photo contest on the homepage--it's easy this month!  Until next time, I'll see you on the front row!       

JULY 16, 2008...Wednesday already?  How on earth did that happen?!  

If I concentrate really hard (and peek in the checkbook), I can say with almost absolute certainty that I went to Ron's Barn last Thursday.  The Royal Descendants were there, and that, I definitely remember!  They were great!  Most of the songs were from their brand new CD, "Amazed at the Change," and it may be their best yet.  They do a fine job on "Jesus Will Be There" and "If You Only Knew," and they've finally recorded "Still Feeling Fine."  I'd never heard "Over the Sunset Mountain" before, but I must have been the only one--everyone was singing along almost from the first note (and even I picked up the chorus pretty quickly).  "God's Home" is as good as any song you hear us play on WCKB, but I know by now that I'm wasting my time begging Denny to send a single to radio.  I still wish he would--it seems a shame to keep a group like the Royal Descendants all to ourselves--but he just won't listen to me!  Maybe if you asked him?

Saturday night, I went to Friendly Chapel for Keith and Kayla Rivenbark's 10th anniversary concert; Arise and the Dixie Melody Boys joined them.  I stopped by the Dixie Melody Boys' table before the concert to pick up the new projects ("Serenade" and "Back to the Good Old Days"), and I met Mr. Ed's new lead singer, Joe.  We chatted for a minute while I paid for my CD's; when he mentioned that he used to sing with his brothers and that Gary Casto (Tribute Quartet) had told Mr. Ed about him, it finally dawned on me why he looked familiar--he's Jacob Kitson's brother!  Mary Anne was so excited when I told her; she was heartbroken when Jacob left Tribute--Greater Vision rarely comes to visit us--so I knew she'd enjoy meeting his brother.  Talent seems to run in Southern Gospel families, especially around here!  Every time I think there can't possibly be any more singing Parkers, I meet another one--this time it was Chris.  Okay, technically I met him last fall at Arise's anniversary concert, but I never heard him sing until Saturday night.  He's the new bass singer, and all I want to know is, what took him so long to join the group?  He   sounds great, and Brendan and Charlie are obviously delighted to have him on the team.  Mitchell was joking about being the only non-Parker in Arise now, but we can solve that problem...Charlie just needs to adopt him!  Keith and Kayla followed Arise, and were excellent, as usual.  I always enjoy their concerts, and one of the reasons is they pick such great songs...and they seem to like the Anchormen and the Down East Boys as much as I do!  Now if they'd just learn a couple from Mended Wings, that would be super!  The Dixie Melody Boys were next, and Mr. Ed sounds as good and looks as happy as I've ever seen him!  Jonathan and Steven are still with him, and Joe fits in perfectly; it was only his third night and yet it seemed like he'd always been part of the group.  They didn't use a lot of orchestration and vocal stacks and tricks...they just SANG, and it was wonderful!  I almost said they didn't do anything fancy, but in thinking back, some of those arrangements were pretty complicated.  The guys just made them all sound easy!  As Mr. Ed's says each month in Singing News, "all I ever wanted to do was sing," and with this group and these arrangements, that's just what they do.  You've really got to be good when you don't have a lot of music to hide behind...and they are!    

That's all for now.  Be sure to enter the photo contest on the homepage; it should be pretty easy this month.  There are lots of great concerts heading our way, and I've got them on the concert update page.  (Let me know if I missed anything.)  Until next time, I'll see you on the front row!

JULY 1, 2008...My musical tastes have always baffled my friends.  When I was 17, I bought Barry Manilow's "2:00am Paradise Cafe" and Triumph's "Lay It on the Line" at the same time--the crowd at the Record Hut couldn't believe they were both for me, but they're both still in my collection.  Now I go see Naomi & the Segos and the Booth Brothers in the same weekend, and just loved both concerts!  (Notice how I cleverly don't mention how many years have passed since that day at the Record Hut!)

I always look forward to Miss Naomi's yearly visit to Lighthouse Convention Center, because even when they're running late because somebody takes the wrong exit (use the GPS, Scott!), they still take time to stop by the station for a little while.  We hugged, we laughed, I took pictures, and Neal did a great interview; the best parts of the interview were Neal teasing her about a new nickname ("Hollywood," because she was wearing sunglasses after eye surgery earlier in the week) and Miss Naomi assuring us all that she has NO plans to retire!  And why should she?  As she proved again Friday night, the lady's still got it...her voice is as strong as ever, she never misses a note or a word, and she seems happiest when she's singing!  It was so good to see Scott Spangler onstage with her again; I love to hear him as a soloist, but he and Naomi make such a great team!  He made my night when he sang "A Sinner's Prayer." I was so excited when I recognized the opening notes; it's my favorite song from the "Milestones" CD, and I never thought I'd get to hear him do it again!  And while I was getting all nostalgic, I remembered the first time I met Terry Dorsey; in 2003, I made a six-hour trip to the tiptop of Virginia to see Scott and Naomi, and it was the weekend Terry first tried out for the group.  Who'd have thought that five years later, we'd all be together again?!  It would have been perfect if Coco had been there, too...even though my dogs would have been jealous and I'd have had some explaining to do when I got home...but maybe she'll make the next trip.  The next trip, by the way, will be in about six weeks; Naomi & the Segos will be in Lillington and Dunn on August 10th and I'll have the details on the concert update.

The Booth Brothers made their annual appearance at Fayetteville Community Church on Sunday night; I enjoy every FCC concert, but I confess I look forward to the Booth Brothers most each year!  Even their sound checks are the best...as Ronnie was tuning his guitar, he started to sing "Smoky Mountain Rain," and when everybody joined in, even I remembered every word and sang along (quietly!).  After a few more songs from the 70s, Roy Webb played the intro to Journey's "Open Arms" (radio days at Central Carolina Community College...oh, the memories!) and Michael took off on that one.  (I asked for "I Can't Fight This Feeling"--my favorite from REO Speedwagon--but by that time, they really did have to get to work setting sound for their own songs.  Maybe they'll sing it for me next time?)  Yes, I said Roy Webb...I can admit now that I really wasn't sure what to expect from Roy as a solo artist, but he was great!  He's a wonderful storyteller; I would have said comedian, but that wouldn't do him justice.  We laughed a lot, but when he talked about his dad we were nearly in tears.  And he's a pretty good piano player, too!  The Booth Brothers opened with "He Saw It All," and the next hour or so went by much too quickly.  I enjoyed every song so much, it's hard to single out just a few, but I'll try.  Jim does a beautiful job on "Tears Are a Language," and Mr. & Mrs. Booth should adopt him and make him an official brother so he'll never leave!  Ronnie sang "I Would" from his solo CD, then Michael sang "The Secret Place" from his--he should send us a radio single, too.  "Over the Moon" may not be a deep, spiritual song, but when Michael goes for the high notes and makes himself laugh, it sure is a lot of fun!  The Booth Brothers have the coolest version of "What a Morning" and of course, "Still Feelin' Fine" rocks!  I would have expected them to end the concert with that song, when everyone was on their feet and the applause was loudest, but anybody could have done that.  They slowed things down with "Trust His Heart" and "Look for Me at Jesus' Feet."  I thought we came for a concert, but suddenly we were having church, and if anyone gives a more heartfelt invitation than Michael Booth, I haven't heard it.  The next FCC concert will be Signature Sound in November; get your tickets early because they'll most likely sell out early again, and when you call the church, tell them you expect the Booth Brothers to be back next year!

Don't forget to send in your final ballot for the Singing News Fan Awards; I mailed mine this morning--with several votes for the Booth Brothers, of course!  Enter the contest on our homepage to win a CD; we'll probably give you another week on this picture since we were late changing it, but don't wait too long.  There aren't many concerts this weekend because of the holiday, but plan to get busy again next week.  Have a safe 4th, leave the fireworks to the professionals, and until next time, I'll see you on the front row!

JUNE 17, 2008...I can only hope that Brian Free appreciates the trouble I'm getting into for him this weekend.  My sister, who can lay on the guilt with the very best moms out there, was not happy with me when I said I wouldn't be able to go to my niece's 5th birthday party.  Is it my fault that the organizers of the State Annual Singing Convention invited Brian Free & Assurance to be the special guests on Saturday night?  No, it isn't!  Now, if I could just convince Ginger to see it my way!

At least I didn't get into much trouble last week!  Mary Anne was a little miffed that I didn't go to Willow Spring on Monday night for the Taylors and the Mark Trammell Trio, but I just couldn't get out of the office in time to get there.  Besides, this was a very rare week, with two chances to see Mark, Dustin, and Eric, and one of them was only ten minutes from the house...guess which chance I took?!  Thursday night, the guys were at Kendale Acres Free Will Baptist Church, and I made it to that concert.  Mark was a little quieter than usual, letting Eric and Dustin handle most of the features; he thought he might be coming down with a cold, but it was probably the smoke in the air that was bothering him.  (Who would have thought wildfires in the coastal counties would affect us?)  If he hadn't said something, I doubt anyone would have realized he was taking it a little easy; he was, after all, singing on every song and sounding great.  I thought he was just changing up the program because there were several people there who'd just seen the group on Monday as well.  The second half of the concert included a very special guest.  Mark's brother, Jerry Trammell, was traveling with them for the week.  (He'd just gotten home from a three-week trip when Mark came to Willow Spring, and so of course he had to get on the bus with them; somebody give Terri a gold star for being a good sport about it and letting him go!)  Eric asked Jerry to sing one for us; he did a beautiful job on "Does Jesus Care."  When Mark came back onstage, he talked about how much he loved his big brother--though he tried to add a few extra years between their ages--then introduced a song they'd written together years ago, "When I Stand in the Presence."  It's hard to believe a couple of kids wrote that!

Friday night, I went to the Lighthouse to see Keith & Kayla Rivenbark and the Trinity Quartet.  I always get a little shock when I see Kayla all grown up...I can't help it, I still think of her as the little girl I first met...but she's used to that!  Let's see, if she's 17 now, that makes Keith...we'd better not go there!  Mary Anne, Lou Anne, Kayla and I teased him enough about his short short short haircut, so I'll give him a break on this.  They've got a brand new CD just in, so we heard a lot of new songs like "The Lord Knows What to Do" and "I Will Find You Again."  The influence of Steve Ladd and the Anchormen is still felt; the new CD includes "Unsinkable" and "Jesus Is Coming Get Ready," and they ended their set with "I Feel Like Running."  I remember the time Margie and I rode to Whiteville with Keith and Kayla when they sang with the Anchormen (she was maybe 9 or 10 years old), and when the Anchormen were special guests at Keith & Kayla's homecoming concert a few years ago, and concerts at area schools on Thursday nights; they seemed to sing that song together whenever both groups were on the program.  Memories!  The Trinity Quartet doesn't get to this area very often, so I try to get to Lighthouse whenever they're featured.  They don't see me often enough to really know me, but Warren remembered seeing me at their NQC showcase last fall (and he said he reads "Follies!") and Vernon recognizes that I'm almost always there when Trinity Quartet sings at Lighthouse.  Mike and Jim don't have a clue!  Even though I don't know them well, I always enjoy this quartet!  Their latest CD, "Trinity Quartet," (so it's easy for DJ's to remember) has some great songs like "First Day of Heaven" and "Got a Hold of a Book."  Most of the songs they sang Friday came from that CD, but Jim also did a really nice job on "Thanks to Calvary."  I'll be surprised if it doesn't show up on the next project.   I would have loved to hear more from Vernon, one of my favorite tenors; he had a featured line or two on most songs, but I had to wait til almost the end of the night to hear him sing "God Called Again."  And Mike picked on him way too much!

