Jeremy Pope

As the setting sun shined through the stained glass windows turning its rays into blues, yellows and reds, the Associate pastor, Bob, announced that the concert was about to begin.  After getting everyone acquainted with the church’s layout, he introduced the first singer of the night – a soloist by the name of Jeremy Pope.  With an up-beat number, Jeremy began his performance singing a song called No Doubt About It.  Another fast song followed, He Forgot It More Than I’ll Ever Know.  After listening to the second song for a moment, it dawned on me that the tune was an exact match to the Talley’s “Promise Coming Down That Dusty Road.”  “Aren’t you glad He forgot everything you’ve done wrong,” Jeremy asked, “listen to the words of this last song, and sing along if you know it.”  A classic, When He Was On The Cross, I Was On His Mind met our ears.  He took a moment to thank everyone for coming and he introduced the featured artist of the night – Legacy Five.

Legacy Five

“Keep your hands together and welcome Legacy Five,” Jeremy exclaimed.  The guys quickly came down the aisles, hopped on stage and kicked off their set with A Wonderful Life.  The second row gave a hearty applause on the turn-around where Trey played a few measures on the keys.  “Alright!” Scott Fowler said with enthusiasm,“I can tell we are gonna’ have a great time tonight!”  God Cares For Me came next, followed by a big applause that led into Feeling Fine.   Immediately, the audience clapped along vigorously.  If you weren’t feeling fine when you walked in, you certainly were after that!!!  Just when the song ended, a gentleman stood up and walked down the middle isle toward the back.  In good fun, Scott teased, “I see we already have run one fella off.”  Without missing a beat, Howie matter-of-a-factly said, “He thought it was a Booth Brother concert.”  LOL  Scott stood amazed at the crowd they had ona Monday night and apologized to those sitting in the middle section because the setting sun was blinding them through the stain glass windows.  Turning to Glenn, Scott explained to the crowd that their bass singerhas been with them for 12 years.  (Indeed, that’s unheard of these days!)  “Out of those 12 years,” Scott informed,“he has been nominated for favorite bass nine times, and won twice.”  The audience clapped for Glenn’s accomplishments.  Yet, it didn’t keep Howie from jumping in with a comment himself!  He said, “Anybody can accidently win something once, but two years, that tells me something right there…there were two bad years for bass singers.”   When the teasing ceased Glenn sang his “testimony song” I’ve Been Changed. Another song with the word “changed” in it followed – I’m Thankful For The Change.  This is a good up-beat song, and the guys tapped their toes to the beat on the red carpet. Scott began sharing that when he came off the bus and walked into the church, he was so delighted to see relatives of Tim Parton, their former pianist. “Those of you who are familiar with us know that Tim never had a piano lesson in his life,” Scott explained,“he is just very gifted.  Now, fast forward to this,” said Scott turning to Trey, their current pianist.  After telling the audience that Trey is 22 years old, everyone clapped. That was the cue … Howie stepped up and began teasing Trey by asking the audience,  “Did anyone clap for you when you were 22?”  Casually, Scott asked Howie how old he was. Howie replied, “I’m 52,”–and the audience produced a loud, thunderous applause.  All the guys looked at Howie and laughed.  People just clapped for Howie’s age!  Howie nonchalantly replied, “Now we’re getting up to a number they’re familiar with!”  LOL!  Back to Trey – Scott mentioned all that about Tim to say this about Trey – Trey was trained in a Conservatory School of Music.  And though he’s trained classical, Fowler requested that he play something Southern Gospel for the fans.  Well, Trey played a Classical piece, and everyone loved it! The response made Trey laugh.  Fowler stopped him and said,“I can’t do anything about them, but you – don’t try and make your boss look like an idiot!”  LOL  Trey received a standing ovation for his solo half sonata/ half hymn – Leaning On The Everlasting Arms.If you’ve seen L5 recently, or have happened across any of my other reviews on their concerts, you know what’s coming next!  Howie teases Trey about the Classical piece he played and called it “fumbling” to find the tune to the hymn.  As he continued his comedy, he proudly pointed out that Trey didn’t give up, and that, God likes a fella with some “stick-to-able-ness.”  Hearing that last word, Glenn bursts out laughing, to which Howie turns to him and says, “Would you like to share something with the class?”  Glenn argues, “That can’t even be a word – not even in MO, and I’ve heard some strange words!”Well, we get past that part, only for Howie to question the name of that song.  When Trey answered that it’s a “Sonata” – Howie exclaimed, “Another one of those Missouri words!” Then he goes on to ask who wrote, “Yon Snotty.”  Trey refuses to tell him at first, soHowie says, “We may have done some of his other stuff… at Quartet Convention or something.”  This made Trey laugh even more – singing sonatas at NQC?  LOL
“Well,” Fowler said introducing Howie,“he’s supposed to be our baritone not our comedian, his name is Scott Howard.”   Howie sang his reassuring solo, Destination Known.  Gus was introduced next by Fowler, “From Santa Rosa CA, say hi to Gus Gashes!”  For What Earthly Reason and There’s Just Something About That Name/Holy Is Thy Name featured Gus’ tenor voice.  The last one received no shy standingovation, everyone was on their feet – and no wonder, it sent chills up my spine!!!  (Even a little old man with a walker on the front row stood with an up-raised hand!)