It's going to be a big weekend here, with the Singing Convention starting Friday evening.  I've already mentioned Brian Free & Assurance, and Sunday's special guests will be Triumphant Quartet.  If you're not at the Singing Grove, you'll miss a great event.  If you can't be in Benson, just promise me that you'll support a sing in your area; check the concert update for current listings.  And you can once again enter the homepage photo contest; Margie's updated the picture, and she's going to teach me how to do it, too, so we shouldn't get off schedule again.  Wish me luck with my sister, and until next time, I'll see you on the front row!

JUNE 9, 2008..."Hot 'nuff fer ya?"  Please join me in smacking the next moron who thinks that's funny.  And how about the weather folks who sound way too perky and happy about it when they tell us the heat index numbers?  Do we really need to be told that it feels like 104º, as if simply saying 98º isn't bad enough?  Too much information! 

Now back to our regular programming.  The air conditioning at Ron's Barn works just fine, especially if you happen to be sitting beneath an A/C vent and one of the ceiling fans!  I enjoyed it tremendously last Thursday...and the music was pretty good, too!  Servant's Heart was there, and for any out-of-towners who happen to be reading this, that's one of our great ladies quartets.  Yes, they have the bass part covered just fine; Joan can hit lower notes than some men.  (Is it still called bass when a lady sings it?)  Janie, Connie and April round out the quartet; April also writes a lot of their original material.  Even when they cover someone else's songs, Servant's Heart makes them their own.  They did a beautiful job on "Under His Wings" and a medley of "Shout to the Lord/How Great Thou Art."  The group only sings twice a month now due to commitments at their home church, so if you get a chance to see Servant's Heart, don't pass it up! 

When I go to hear a group sing, I usually try to arrive about an hour early, just in case I have trouble finding the place or the service or concert starts earlier than I was told.  Wouldn't you know that the one time I don't get there early, it turns out to be one of those early starts?  And wouldn't you know that it happened with one of my very favorite groups?!  I talked to Rodney Hoots a week or so ago--I had to explain why I didn't make it to the Mended Wings reunion in Myrtle Beach.  After I made my excuses and begged forgiveness, I promised to see them in Graham on the 8th.  Rodney told me it was a homecoming service, so they'd do a few songs in the morning service, and a full concert after lunch.  That's what I planned on, so when the alarm went off, I hit the snooze a time or twelve, knowing exactly how long I could postpone and still be the church by 11:00am.  Imagine how I felt when I arrived at 10:48 and the sign said "Mended Wings 10:00am!"  I was afraid I'd missed their whole program, but I only missed half.  Since they had to get to Charlotte for an early evening service, the pastor changed the order of the day; they didn't know about it until that morning so I forgive them all for not letting me know about the change.  As long as I heard part of their program, it was worth the drive.  And I did get a wonderful surprise--hearing Mended Wings as a quartet again!  Chris Hancock, one of the finest bass singers to ever growl an ending, doesn't travel anymore, but he'll join them sometimes when the group is in his area.  Graham is his area...Tabernacle Baptist is his church...so there he was!  He remembered most of his verse for "Casting Your Bread Upon the Water," and it was so good to hear him sing with Rodney again.  Then they took requests from the audience, which is always interesting (nobody could remember more than the first verse of "What a Meeting in the Air," but someone was kind enough to ask for "In the Garden," which they sing in most services anyway), and closed out with "Jesus Loves You."  That song was recorded as a trio, but it's even better with Chris in the mix.  He asked me to tell everyone hello, so from Chris Hancock..."Well, hello, there!" 

I'm in the midst of a slight panic here at the radio station, because the State Annual Singing Convention, affectionately known here as the Benson Sing, is next week, and there's still so much to do!  It's come a little earlier than normal this year, but I do some of my best work under pressure...it feels like I've been doing a lot of great work lately!  This year's special guests in Benson are Brian Free & Assurance on Saturday night and Triumphant Quartet on Sunday afternoon.  Come be with us!  Now I've got to attack that stack on my desk, so until next time, I'll see you on the front row!

JUNE 3, 2008...Tony Greene has seen the light!  Keep reading.

Jim Layton called me a few weeks ago; he was so excited that he just couldn't wait to get the news out--he'd booked the Imperials to appear at Lighthouse Convention Center!  Once he convinced me that he was serious...yes, the Imperials...yes, Jason, Shannon, Jeremie and Ian...no, it's not April Fool's Day...I got very excited, too!  So Thursday evening, I headed up to Raleigh to meet Lou Anne, Faye and Cyndi.  Canaanland opened the concert with a short set; Shirley managed to squeeze a 45-minute program into about 30 minutes!  My favorite part was "Glory Road."  I'm not kidding!  I admit that, normally, when I hear the opening notes of "Glory Road," my first thought is along the lines of "Oh gee, not that again!," but this time was different.  This time, Ian Owens was sitting beside me (talking about his new baby girl), and I don't think there's a bass singer on the planet who can resist singing along with that one.  So while the rest of the audience enjoyed the Canaanland trio onstage, I enjoyed the Canaanland quartet on the front row!  When the Imperials took the stage, anyone who worried that they'd be too contemporary breathed a sigh of relief...they opened with "First Day in Heaven," and the Lighthouse crowd loved it!  Most of the concert came from the "Back to the Roots" CD, so even though many in the audience were meeting the guys for the first time, they knew the songs.  Faye loved it when Jason sang "He's Everything to Me," remembering the original version from (a few) years ago; he does a beautiful job of it.  I never heard "No Shortage" or "Oh Buddha" when they were first released, but I love the current versions; scary how timely they still are, isn't it?  Shannon sang "God Bless the USA," as a Memorial Day special, and of course, they had to do "We've Got a Great Big Wonderful God" since it's all over the radio now.  They ended the evening with two of their very best, most powerful songs, "Praise the Lord" and "Arise, My Love."  Wow!  What a way to close out a concert!

I've got about a million pictures of Driven Quartet, so I thought I'd give them a break from camera flashes on Friday night.  But then I got into the church, and Roger and Mary Anne told me that Scott Penuel was filling in with them; Alex has taken a church in Georgia and isn't able to travel anymore.  Mary Anne said Jimmy Fortune's cousin was traveling with them for the rest of the weekend, and he seemed like a really nice guy, but she couldn't remember his name.  Then I glanced up and saw a familiar face--I met Lee Fortune at NQC last year, visiting in Eighth Day's booth, and he is a really nice guy.  At that point, I had to run to the car and get the camera; I should have realized I'd never make it through a concert without it!  Scott did a great job--on a day's notice, he learned a lot of new songs--and Jason, Chad and Will seemed to enjoy having him onstage with them.  (Oh, the possibilities...?!)  I wanted to hear Lee sing, too, so I was pleased when Jason called him up; I was not so pleased when Jason handed Lee his mic and stepped aside. Lee and the rest of the guys sang "Midnight Cry," and they did a super job, but...just a cotton-pickin' minute, I thought he was going to sing tenor.  I didn't want Jason to step back!  But Jason made up for it with a gorgeous new song; I've never heard it before so I have no idea what the title is, but I sure do hope it turns up a the new Driven CD!

The Dove Brothers and the Greenes worked together all last week, and we were lucky enough to schedule a concert right here in Dunn on Saturday night!  Since I'd seen the Dove Brothers last Saturday, too, I spent extra time choosing what to wear; I didn't want to show up in the same dress two weeks in row (oh, the fashion horror!), but they probably wouldn't have noticed.  I realized that when they walked into the church wearing the exact same thing they'd worn the previous Saturday!  Men just don't think about these things, do they?  They looked good, though; I love those ties!  The program was very much the same, but they sounded so good; I love those songs!  McCray has a winner in "You Would Think He Would Learn," and it's so good he has to sing it twice.  The highlight of the first half was definitely "I Can Pray."  What a wonderful song that is!  We had to say a quick prayer before the Greenes could sing; one of the mics had been misplaced.  We all joined in the search (though I think we'd have noticed already if one of us was sitting on it) and finally McCray found it in a drawer in a piece of equipment on the stage.   For the record, I've adored Brad Hudson ever since I interviewed him for "Carolina Gospel Showcase" ten years ago, and I didn't want to like anyone who took his place with the Greenes, but I couldn't help liking Paul Lancaster.  I met him briefly at NQC last fall, but I'd never seen him perform live except for a showcase appearance with (the late, lamented) Everyday Driven.  I was impressed--now I see why so many groups have turned to him when they needed somebody really good, really fast!  Tony, Taranda and Paul are a great combination; Taranda said even Muncie loves him, and if the dog likes you, you've got to be okay!  The grownups were good, but they were completely and absolutely upstaged by Belle, as I'm sure they knew they would be.  When Daddy called her to the stage, she sang "You Are My Sunshine" and when he asked her if she was finished, she was quick to say no.  She had another special song for us, one of my personal favorites, "There Ain't No Bugs on Me!"  (In case you aren't familiar with it, it's from a commercial filled with adorable puppies, so of course it caught my attention.  For her next appearance, I wish she'd learn the Free Credit Report.com jingle--the one with the pirate, not the car.  I always sing along with that one!)  Josie was asleep so they didn't bring her out, but I got to see her later and she's just a little doll!  As for Tony Greene finally seeing the light...he must have realized that every group needs a bass singer, at least once in while, because he called David Hester up to join them on "Where Could I Go."  I love it when groups mix and mingle when they perform on the same concert, and the finale of this concert was even better than most.  The Greenes sat back and enjoyed the Dove Brothers while they sang "Didn't It Rain" and "Get Away Jordan," then joined them for the last chorus of "Jordan," "Everybody Will Be Happy Over There," and "Beulah Land."  Paul and Eric shared the first verse, Jerry and Taranda shared the second, and it was the best "Beulah Land" I've ever heard!  Then the boys sat down and Taranda showed them how it's done--she brought down the house with "Oh Holy Night!"  McCray commented earlier in the evening that the Greenes and the Dove Brothers are a great combination, and I'm sure everyone who saw them together agrees.  Can we make this an annual joint tour?  Please, can we, can we, please?!

Now I've got to get back to work...although that's going to be difficult with a printer that WON'T print!  I'm waiting for a part to arrive, and until it does, I'm getting farther behind and more stressed by the second.  Where's that sledge hammer I was looking for a couple of weeks ago?  Aren't computers just wonderful machines?  (Can't you just hear the sarcasm dripping from my words?)  Before I say something I shouldn't, let me just say...until next time, I'll see you on the front row! 

MAY 26, 2007...Stock up on candles when you book the Tribute Quartet!  First there was the Great Lillington Blackout, and now the lights have gone out in Clinton, too!  Mind you, Clinton doesn't earn a "Great Blackout" title--they were only off for a minute or so--but still, what is it with Tribute and electricity?

It all took place at Full Gospel Tabernacle on Friday night.  Gary and Josh had been there many times in the past with the Wilburns and Mrs. Kivett was obviously delighted to see them again; this was the first trip with Tribute, and I think she's adopted Dennis and Jacob now, too!  Even though I'd had a bad week (computer is Latin for "of the devil"), Josh immediately brightened things up...he never fails to ask about my dogs as soon as he sees me, because he knows that will always make me smile.  The concert started with a lot of energy--"Is It Good News" and "Brother Don't Lose the Shout"--and you could tell that everyone's week had just improved tremendously!  Things were going beautifully right up until they sang "When Those Gates Opened Wide."  In the middle of the first verse, everything went dark--completely, absolutely, pitch black...and it could have gotten scary real fast.  But Jacob never missed a note and the guys came right in on the chorus, and they weren't even finished with the song when the lights came back up.  They just started it over and continued like nothing had happened.  But after the concert, when I mentioned Lillington, Josh burst out laughing and said that was the first thing he thought of, too.  And he didn't even mention his sister's demon cat this time, so we have no idea what caused it! 

I was back in Clinton on Saturday, this time for the Marksmen Quartet's anniversary concert.  Just like last year, the Dove Brothers and the Inspirations were their special guests, and just like last year it was a wonderful evening.  I knew I was going to have a good time simply because three of my favorite groups were there, but when I pulled into the parking lot I knew I'd have a really good time--Jeff from Fortress and Mike and Brooks from Homeward Bound were arriving at the same time, and we all sat together (on the front row, of course)!  It was Jeff's first time to see any of these groups live, and we kept telling him to just watch Sonya.  I swear his jaw dropped when she out-danced McCray Dove on "Didn't It Rain!"  We told him she'd do that and he didn't believe us!  The Marksmen did several songs from their new CD, "Just Another Hill."  They do a beautiful job with that one--McCray should be proud--and just wait til you hear what they do with "He Will Hide Me!"  The Dove Brothers were next up, and did a great job as usual.  I've always liked them, but in the past few years, they've really had an extra spark.  I don't know if it's extra Flintstones vitamins, more great songs, or a combination of the two, but something has really clicked!  Yes, of course they had to sing "Get Away Jordan" and "I Can Pray" (I've already mentioned "Didn't It Rain," and McCray freely admitted that Sonya has him beat on that one!), but they did some of their new material, too, from "Life."  David has another beautiful song, "Face to Face with Grace," and Eric does a super job on "You Can't Fix It" (I like his version much better than the Oak Ridge Boys'); the latest radio single, "You Don't Know God's Love" is from that project, too.  The Inspirations have a brand new CD, too; "How Great It Is" had just come in a few days before and I got my copy during the intermission.  I love it!  They didn't get to sing any of those new songs, though, because they've got so many hits that they simply have to sing--I guess that's a good problem to have, right?  Myron's wife was sick and he had to stay home to take care of the kids, so Jack Laws was playing the bass on this trip; it was a treat to see him.  Archie was great, and it was so much to sing along with him on "I'll Not Turn My Back on Him Now."  I kept expecting Denny Sutton to walk on stage, though!  Martin made sure to feature everybody's most popular songs--"If You Only Knew," "I Have Not Forgotten," "I'm Not Ashamed," "Overwhelming Joy," "Two Shoes," and they couldn't even get to all the requests!  (But next time, I want to hear "They're Holding Up the Ladder...")  I know I'm not the only one who begged the Marksmen to make this an official annual event, so cross your fingers for this same lineup, same time, same place next year!

If you were unlucky enough to miss it, you'll have another chance to see the Dove Brothers this Saturday night.  They'll be here in Dunn at Cumberland Street Baptist Church, along with the Greenes.  The details are, of course, on the concert update page.  Rayburn said they'd be traveling with Tony Greene all week long, so he asked for lots of prayer!  I'm sure it will be an interesting week for them all!  Until next time, I'll see you on the front row!

MAY 20, 2008...Say a special prayer for me, please.  I'm having computer issues and I want so badly to cuss right now--but I haven't!  Trust me when I say it's taking a real effort not to go into the back storeroom and find the sledge hammer!

Relax, breathe, think pleasant thoughts, find my happy place...ah, yes, that's much better.  One of my happy places is Ron's Barn in Coats, and one of the groups that make me happy there is the Southern Ambassadors.  They were short a bass singer Thursday night as John recovered from surgery, but Chris, Willie and Shawn handled things beautifully.  And I can't forget to mention John the sound man, who makes them sound so very good!  I admit to missing the bass line on a few songs, but they planned the program really well to cover the absent part, and the trio rocked!  I wasn't expecting my favorite song, since it was a few projects back, but someone else requested it so I got to hear "Alpha and Omega" after all.  Brooke was happy because she got to hear "I'll Fly Away."  They did it early in the evening, but she wasn't there yet, so Willie repeated it especially for her in the second set.  The highlight of the night had to be a special solo performance by Shawn.  He truly, truly blessed out hearts with a stirring rendition of "Five Pounds of Possum!"  I told him later that I'll expect to hear it in every concert now, but he might not have taken me seriously.  Now, if everyone starts asking for it...I promise you'll never be the same once you hear it!

I went to Fellowship Baptist Church in Lillington on Saturday night, for a special concert with the Taylors and the Men of Faith Quartet.  The quartet was nearly finished with sound check when I arrived, and I told Spencer that I expected to hear "Champion of Love" before the night was over.  I might have sounded a little bossier than I intended when I told him they could do it now or they could do it later, but they had to do it.  Anyway, it worked; he said, "Let's do it right now for the lady," and it just made my night!  He does that song better than anyone I've ever heard...and with apologies to Gerald Wolfe, I do mean anyone!  I could have gone home happy right then, but of course I had to stay to hear the Taylors.  My kids did great!  (I know, they're not technically mine, but a bunch of us claim them, and James and Sandra don't mind sharing!)  They opened with three songs, including my favorite, "Halfway," then did three more after the offering, including my other favorite, "My Name Is Lazarus."  Actually, now that I think about it, every song they do becomes one of my favorites--I just love those kids!  The Men of Faith had a tough act to follow, but they were up to it.  We got to hear a lot of the songs from their brand new CD, "Redemptive."  It had just come in the day before, so we were the first to get it!  The title comes from a Kyla Rowland song, "His Response," which is gorgeous.  Jeff did a beautiful job on "When I See My Savior's Face," and Daniel's version of "The Lighthouse" is really pretty.  Melvin was great on everything--I think he has more fun than any bass singer I know!  Of course, one of the best things about the Men of Faith is the absolutely killer band--Trey, Grant and Samuel are some of the most talented musicians out there!  Why, then, do they only get one feature?  I mean, so few groups even have a band anymore...when you've got one like this, turn 'em loose!

Now I'm going to leave my happy place and try to figure out why my computer hates me.  Where's that sledge hammer...?  Until next time, I'll see you on the front row!

MAY 13, 2008...It was a busy weekend, but this will be short since there was only one concert involved.  What's the point of a weekend with only one concert?!  Oh yeah, right--Happy Mother's Day!  I guess that explains it.

I was looking forward to seeing the Watchman Quartet in Coats on Thursday night, but Daryle sent an e-mail early in the week that James was sick and another group would be filling in for them.  I didn't know the group he mentioned, so I figured I'd have dinner and slip out before the music started.  But when Willie Sawrey came in carrying speakers, I realized that Daryle meant to say the Grace Way Trio, and I realized I'd be staying after all!  Willie sings with the Southern Ambassadors, but when they aren't singing, he helps run the sound for Grace Way.  He does that because he's such a nice guy, and because his wife, Dana, sings with Grace Way.  If anybody in the audience was disappointed by the switch, they got over it quickly, because Dana, Jimmy and Pam did a super job.  They sang a beautiful version of "Jerusalem" and Dana nearly made me cry when she did "I Will Find You Again."  "I've Got Joy" and "I Wish I Could Have Been There" were a lot of fun...especially when Pam tried to sing the bass line on "I Wish!"  They even got Willie to join them on "Going Home," but he wouldn't stay for a second song.  I guess he was anxious to get to the buffet line!

I have to mention a few special people before I finish this.  I hope all you moms had a wonderful day; love to Mary Anne, Mama Faye, and Miss Rosina!  My nephew, Eddie, celebrated his birthday on Sunday.  No, I will not say how old he is, because it depresses me beyond words--and because then I'd have to admit my own age, which ain't gonna happen!  And congratulations to my graduates--Bethany Cook is finishing high school, and Jonathan Taylor just graduated with honors from Campbell University yesterday.  The Taylors celebrated with a cookout, and we had a wonderful time, in spite of the chilly conditions.  It's May, for Pete's sake...somebody tell the weatherman!  But on the bright side, when it's cold like this, the dogs really turn into snuggle puppies!

That's all for now, folks.  I'd better get back to work, and I'm sure your boss will be walking by in a minute, too.  We have to at least look busy!  Until next time, I'll see you on the front row!

MAY 5, 2008...The American Humane Society has declared that this is "Be Kind to Animals Week."  So this week, it's official, but remember that it goes for the other 51 weeks, too! 

I attended reunions and family celebrations all weekend.  Of course, my extended, adopted family includes  Southern Gospel friends, so music was involved!  Thursday night, Carolina Royalty performed a special reunion concert at Ron's Barn.  People came from all over to see Felton, Earl, Betty, James, Robin and Debbie again; the place was absolutely packed.  It had been almost 18 months since their last performance, so there were a few interesting moments trying to remember lyrics, but everybody sounded as great as ever!  Betty rocked on "Singing with the Saints!"  The real star of the evening was only on stage for about a minute, but he was definitely the center of attention--we got to meet little Grayson Levi, Robin's four-month-old.  He's beautiful!  He wasn't sure he liked the lights in his eyes and the applause when he was introduced on stage, but you should have seen him smile when Mommy came back to get him after the singing was done!  Felton will have to make the reunion an annual event so we can watch him grow up!

I was shocked and ashamed to realize I hadn't seen the Anchormen yet this year, but I'm feeling much better now.  They scheduled a last-minute date at Erwin United Methodist Church, and thank goodness I found out about it and was able to be there.  It was great to see Bryan again; I'm glad he's back where he belongs!  He'd better not ever leave us again; I'm looking forward to spoiling that baby girl who's on the way!  The new bass singer, Paul, is really nice and he's a great addition to the group.  Karl seems happier than ever these days--he'd better, since he just got married a couple of months ago!  I was disappointed that Keith wasn't there--everybody gets sick once in a while, I guess--but delighted to see Terry Carter filling in for him.  It's always a treat to spend time with Terry!  

I was at Fellowship Baptist Church last evening for a very special service.  Congratulations to Suzanne and Christopher Taylor, brand new high school graduates!  I'm so proud of you both!

That's it for this time.  Remember to vote in the primary tomorrow, if you haven't already done it.  And if you haven't sent in your ballot for the Singing News Fan Awards yet, remember that they're due very soon.  Vote, people, vote!  Until next time, I'll see you on the front row!

APRIL 28, 2008...Michael Hayes made me very happy last Thursday night!  He did the YODEL!!

Butler, Hughes and Hayes made their first appearance at Ron's Barn last week.  They were even better than the fried chicken!  Individually, Lamar, Darren and Michael are great singers--put them together and it's magic.  They could give the Booth Brothers some real competition if they ever decided to sing full time!  We could have a real battle of the bands...the Booth Brothers could sing "Thank Him for the Miracles," "Still Feelin' Fine," and "If We Never Meet Again," then BH&H could sing their versions, and then we'd just have to declare a tie!  I hope their next CD includes some original songs--and it should, since I know Darren and Michael both write--because it's really not fair to compare one group with another like this.  But every song they do is as good as, and in some cases, better than the "hit" version!  (Lamar sings "I'm Amazed" like it was written just for him.)  And they're funny, too--Michael is a hoot as emcee.  He can have you laughing one minute and in tears the next.  They did a wonderful set-up for a serious song, and the computer wouldn't start the right track; Michael jumped right in to explain that "computer" was Latin for "of the devil," which earned several amens from the audience!  And he really did make my night, though I have to give Margie part of the credit.  Michael wanted Darren and Margie to sing a song from their latest CD (so he and Lamar could take a break, I'm sure), and they did a beautiful job.  But the only way Margie would agree was if Michael promised to do the yodel from the mountain climbing game on "The Price Is Right."  A deal is a deal, so he told us again how his grandmother watched Bob Barker everyday, and God laid it on his heart to learn that yodel, just so he could be a blessing to us all!  (I've really missed the yodel since he left the Christian Brothers!) 

Last year at NQC I spent quite a bit of time with Three Bridges, and I gave Elliott a good-natured scolding about what I considered really bad scheduling.  One of their very rare appearances in North Carolina was 15 minutes from my house...but it was the Sunday after NQC, the only time all year that I'm out of town!  How unfair was that?!  They made it up to me yesterday.  Three Bridges was in Broadway for a great service at Crossroads Ministries, and you'd better believe I was there!  It was the first time I got to hear the new Three Bridges line-up in person, and I was impressed!  They did "Cooling Water" and "In the Valley There's a Rock" and my favorite, "A Little Song Coming On," and they haven't lost a note.  Elliott, Eddy and Scott really blend well together--it still sounds like Three Bridges, with just as much soul and a little more power.  I was happy to finally hear Elliott get some features; I always did wish he'd step up front a bit more!  They even let us hear a new song, "Step Back on the Rock," which should be going out to radio any day now; you're really going to like it!  The new CD should be ready in about two months; I can hardly wait to hear more from them.  And I won't have to scold Elliott about the schedule any more; he's handling the booking now, and he promised they'd be back in North Carolina more often from now on!

I didn't bother going home after Three Bridges; it upsets the dogs when I come home and leave again, so I headed on to Fayetteville Community Church to see Karen Peck and New River.  I was earlier than usual, but Devin and Karen McGlamery were already there with Karlyn, who told me about the Easter play and sang and danced--she just turned 2, and she's completely adorable!  The rest of the gang was running a bit late; coming back from Singing in the Sun, the torrential rain and a crowd at Cracker Barrel slowed them down just a little, so there wasn't much time to visit before the concert...just long enough to compare hair woes caused by the rain!  All heads were under control by 6pm, when the FCC choir opened the concert with "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name" and "I Am Not Ashamed."  Then, by special request, Wesley was featured on "Sinner Saved by Grace," and it was magnificent!  Karen, Susan and Devin opened with "Last Night," and it was the start of a wonderful evening.  We had a lot of fun, especially when Karen talked about their trip to the Grammy Awards in February ("Elly Mae Clampett goes to Hollywood!") and when we all had a part to do during "Hey."  But they never let entertainment be the focus of the night--"Hold Me While I Cry," "Saved," and of course, "Four Days Late" kept things more service than concert.  (Did you know that Fayetteville Community Church provided the inspiration for "Four Days Late?"  Aaron Wilburn was there to do the pre-show for "The Promise" years ago, and after a few weeks of watching the production every night, with the first act ending with the story of Lazarus, he wrote it one night at the Holiday Inn, recorded a demo with Wesley, and sang it for the very first time during a Sunday morning service at FCC.  And the rest is history!)  After a sweet altar service, they did leave us on a high note...several of them, actually...when Wesley joined them for "Look What the Lord Has Done."  He tried to get out of it, but he should know by now that every group expects Wesley to sing with them, and would be terribly hurt if he didn't! 

Next up at FCC is the Booth Brothers, with Roy Webb, on June 29th; get your tickets early for that one!  I just updated the concert listings, and you'll be delighted to see who's coming here in the next few weeks.  Let's just say we're going to be very busy!  Until next time, I'll see you on the front row!

APRIL 22, 2008...I just love old people!  We've been celebrating birthdays here at the station today--Charlie's birthday is today, Graden's is tomorrow, and Sheree's was on April 9th, so we combined them all into one big bash.  No, we don't throw wild parties, but we sure do take advantage of any reason to get together and eat!  I won't give away anyone's age, but if you add them all up...oh, never mind, my calculator won't go that high!

Leaving the old people now, we turn to young whippersnappers--that's what Mark Trammell called the Taylors Thursday night.  (Of course, he said that right after Jonathan referred to Mark's many, many years in Southern Gospel!)  Jonathan and Mark have been trying for ages to get the schedules to work out so that the Mark Trammell Trio could come to Fellowship Baptist, so when a date came open, they jumped on it.  I would have worried about a short notice, Thursday concert anywhere else, but when the Taylors schedule a concert, they work hard to get the word out.  Sure enough, the church was packed--and the lights stayed on this time!  (Read the March 3rd "Follies" entry if you haven't heard about the Great Lillington Blackout!)  The Taylors did a fantastic set, just way too short.  They're constantly adding new songs to their program, so even if you saw them every week you'd never get bored.  Mom, Sandra, arranges most of their music, and she's put together a great arrangement of "New Day Dawning" and "What a Day That Will Be" that just flows perfectly.  I mention "Halfway" every time I see the Taylors, because it gets better every time I hear it, and "My Name Is Lazarus" is always a favorite, too.  Chris jumping over the speaker was a new twist, though!  The Taylors had us on our feet for an exciting finish, and then Jonathan tried to give Mark a really nice introduction, but blew it with that many, many years reference--when he realized that it might be interpreted as a comment about Mark's age, he got flustered and Mark got tickled and mumbled something about whippersnappers.  Mark, Dustin and Eric were still chuckling as they took the stage.  They started off sort of soft and quiet, but it wasn't long before they brought out the power ballads and crowd favorites.  Now, Mark doesn't particularly care for it, but since somebody always wants to hear the tenor singer go high, he'll do it because he's just such a doggone nice guy...that's his story and he's sticking to it...and we went slightly nuts when Eric hit the really high notes on "Glory Road."  Mark stopped him  and made him do it again twice; Eric did it a third time because he liked it then, too!  Dustin did a great job on "Weary at the Well."  And Mark brought the house down when he sang "Once Upon a Cross" and "How Great Thou Art," proving again that a concert can be a lot of fun, but you can't beat a powerful message.  It may be a little while before they get back to this immediate area, but if you're willing to drive to Winston-Salem on June 28th, the Mark Trammell Trio will join Legacy Five, Greater Vision and Danny Funderburk at Reynolds Auditorium for another "Evening to Remember" concert.  They'll each do their own set in the first half, then be onstage together to sing some of the songs they all did with the Cathedrals.  I went last year and just loved it!  In fact, I've already got my ticket for this year's concert; call 866-403-6363 to get yours.  And be back at Fellowship this Saturday night...Mark's daughter-in-law-to-be, Jessica, will be there with her family, the Browns.  (And the Taylors, of course!)

We celebrated six great years with Fortress on Saturday night in Erwin.  They invited the Dennis Family and the Watchman Quartet to share their anniversary sing, and we had a time!  We also had more monitors and speakers than a music store!  Often, one group will set up a sound system and everyone will run through that, but everyone did their own thing this time, and it got pretty funny during sound check when Chris May offered to run get more monitors if anybody needed them!  He can be a real smart aleck sometimes.  But, hey, it was a big church with a big stage, why not take advantage of it?  Pot, kettle--who I am to talk?  I had two cameras blazing all night!  I had my own trusty Kodak, naturally, and Rowland put me in charge of the website camera since he was running sound.  It was a good thing I had extra batteries charged and ready!  Roger and Mary Anne went to the wrong church at first but they finally found us, Faye and Cyndi came down from Durham, Lou Anne and her mom and dad were there, and Pastor Jim emceed...if we'd had a Rockola nearby, it would have been just like old times!  You had to be there early for the best performance of the evening.  Ansleigh Brooks, adorable in her pretty pink dress, sang a few for us, including her signature song, "Zaccheus."  At 7:00pm, Fortress opened with a couple of songs, then brought the Dennis Family to the stage.  Jackie won't do this of course, but a little imp on my shoulder wishes she'd send the Gaither Vocal Band the Dennis Family's CD, with a little note that says "Here's how 'I'll Tell It Wherever I Go' should be done!"  And then they could send one to the Perrys for "I Rest My Case at the Cross."  I know, I know...this isn't a competition...but they just blow you away when they sing!  And now, Jason has started to do "Through the Fire."  That was his Uncle Mark's favorite song, and even though it was hard for him to get through it, it was beautiful.  (If you never met Mark Surles, you missed out a great friend.)  Fortress and the Dennis Family both sing at Pastor Jim's church quite often, so they had a special treat for him; they sang "When the Clouds Roll Back" together at the end of the Dennis Family's portion of the program.  Fortress was back for the middle set; Tim, Jeff and Mike always do a great job, especially when their families are able to be with them.  Wives, kids, and moms were all there, so the guys had to be extra good.  And, of course, when it's your anniversary concert, that adds a little extra "oomph," too!  No matter how many times I hear "Somebody Touched the Lord" or "God Is in Command" or "When I Go Sailing," it's always a treat to hear them again; that's my oh-so-subtle way of saying "Don't drop those songs from the program, ever, no matter how many new CDs you do, understand?!"  And then the Watchman Quartet came up and tore the place down!  I love it when they sing "Lazarus Come Forth" and "He Didn't Throw the Clay Away," but I really love it when they cut loose on "Jesus Is Coming Get Ready" and "I Feel Like Running!"  They skipped "Long as I Got King Jesus" in their first set, which could have been a big problem had they answered incorrectly when Tim asked if they'd come back and sing another one at the end of the night.  Actually, they didn't have to answer at all.  When Tim asked, several of us in the audience were real quick to insist on "King Jesus!"  James had had enough by then, though...he called Jeff on stage to sing the tenor features for him! 

Sunday was the day I was most excited about.  It's been almost two years since I've seen Mended Wings, but they were finally back!  Rodney Hoots called a few weeks ago to let me know that they were coming back, and to find a church for Sunday night; thank you, thank you, thank you to Savannah Hill for saying yes so quickly!  When Rodney called, I asked who was singing with him now--Scott Spangler bought a funeral home and moved to Indiana, so I knew there'd be at least one new person.  It turned out that the new guy was an old friend!  Gary Gray was doing the booking for Mended Wings a few years ago and I met him then, but I didn't know he could sing.  He can!  And I was delighted to find that Chris Jones is still singing lead, although it was a little depressing to ask to see the baby's new picture and realize that she's two years old now--she was brand new the last time I saw the guys!  It was so good to hear "An Everlasting Song" and "Heavenly Honey" and "The Living Word" again; I've missed Mended Wings!  But the bookings are filling up again, there's a new theatre in the works (the Mayberry Opry), and a Mended Wings reunion concert is planned next month, with Scott Jacobs, Phil Robinson and Chris Hancock!  I'm not certain, but I think Chris Hancock may be planning to join them from time to time...his picture is on the website, so I've got my fingers crossed.  I'm just so happy that one of my very favorite groups is back!  (Now if Stacey Murphy will restart the Journeymen, my joy will be complete...)

You must be tired of reading by now!  Okay, I'll stop rambling.  Margie just posted new pictures in the gallery, so check those out.   The concert list is growing as the weather gets warmer; get out your atlas and take out a second mortgage to fill up the gas tank!  Until next time, I'll see you on the front row!

APRIL 14, 2008...It's not just a concert, sometimes it's an adventure.

I didn't expect anything out of the ordinary when I left the station on Saturday afternoon to see the Webbs.  I had to wait for a pretty violent storm to pass, but I still had plenty of time so I wasn't worried.  I believe my directions involved a detour through the middle of nowhere, but finally I got to Lisbon and started looking for the Baptist church.  I found it, and parked next to the trailer and SUV that I thought belonged to Rick and Phyllis and headed for the door...to find it locked tight.  I could hear the Webbs' music, so I knew I was in the right place; I figured they'd just forgotten to open the door and knocked when there was a break in the song.  No response.  I knocked a little louder.  Still no response.  I had the brilliant idea to call Rick's cell phone to get somebody to the door.  Straight to voice mail.  I was getting a little concerned at this point.  But I could still hear music, and then I could hear Rick singing, so I knew they had to be around somewhere.  I realized the music was coming from somewhere across the street, and then noticed several cars turn down the next road, so I decided they must be over there.  I was not expecting a tent.  The booking agent's website never mentioned a tent.  But there was a big ol' tent set up on a muddy field, and obviously, that's where the Webbs would be singing.  I was okay with that, but doggone it, I was not okay with the row of port-a-potties lined up beside it!  I came very close to backing out of that muddy field and heading for home, but I do love the Webbs and I hadn't seen them in months.  I was a little scared by the high winds--oh dear Lord, I prayed, please don't let this thing blow over while I'm in here!--and my heels stuck in the mud a few times, but I finally made it into the tent.  Rick had just finished his sound check and was on his way back to the bus--I'd forgotten they had a new bus; who did I park next to at the church?--as I was coming in.  I was delighted to see him, but felt I had to point out that I wasn't expecting a tent.  He laughed and said they hadn't been expecting it either, but now that we were all there, it was going to be a great night.  Well, not all of us were there.  You heard about all the grounded planes and cancelled flights last week?  One of those flights was Parker Webb's, so he was stuck in Texas instead of being with us.  I put up with a storm, mud, and that port-a-potty, and then didn't get to see Parker?!  Well, that's not fair!  I pouted for a minute, then got over it...after all, Rick, Phyllis, Hannah, Leslie and Jay (the finest soundman in captivity today) were all there!  And we did have a great night.  The church choir opened the evening, the Webbs sang three songs (including "This Is the Time I Must Sing," which I just love), the revival speaker (the most animated First Baptist pastor I've ever heard) brought a great message, the Webbs sang during the invitation--they had to do "He Has Forgiven Me" twice because so many people came to the altar--and then they had about thirty minutes at the end of the service.  My favorites from the last set included "Bells of Heaven" (they had to sing it twice, too), "I Shall Not Be Afraid," "The Battlefield," and a new song that Rick and Hannah sing together, "My Father Knows."  I'm surprised Rick got through it without a few tears; he's the proudest daddy in the world when his little girl is in the spotlight!  After the service ended and everything was packed up, I got to go see the new bus, and then Rick said they'd drop me off at my car so I wouldn't have to trek through the mud again.  This is when it got adventurous again!  I've never been on a Southern Gospel bus that was actually moving before...and they don't maneuver as smoothly as a small car!  I trust Rick completely, and Phyllis and Leslie both assured me he's a great driver, but I held on for dear life as he and Jay got it backed out and turned around--"Oh dear Lord, please don't let this thing turn over while I'm in here!"  Phyllis says it's a dream riding down the highway, but it seems that getting to that highway can be a little tricky.  At least now I can say I've ridden on a bus!  And the next time I see the Webbs, Parker will be there.  He's moving back to North Carolina in two weeks, so he'll be able to travel with the group full time without being at the mercy of the airlines! 

That's it for now.  Some of you still have taxes to finish, so you'd best quit stalling and get to it!  Those of us who did ours early will stay out of your way--in my experience, late filers are usually very grumpy about now.  Or maybe that's just my brother; he's always little grumpy, but I love him!  Good luck and may you get a big refund.  (Don't forget to sign the forms!)  Until next time, I'll see you on the front row! 

APRIL 7, 2008...They're even better than I expected!  Add Calvary's Voice to my ever-growing list of groups I just love! 

First, we need a little background.  At NQC last fall, Jeff Chapman of the Kingdom Heirs was scheduled to host one of the regional showcases, but he got sick that day and wasn't able to do it.  His brother, Greg, filled in and did a great job; when I saw Greg later at the Allens' booth, we chatted for a few minutes and took a picture together--I take pictures with everybody at NQC--and I found out that Greg had a group, but either he didn't tell me the name or I just forgot it, because NQC fries your brain by mid-week.  Skip ahead to early March, when we got new songs from United Independent Artists and promoter Susan Whisnant.  One of the songs on that disc was "He's Already in Your Tomorrow," and the first time I heard it, I thought it was one of the best  songs I've ever heard.  After I'd heard it a few times, I looked up the group's contact information (904-735-0553, CalvarysVoice.org) and called to order a copy of the CD for myself.  I had no idea that Greg Chapman would answer the phone!  When I realized who I was talking to, I told him about meeting him at NQC (bless his heart, he claimed he remembered it, too), and said that if they ever came to  North Carolina, I'd love to see the group in person.  It happened that Jeff had just scheduled a trip to Mount Airy and Asheboro, so I told him I'd do my best to make it to Asheboro for the Sunday night service.  I'm so glad I did!  I got a surprise as soon as I walked in, because the first person I saw was John Jeffrey from the Greenes; since the Greenes were off for the weekend, he was playing piano for Calvary's Voice.  (Don't bother asking John about Tony and Taranda's new baby...he knows Josie's arrived, but typical man, can't tell you anything else about her!)  I didn't get a chance to speak to Greg because they'd just started sound check, but I could tell right away that it was going to be good night; the more I heard them sing, the more I liked them.  I had a lovely visit with Miss Judy, the bus driver's wife; we're both animal lovers and traded pet stories until the concert started, and she was so sweet I'd go see Calvary's Voice again just to talk to her.  Then the service started and I was so impressed with every song they sang--they were wonderful!  Greg sings baritone, Bryan Hatton sings lead, and that marvelous tenor voice you hear on "He's Already in Your Tomorrow" belongs to Daniel Crews.  I believe they did everything from the new CD, "Further Down the Road," and I believe every song could go out as a single and do well...well, maybe not the national anthem, but everything else!  (They did a great job on it--I just think it would be a problem to have to stand up every time you heard it, especially if you were driving at the time.)  After the concert, I met Daniel and Bryan--who's getting married in June, congratulations!--and finally got a chance to talk to Greg, who still claimed that he remembered me.  When I bought my CD, he asked if I had any thoughts on what else to single, and honestly, I couldn't pick just one or two...every song was that good.  Although after listening to it all the way home (and again on the way to work today), I'm leaning toward "God's Got a Word for You" or "Come to the River."  But whatever they send next, I can promise you'll love it, and I believe we'll be hearing great music from Calvary's Voice for many years to come.  And it won't be long before people start walking up to Jeff and asking, "Aren't you Greg Chapman's brother?!" 

That's all for this week.  You know the drill...check the concert update, look at the photo galleries, enter the homepage contest.  Until next time, I'll see you on the front row!

APRIL 1, 2008...I know it's April Fool's Day, but don't even think of pulling a prank on me.  I won't take it well.  Computers and their upgrades are sent straight from the pits of you-know-where to torment the technology-challenged among us, and I've been tormented enough for today!

This is going to be a quickie--family stuff and purring, sleepy cats (who turned a planned short nap into an all-afternoon snuggle) conspired to limit me to only one concert this weekend.  But that one was wonderful!  I knew if I didn't see anyone else this weekend, I'd have to see Driven Quartet.  I decided to go to Victory Baptist in Durham for the morning service; I've been there before with Driven, and I really like Pastor and Mrs. Riggsbee.  I knew I'd have a good time, but it got even better when Faye and Cyndi walked in!  It's been ages since we've managed to get together, so it really made my day to see them!  The guys did a super job--they always do, whether there are 20 or 2000 in the audience.  We were a lot closer to 20 than 2000, but everybody at Victory just loves Jason, Chad, Will and Alex, and they've practically adopted Driven.  They have a few new songs in the set list since I saw them last.  Will sang "Thanks to Calvary" (George Younce would have been proud) and Jason's version of "Go Rest High on That Mountain" is just gorgeous!  Jason was going to end the service with "Between the Rock and a Hard Place," their new radio single.  But Chad reminded Jason that they hadn't sung "Boundless Love" for Mrs. Riggsbee yet, so we got an extra song.  You don't skip the favorite songs of your host pastor or his wife!  "Between the Rock and a Hard Place" WILL finally be out later this month--Susan Whisnant is their radio promoter, and the release was delayed by the fire at the Whisnants' office--but if you can't wait to hear it, go to www.drivenqt.com; it plays when the website comes up.  I'm sorry, but I don't know how to link it, so you'll just have to type in the address.  Technology-challenged, remember?

I'm really excited about some upcoming concerts.  I'll be meeting a new group, Calvary's Voice, on Sunday; we've been playing "He's Already in Your Tomorrow" and I can't wait to hear more from them.  Mended Wings is coming back to the area on April 20th for two services...it's been way too long since I've seen them!  And tickets went on sale today for "An Evening to Remember," June 28th in Winston-Salem; I've got seat 111, row D, center section, for Danny Funderburk, the Mark Trammell Trio, Legacy Five and Greater Vision!  (Can you believe the news about Jason Waldroup leaving Greater Vision?  I wasn't expecting that!)  Check the concert update for details about what's happening over the next few weeks; there's a lot to look forward to.  Don't forget the homepage contest...I talked to this group's owner/bass singer just last week to make sure we'll have their latest CD to send to the winner.  (They'll be on the NQC Main Stage on Saturday night this year...with a hint like that, you should all be able to come up with the right answer!)  Until next time, I'll see you on the front row!

MARCH 24, 2008...Anything left in your Easter baskets besides the weird-flavor jelly beans?  Don't even try to tell me you didn't bite the heads off the chocolate bunnies first thing!  I had a pretty quiet weekend...well, except for my niece's non-stop chatter Saturday night about how the Easter bunny was coming to her house first!  She's four.  You can imagine that I was ready to wring that rabbit's neck by the time she finally wound down!

Let me back up a little, since I got seriously sidetracked and didn't post last week.  (Computer system change at work--don't even get me started or my head may explode!)  Thursday the 13th, I saw Fortress in Coats.  The guys always warn me that somebody's sick and they're just going to do the best they can, and then they always sound fabulous!  Tim sang my favorite, "Put on a Crown," and his mom's favorite, "When Mama Prayed."  Jeff's boys came and sat with me for a few minutes, asking about the puppy they gave me; Jacob is 85 pounds of pure love, and is spoiled rotten, just like his sisters and brothers!  Mike's little girl provided the evening's big finish.  They'd done their last song when Ansleigh ran up to her daddy and demanded the microphone; he asked if we'd mind if she sang for us, and of course, no one did.  She sang three little songs, got a big hand, took a bow, and ran back to Mama!  I've figured out why they don't let her sing at intermission...they're great, but she's adorable, and they couldn't possibly follow her!

Friday the 14th, I was at the Lighthouse in Raleigh to see the Gospelaires.  I met them at NQC last fall; they were part of the Carolina Showcase that I enjoyed so much, so I was really excited to see them show up on the schedule at Lighthouse.  They were even better than I remembered!  They sang mostly from a  new CD, "Surrendering All."  The songs were all familiar, but they made them all sound fresh, from "I Surrender All" to "I'll Stand for the Lord" to a fun medley of hymns.  The Gospelaires are based in Mooresville, so they may not get to this part of the state often, but go see them whenever you can...you won't be disappointed!

Saturday, March 15th, was Tiffany and Michael's big day.  The wedding was beautiful, and the rain held off until after the ceremony was over and the pictures were taken.  Then I slipped out of the reception early so I could go see McMillan & Life in Raleigh.  I surprised Jimmy and Liz when I walked in; I'd told them not to expect me because of the wedding, but I'm so glad I was able to get to both the wedding and the concert!  Carolina Grace opened the evening; Jim, Terry and Odell sing as a trio now, and they are super smooth.  Carol gets a lot of the credit for that; she's one of the best piano players I've heard...and just about every full-time group who sings with Carolina Grace wants to steal her away!  My favorites in their set included "Won't That Be Glory" and "Singing in the Heavenly Choir," and Odell did a beautiful job on "It Is Well."  Then McMillan & Life took over; I was excited to finally see them do a full concert, after the little tease of an NQC showcase.  Jimmy and Liz brought Tony Griffith with them on this trip, because their regular baritone was suffering from the flu.  I'm sorry he was sick, but I'm glad I got to meet Tony--he was great!  (And now I'll be watching for a chance to see him with his own group, Griffith & Company.)  Jimmy's always been one of my favorite singers, first with the Wilburns and then the Toney Brothers, but I had no idea he was this good!  Maybe he's just got to do better every night with his lovely wife on the stage with him!  Or maybe he's just trying to keep up with Liz...what a voice she's got; she's featured on their upcoming single, "Don't Let This Storm Go to Waste," and you're going to love it!  Jimmy did two of my favorite songs from his Wilburns' days, "Go Tell the World" and "He Rose a King," and they're still wonderful!  Tony took center stage--well, side stage at the piano, really--for "Where Angels Fear to Tread," and did I mention he was great?  But Jimmy really blew me away when he sang "It Is Well." I know it's unusual to sing something another group has already done, and he made a point of complimenting Carolina Grace's version, but he felt he needed to sing it, too.  Wow!  It was amazing! 

This past Thursday, the Four in Christ Quartet was the featured group at Ron's Barn.  I always enjoy them, but they were even more fun than usual this time.  The songs are always good..."The Old Time Way," "Good Morning, Lord," and several from their "Vintage" collections were favorites.  Beck is usually the one teasing everybody, but I think Buddy must have put some extra sugar in his tea this time, too--he was so funny!  He tried to get a lady at the front table to show us her socks...the last time he saw socks like that, he said, they were sticking out from under a house...then he traded jokes with her for the rest of the night!  She was a good sport about it, but the socks weren't that unusual, after all.  I checked!

Good Friday was a good day; I got to see Kevin Spencer & Friends in Clinton.  It had been way too long since I saw them last, and all three of them scolded me just a bit about it!  It's good to know I was missed, and I promised not to go too long without seeing them again.  We had just a little time to catch up before the service started...I had to know where Starla found those gorgeous shoes!  When it was time to sing, I was really impressed by Starla; she's gotten a lot stronger and more confident since I saw her last.  James and Kevin better watch out, or they'll have to change the name of the group to Starla Dean & Friends!  They did several songs from the new "Remembering Rusty" CD (but not the title song, which sort of surprised me), and more from "When the Praises Go Up," but the crowd favorites were the old songs.   This group keeps current tracks for absolutely everything, so Kevin was able to call out title after title--"If the Rapture Was Yesterday," "The Blood Is Still There," "Coming Soon," "In My Robe of White," and many more--and even if they only did a verse and chorus, they managed to get in almost every request.  Of course, when Mrs. Kivett asked for "If the Altar Could Talk," they did the whole song!  When the lady who books you wants to hear something, you'd better do it, right?  So I'm sure they'll be back at Full Gospel Chapel next spring.  And it's a little way off yet, but mark your calendar for Wednesday, August 13th.  Kevin will be in Angier that night with his mom and dad, Barbara and J.B. Spencer, so if you enjoy the old songs, you'll love seeing them again! 

I think we're all caught up now!  Well, maybe not completely...I've still got about 200 pictures to edit so Margie can post some of them in the gallery.  She's going to kill me for waiting til there were so many, so if I don't post anything in the next couple of weeks, you'll know what happened!  Until next time, if I survive the system upgrade and Margie is understanding about the pictures, I'll see you on the front row!

MARCH 10, 2008...What a weekend!  I've got some stories to tell; unfortunately, I can't tell them all here.  Besides, the tale of slipping on the staircase is much funnier in person, and you can guess where the most spectacular bruises are without the details!

The weekend got off to a great start.  The Second Edition Quartet was at Ron's Barn, and my goodness, they get better every time I see them!  If you enjoy hearing familiar hymns, you'll need to get out to one of their concerts in the few months, because they're singing from a new CD, "Hymns, Volume 1."  (Can you tell they've already planned more?)  I loved "Until Then," Graden was delighted by "The Old Rugged Cross," and I now have a tie for my favorite version of "I'll See You in the Rapture."  The Dixie Echoes have held that position for years, but now they'll have to share!  The band is short one instrument now; Blake is traveling with Mark Lowry and Lordsong, but Anthony says the drums are still on the bus, so Blake will make a special appearance now and then as his schedule permits.  But don't think you'll be missing anything, because Brad and Keith do an excellent job of providing the music, and Anthony, John, the other Keith and Brad (doing double duty) sing their hearts out!  I had to choke back a laugh during a serious moment, when Anthony was talking about how they've been singing for 15 years, through high school, college, jobs, getting married and now starting their families.  (The 3rd Edition is almost complete; they only need one more baby boy for a quartet.)  He said he was about to turn 30, and guessed he was getting old--sweetheart, you're still just a baby!  Wait til you hit 45 and then we'll talk!

It never occurred to me that the biggest snowstorm in 100 years in Dallas, Texas could affect a concert here, but it did.  Brian Free & Assurance were flying to Sanford for the Parker Homecoming on Friday night, but they were with T.D. Jakes in Dallas on Thursday.  Their flight was cancelled.  I thought it was strange that I didn't see anyone at their table when I arrived, but I was running late and didn't really think about it; when Danny and Ivan came out to start the evening, they filled us in on the day's drama.  Not to worry, they said; after many phone calls, Brian, Bill and Derrick had found seats on a plane coming into Raleigh, and Jeremy would be landing in Charlotte, and friends had been dispatched to pick everyone up and get them to the civic center.  We just prayed the planes would land on time and started without them!  The Harvesters opened the evening, and they were excellent!  It was wonderful to hear Howard sing "Love Signed My Pardon" again; I asked him if he'd had an extra bowl of Wheaties that morning, because he sounded the best I've ever heard him!  He didn't dance much, though; he must have figured Danny had already had a tough day and decided to behave!  After a set that seemed much too short, the Harvesters turned the stage over to Ivan. If you only get to see Ivan Parker once a year, Sanford is the place to do it--    he always does an extra special great job at the Parker Homecoming, because his mama is on the front row! (NQC Main Stage is a big deal, but Mama on the front row is a bigger one!)  Of course, he sang "Midnight Cry."  Do you think for a minute he'd get out of there in one piece if he didn't?!  By the time Ivan finished his set, it was around 9pm; as Ivan let us out for intermission, he promised that everybody was on the way, and the concert would continue as soon as possible.  After about 25 minutes, a cheer went up as Brian Free came in...you'd have thought Elvis had entered the building!  Brian, Bill and Derrick hurried to set up their tracks, did the quickest sound check in history, and were on stage within 10 minutes.  I don't know if it was due to the time or to lost luggage, but they sang in their "regular" clothes.  Brian apologized (several times) for being late and for not wearing suits, but nobody cared.  We were just glad they'd made it, and as hard as they'd worked just to get there, the least they deserved was to wear something comfortable!  They did the first three songs as a trio, then another cheer went up as Jeremy ran up to the stage...and waved at us as he kept running.  He must have been getting his ear monitor, because he ran back out in time for the next song.  He said something to Derrick at the end of the song; I'm not sure what he asked, but Derrick looked at him strangely and pointed back to the lobby, and Jeremy took off running again.  He was only gone for a few minutes when he ran back up--it was exhausting just to watch all that running back and forth!  Things settled down after that, and Assurance rocked the house!  Brian had a bazillion requests to sing "For God So Loved," and even more for "Long as I've Got King Jesus," but my favorite song was one from the "Real Faith " CD that features Jeremy..."Save Me a Seat (at the Table)."  It just about makes me cry every time I hear it, and I love it.  I am absolutely sure that they all had to be worn out by the time they got off the stage, but they still took time to talk to everybody and hug us all.  It would have been so easy to call and say, "sorry, we're snowed in," and everyone would have understood.  I just hope they know how much we appreciated their effort to get there! 

I had the rest of the weekend pretty well planned out, but plans change, don't they?  I promised Mary that I'd see Rhyme & Reason sometime during this trip, planning to catch them on Sunday night...but that service was cancelled.  So instead I went over to Temple Baptist Church to spend Saturday night with them.  Wayne and Mary have always been there (he's rhyme, she's reason!), and they make up the heart of the group.  Jeff wasn't able to make this trip, so I hope to meet him later, but I did enjoy meeting Roger.  He gives Rhyme & Reason a little country twang!  Mary's younger son, Casey, travels with them, too, and always gets to sing one song during the program.  Wayne says Casey will own the group someday...I'm not sure it's nice to scare a kid like that!...but for now, Wayne just likes having extra help with the set up and take down work!  Wayne will stand around and talk until the work's finished if they let him get away with it!

I remembered to set my clocks ahead Saturday night, but I was still nearly late on Sunday morning...darn snooze button!  I was able to get moving just in time to make it to Community Friends Church in Carthage to see Mercy's Well.  They're singing all the time, but usually in the wrong direction for me to catch them, so anytime I can see Brad, Greg and John is a treat.  They're doing really well with the new project, "Skywriting," and there is truly something for every taste on that CD, so we heard everything from bluegrass to Southern Gospel to a little contemporary--not enough to scare us, just enough to keep the kids interested!  I finally got one of the official "Got Mercy?" bumper stickers for my car, so you can recognize me and get out of the way when you see me coming--I'm not a bad driver, just a slightly hurried one!  And yes, there's another cruise in the works for this November, with the Anchormen and the Wilmington Celebration Choir.  I've got the information if you're interested in spending a week on a ship with Brad--he ain't right, but you'll love him anyway!

The biggest event coming up this weekend isn't on the concert update (can you believe I said that?)...Tiffy's getting married!  That's Tiffany Wagoner--she worked with us last year, and her dad is the pastor at Central Baptist Church; I wouldn't miss the Down East Boys homecoming for anyone else!  But I'm sure I'll see you Thursday or Friday or Sunday, so check the update and look who's coming.  Until next time, I'll see you on the front row!

MARCH 3, 2008...Who says candlelight services are just for Christmas?  We've started a new tradition at Fellowship Baptist Church--candlelight Leap Day concerts!

It started out to be a normal concert...or at least as normal as things can be when Josh Singletary is in the building!  Tribute Quartet had just finished their sound check, and Gary, Dennis and Jacob had gone back to change.  Josh was talking to Mary Anne and me; he knows we're both animal lovers, so he was telling us about his sister's cat, who has a habit of jumping out at you when you least expect it, and has therefore earned the nickname, "the demon."  The words had no sooner been uttered than all the lights went out--I wish you could have seen the look on Josh's face when the room when dark!  Before we had to call for an exorcist, someone came in and told us that a truck had hit a light pole, just beyond the church driveway, and the power line was completely down.  It was around 6:30pm then, and it would take CP & L at least 20 minutes to get there, then who knows how long to repair the damage and get the power back on.  A less resourceful church might have cancelled the concert at that point, but not Fellowship.  Fran went in search of candles, and Pastor Taylor called Jonathan to warn the kids to come another way to the church.  When they arrived, they brought a generator from Miss Sandra's parents.  There was a lot of scrambling around and rewiring, but within a very few minutes we had a working sound system and one lamp to function as a sort of spotlight.  There were candles in all the windows and on the piano...it was really quite pretty...and we were able to start just 15 minutes later than planned.  I'm sure the Taylors were rattled at that point, but once they started singing, they were the picture of confidence.  The guys from Tribute had a few minutes to relax; Gary, Jacob and Dennis were in the audience, but Josh just sat the piano for a better view.  He was in the right place, because there was a problem with the tracks while the Taylors were singing "My Name Is Lazarus," but the kids didn't miss a note, Josh quickly picked up the tune, and it turned into one of the best songs of the evening.  When Tribute came up, we had one more thing to deal with.  Dennis' mic was not cooperating, and a Southern Gospel quartet without a bass is, after all, a trio.  Josh shared his mic, but of course he couldn't just stand there and hold it between them like everybody else would do.  I've got the funniest picture of Josh leaning over Dennis' shoulder, funny because you can tell by Dennis' expression that he has no idea what to expect next!  There was a big round of applause when we finally heard some low notes.  Most of the songs Tribute did are from the new "Anticipation" project, including "When Those Gates Open Wide," but my favorite was one Gary and Josh did for years with the Wilburns, "Outside the Gate."  They sang the second verse acapella, just like the Wilburns always did at the end of their concerts.  I almost looked around for Miss Elaine!  Near the end of the evening, he called the Taylors up to sing "The Gift" with them.  Jonathan looked surprised when Gary told him to sing the first verse, and tried to say no.  But Gary wouldn't take no for an answer, and Jonathan did a beautiful job!  And even in the dark, I managed to get two nearly perfect pictures of both groups on stage together!  Actually, I was able to get quite a few great shots--a little off-center, perhaps, but still great shots--to remind me of the Lillington Blackout Concert!  I don't think I'd want to repeat the experience (and I'm sure Tribute and the Taylors don't ever want to go through that again), but it turned out to be one of the most memorable evenings I've had.  And no, the power never did come back on.  When it was time to leave, we all had to go the long way around to get back to Lillington, but Matthew gave great directions...over and over...so I don't think anyone got lost on the way out.

The next time Tribute Quartet will be in our area is May 23rd, when they'll be at Full Gospel Chapel in Clinton.  Plan to be there, and between now and then, you'll find a ton of concerts listed on...where else... the concert update page.  There's the Parker Homecoming this weekend, the Down East Boys homecoming next weekend, and lots more.  I'll get pictures to Margie sometime this week, so be watching the photo gallerys for new additions.  Until next time, I'll see you on the front row!

FEBRUARY 25, 2008...It's been a while since I've had a weekend this busy, and I'm exhausted!  I guess I'm out of practice--I'll have to work on that, won't I?

Graden, Miss Pat and I went to see the Dosses on Thursday night.  We enjoy hearing Dianne and Jessica sing, but sometimes we're on the edge of our seats wondering what Neal will say next!  He was on his best behavior this time (mostly) and didn't pick on the ladies too badly...though he did try to make Jessica sing "Right Now God" a second time, after admitting that he was tired after they got through it.  I don't know why he should be so tired--Jessica gets the workout on that song; it's got a billion words and it's really fast!  The Dosses have finished a new CD since the last time they were in Coats, "Still Trusting Him."  Dianne's written some great songs, again!  And in case you ever wonder where songwriters get their ideas, check the CD insert; Dianne included a special thank you to the pastors who inspired each song.  I'm sure Neal was an inspiration, too...there were a few mentions of trials, and he looked a little sheepish when Dianne glanced in his direction during those lines!

Legacy is a quartet again, and all is right with the world once more!  I got to Pikeville way early on Saturday night, and I noticed an unfamiliar face hanging around with Mike and James.  But since there were quite a few people working to bring in and set up equipment, I didn't know who he was til Walter and Durwood arrived and they did their sound check; I was deep into my book when I realized I was hearing a deep voice and looked up to see Gary on stage.  He's exactly what they needed!  The Cathedrals medley is practically perfect again, and still my favorite nine minutes of a Legacy concert.  But running a close second is one of Durwood's new songs, "Silent Wings."  It's just beautiful!  I think I was more impressed with Legacy than ever before--which is saying a lot--and thought to myself, again, that James may be the oldest lead singer in Southern Gospel (Walter's words, not mine), but he's still among the best.  Possibly THE best is Arthur Rice, as he proved again and again once the Kingdom Heirs took the stage.  That man's voice is amazing, but then, so are Billy's, Jeff's and Steve's!  Everybody had a chance to shine...Arthur on "Forever Changed," Billy on "Anchor of Hope," Steve on "True to the Call," and Jeff on everything!  Sure, I'm a little partial to Jeff, but I can't help it...he was an Anchorman!  Everybody had a chance to shine individually, but it was the big quartet endings that really brought the house down.  No group does them better, and the big finishes made for my best pictures of the night.  One of the best things about Saturday's concert was the presence of two excellent live bands!  Singing News doesn't have a band category in this year's fan awards, so the Kingdom Heirs band can't win it again.  But until they bring back the award, Kreis, Dennis and Andy can keep claiming the title...especially since it's likely they'd keep right on winning.  They did one feature, and it was so good we wanted more.  That wasn't surprising, but the song they chose was...I never realized what a truly cool song "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" actually is until they got hold of it!  When the quartet finally got back on stage after that one, the band kicked off the next song...and the beautiful strains of "White Christmas" filled the air.  (Yes, the Christmas CD is still for sale!)  They only sang the first couple of lines before Steve stopped the band and got things back under control, but we can say the Kingdom Heirs were the first to wish us a Merry Christmas in 2008! 

An after-concert dinner with some friends kept me out later than expected Saturday, and I was paying for it when the alarm went off Sunday morning.  After hitting the snooze for thirty minutes, and debating whether or not it would really be fair to disturb the sleeping dogs, I was finally able to get moving; after all, I hadn't seen the Down East Boys in way too long, and I promised Ricky I'd see them in Aberdeen.  By the time I got to the church, I was nearly awake, and by the time sound check was over, I knew we were in for a great service!  The guys like a lively crowd, and they had one!  "The Mountains Will be Shaken" and "Whole Lotta Mercy" had everybody on their feet, then "I'm Saved" really made them come unglued!  If you've never seen the Down East Boys live, go!  (At least get a DVD.)  Jason gets unbelievably high, Stuart goes incredibly low, and Ricky and Daryl are great in the middle!  But if you've never seen them live, believe me when I tell you that you have no idea how good the Down East Boys really are!  I've known them for years, and I'm still struck by it every time I see them in concert.  So go, already!

And the best was saved for last.  I took a minute to check Danny Funderburk's schedule last week, and was thrilled to see that he'd be in Greensboro on Sunday evening...my plans changed immediately, and after a quick stop by Mapquest, I was ready.  Or so I thought--I think they meant Wendover West instead of Wendover East, because I was literally seconds away from admitting I was lost when I found the side street I needed.  I'm still not sure how I did it, but I did locate the church at last, and I knew I was in the right place when I pulled into the parking lot and saw Danny at the door!  He'd just gotten there, too...GPS systems aren't perfect, either...so we only had a minute to chat before he had to get busy setting up.    During sound check, he did a great new arrangement of "It Is No Secret," and though he didn't sing it during the service, he did say he planned to include it on the next CD.  "Lord It Hurts, but You're Still God" was another sound check treat, and Greg Day surely must have had Danny in the back of his mind when it was written, because it fits him perfectly!  Once the service started, Danny did a beautiful job, and I just realized I can't pick out a favorite because every song was great, and if name one, I'll have to list them all!  Okay, I'll mention one..."Statue of Liberty" was gorgeous, and even more meaningful as Danny recognized every single veterans in the audience, asking each one of them when and where he'd served, then made a point of telling the kids in the audience that these men were real heroes.  Danny made point all evening of interacting with the young people; I think his favorite part of the service was when a group of teenagers sang during the break.  My favorite part happened at the end of the service; Danny came back after the break and said he had two more songs to do...he was planning for "Til the Storm Passes By" (beautiful!) and "Lord It Hurts."  But he didn't get to that one, because the pastor wanted to hear "Somebody Touched Me."  And as nearly every traveling singer will agree, what a pastor wants, a pastor gets.  It was, of course, wonderful to hear it again!  Savana Foust did us all a huge favor when she sent that song to the Cathedrals with instructions to "let the boy from North Carolina sing it!"

That's all for now, so I guess we should all get back to work before anybody gets in trouble for goofing off!  When the boss isn't around, come back and check out the concert update, and don't forget to enter the photo contest on the home page.  (That was a good hair day, and I cherish that picture!)  Until next time, I'll see you on the front row!

FEBRUARY 18, 2008...I know I can't be everywhere, but sometimes I can't help feeling just a little guilty for not getting to every group.  I've been feeling a LOT guilty for the past year, because every time I wanted to see the Dennis Family, something got in the way.  So I made up my mind that nothing and nobody--not even Gold City (sorry, Steve!)--was going to keep me away from Coats Community Church on Saturday night, when the Dennis Family and Fortress did a benefit concert for Coats Christian Academy.  I talked to Jackie early Saturday and told her I'd be there, but I'm not sure she believed me! 

Even though I hadn't seen the Dennis Family, I can't count how many times I heard Jackie and Jason with the Surles Family over the years.  And I've heard the Dennis Family's CD, so I knew whenever I did manage to catch up with them, they'd be good.  And they were--Jason and Jackie are even better than the last time I heard them, and it turns out that Doug and Glenn are pretty good, too!  They were great on the uptempo songs like "New Shoes" and "My Lord and I," but really shone on the ballads.  If you're a Gaither Vocal Band fan, don't be mad, but I've never much cared for "I'll Tell It Wherever I Go" until I heard Jackie sing it.  Wow!  And "I Rest My Case at the Cross" was gorgeous.  But my favorite song had to be "Jesus Loves Me," and not just because of their beautiful arrangement.  Jason said something about Mike's little girl, Ainsley, singing the song during sound check, and he said he wanted her to sing along with them.  The child loves to sing, so she took that as an invitation to join them, and went running up to the stage.  When the music started, I'm sure I heard her say it was too slow (if you wondered what they were laughing about, that was it), but she stayed up there and smiled while Glenn sang.  On the last line, she shared Jackie's mic for "the Bible tells me so," and then went running back to her mom.  For their last song, the Dennis Family had Fortress come up and sing with them on "When the Clouds Roll Back," since Fortress recorded it a couple of years ago and the Dennis Family will be including it on their next CD.  Jason had them all a little confused at first--he tried assigning verses and choruses to different group combinations, but I think they all ended up just singing whatever they wanted!  I just know it worked!  Fortress did a fine job, as always.  From "How Great Thou Art" to "God Is in Command" to "Oh What a Savior," they were powerful!  They had fun with "Joy in Serving Jesus" and "Sail on Over," and cut up just a bit on "When I Go Sailing."  One of these days, Tim is going to get Mike to loosen up and dance during that chorus, I just know it!  I can only hope I'm there to see it!  They sang one very special request..."When Mama Prayed" was for all the mothers, but especially for Jeff's mom.  After the concert ended, those of us who hung around for a while got a very special treat.  Ainsley went back up on the stage and got hold of her Daddy's mic, and sang her version of "Jesus Loves Me."  When we clapped for her, she grinned and continued with "Zaccheus" and "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star."  She IS a little star...in fifteen years or so, Fortress will either be a mixed quarter or the guys will be her backup singers!  I guess had Mike better get to work on those dance moves if he's going to be part of the "Southern Gospel Pips!"  (The benefit raised about $1300 for the school; call Pastor Jim at 910-897-2881 if you want to know more about it.)

I may have some special concert news coming soon...keep May 31st open, just in case!  I'll give you details as soon as I get them, and in the meantime, check out what's already on the concert update.  Good stuff coming up!  Until next time, I'll see you on the front row!

 FEBRUARY 11, 2008...Mason still wants a monkey, not a brother or sister!  I asked him several times Saturday night; it was just so darn cute to hear him say "monkey" very clearly.  (His mom has promised me that nickname won't be allowed after the little one arrives...but she doesn't have a brother!)  He hasn't quite mastered "Aunt Lottie," but he's close.  For now, I'm "Aunt Lolly."

I did the family thing on Saturday, and thoroughly enjoyed it, but I was ready for some music on Sunday.  I had planned to attend a concert close to home, but well, plans change!  Curtis Hagy from Brothers Forever called Friday to let me know they were going to be down this way on Sunday.  I met Curtis at an NQC showcase a few years ago, but I'd never seen Brothers Forever in concert.  The last time we talked (when I found out on a Monday that they were in Fayetteville the Sunday before and no one let me know about it), he promised to let me know when they were coming back.  I never expected him to really do it, so I was delighted when he did, and determined to go...to the evening service anyway.  I'd have been lying if I'd promised to get up in time to make it to Lumberton in the morning!  So I ended up in Rowland at Annease Drive Praise and Worship Center; I got there so early the doors were still locked.  Curtis saw me sitting on the steps and invited me on the bus to meet everybody.  I haven't got all the kids' names and faces together yet, but the wives are easy to remember--Curtis and Amy, Gary and Cindy, Perry and Daphne.  (I always remember you when you share a name with one of my dogs or cats!)  We laughed a lot while the guys recorded their radio liners...especially Gary...and just after we were done, someone arrived to open up the church.  After a flurry of set-up activity, sound check consisted of one of my favorite songs--"I Feel a Blessing Coming On."  That's what I drove 90 miles to hear!  I suppose every group has a church that's special to them, but I've never seen such affection between a group and a congregation as I saw Sunday night.  Pastor Kenny played Brothers Forever's live CD before the service started, and nearly everyone in the congregation sang along on every song!  We'd already had church before the guys even started singing, and it just got better as the night went on.  They did "Blessing" again, and several songs from the new CD that will finally be out next month--"Living Under Showers of Blessings" is already my favorite--and their daughters' favorite, "Give It Away."  Curtis' younger daughter wanted to go up front with Daddy, then his other daughter ran up, and when Gary's little one joined them, Curtis decided to sing that for them.  It was so sweet!  I hope it's on the new CD; their version was great!  Pastor Kenny has promised that the first group they'll have to sing at the new church will be Brothers Forever, so I expect to be joining them again soon.  Curtis said he'll let me know when they're in the area again...and this time I believe him!

And I just got some more good news...Jimmy McMillan also keeps his word!  He just let me know that McMillan & Life will be in Hope Mills and Dunn on March 16th, so now I can go to Tiffany's wedding on Saturday and still see Jimmy and Liz on Sunday!  I just added the information to the concert update.  We've got great concerts planned for the coming weeks; it's going to be tough to decide who to go see on some nights!  What's your preferred tie-breaker...the coin toss or the dart board?!  Whatever method you choose, you can't lose.  Until next time, I'll see you on the front row!

FEBRUARY 4, 2007...Okay, I know there was a football game yesterday; I'm not completely clueless.  I even know who Eli Manning is--my sister lives in Knoxville, and she told me all about the Mannings on a trip to the Knoxville Zoo years ago to see the baby giraffe named for Peyton.  But can you believe that a dear friend tried to convince me to go on the air today and talk about the Super Bowl, as if anyone would believe I'd actually watched the silly thing!  I told him you knew me too well to fall for that!

You know to look for me at concerts, not games, right?  I missed the Dixie Melody Boys homecoming in Kinston on Friday night, hoping that Mr. Ed and the guys would forgive me as long I made it to Bladenboro for the Dove Brothers homecoming on Saturday.  I think it worked...and I got to see Unity Quartet and the Marksmen, too!  Both did excellent sets, and both have another concert with the Dove Brothers scheduled later in the spring, so keep an eye on the concert update.  I hope to see more these groups in the future, especially if Sonya will make sure I get the Marksmen schedules from now on!  And now I know who Larry Delawder is...I still don't quite understand him, but I know who he is!  If you need "Barney Fife" (or at least close kin) to provide security for event, call Larry; he's too funny, and he plays a pretty decent harmonica, too.  And he has the most beautiful little girls!  The Dixie Melody Boys have made a few changes since the last time I was with them, and I'm impressed!  I knew that Rob Shelton was there now; I'd met him at NQC.  The new tenor is Jonathan Price; you might remember him from the Laymen.  (He's most recently been with the Relations Quartet, but they're from Texas, so I seriously doubt anyone around here ever got to see them.)  There's a new baritone, too...and I was thrilled to pieces when I found out it was Steven Cooper!  He was with the Toney Brothers when I first met him--I still keep a picture of that line-up on my file cabinet and the very first picture I took with them is on display at home--and he was with Safe Harbor until they retired last year.  I knew somebody would be smart enough to put him back on the road, and after all, who knows more about these matters than the leader of Ed O'Neal University!  He actually introduced the guys as "the class of 2008," but I'm hoping they'll all be around for a long, long time...go for the PhD or the Masters, or whatever takes the longest!  I think Mr. Ed has a great combination here, and he sure seemed to be having fun with them.   Did you know Mr. Ed can dance?  Yep, he's got some pretty smooth moves...be watching for them whenever the group sings "Happy Rhythm!"  Of course, the night belonged to the Dove Brothers...we were at their old high school--although McCray never did mention what year they graduated!--and the mayor and Representative Brisson were on hand with presentations and congratulations.  They even got Rayburn to come on stage for a minute; he had gifts for McCray and Eric to mark the quartet's 10th year.  The auditorium was packed with family and friends, and we all had a wonderful time together!  The Dove Brothers have always been a great quartet, but they've really shined in these last couple of years.  Having the #1 song of the year ("I Can Pray") just made it official!  When the new CD comes out later this spring, look for more #1's; David says it's the best CD they've done yet, and that's high praise! 

I got home from Bladenboro later than I expected, so I admit to slapping the snooze button a couple of times on Sunday morning, but I did manage to make it to Benson Grove Baptist Church to see the Greenes.  They were there to help Pastor Billy celebrate 11 years at the church, and they really made the day extra special!  Tony wanted to make sure we were playing their new single, "We've Weathered Storms Before," so he asked me from the stage, in front of everybody--thank goodness I was able to tell him yes!  It's a great song, and a lot of fun in concert.  Taranda didn't do her new single, but she did sing "Skyful of Angels," with some help from a little girl in the front row.  Taranda looked beautiful as always, and never seemed to be out of breath, no matter how long she held a note...how is that possible when she's expecting a baby soon?!  Josie should be here around the first of April and I'm sure she'll be on the bus pretty quickly.  (Isabella was!  I've got a picture of Taranda holding her onstage at Fayetteville Community Church when Belle was two weeks old.)  You'll probably get to meet Josie in Myrtle Beach; Tony wants everyone to come to Singing in the Sun April 23rd through 26th.  I hope to have some fliers for you soon, or you can look up the information online at www.abrahamproductions.net.

I'd better wrap this up now, so we can all get back to work before the boss catches us goofing off!  You know the drill...concert