Through Scott, the meditation on the Name of Christ continued, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.  (Acts 4:12)  Now you think about it.  Some folks will tell you that He was just an ordinary man, maybe a great prophet, but He was not the Son of God.  Three questions: Do you know anybody born the way He was born?  Can’t be ordinary and be born like that.  Do you know anybody, who has lived a sinless life other than Jesus?  Ladies?  Is there a man in the world who can live a sinless life?”  Looking at one lady he laughed, “She said amen!”  LOL  “You can’t be ordinary and do that!  And you certainly couldn’t have experienced what Jesus experienced three days after His death and been ordinary.  In case you weren’t in church on Easter Sunday, let me remind you what happened, Luke says it like this, ‘Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulcher, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.  And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulcher.  And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.  And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: and as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, why seek ye the living among the dead?  He is not here, but is risen.’  (Luke 24:1-6)  Thank God the tomb is empty!  The Word tells us that one day, every knee is gonna’ bow, every tongue is gonna’ confess that He is Lord.  Jesus is Lord…and one day we’re gonna’ see Him. Just.  As.He.Is.”

We Shall See Jesus closed their first set with such an magnetic power.  What can I say?  Everyone sat entranced as Glenn sang the first two verses, not a sound was heard in the sanctuary but voices singing, “Once on a hillside, people were gathered…”  when Scott reached the line that declares when He “comes back again” the crowd roared with applause and jumped to their feet!  For as many times as I’ve seen this song done live, it never gets old!Another song that just send chills up your spine as it sung with such power and conviction!
The church took up a love offering, and Trey played a solo, Jesus Loves Me, while the plates were passed.Just before the break Scott and Howie told about the product they have available, and mentioned that they were taking requests at the table.  Immediately, someone shouted “I Found Grace!”  Scott replied with a knowing smile, “And we will take those requests at the merchandise table.”

As promised, the second half was filled with requests!  The guys came back on stage singing Strike Up The Band, and then Scott began, “Alright, we asked for requests and we got ‘em here!  Hey Gus!  Here is one that we haven’t done in months.”  Howie added, “Oh good!!!”  LOL  It featured Gus and was a ballad,… Peace When I Leave It In Your Hands.  “Isn’t that a beautiful song?”  Fowler asked.  (Indeed!  I heard L5 sing that one at my very first Legacy Five concert!  Love that song!  Gus did an extraordinary job!!!)  Another request followed – Hello After Goodbye.  “What a great encouragement,” Scott whispered.  The next request had a story attached to it.  Scott shared something that happened at intermission.  A lady came up to him and explained that she saw their new concept video on the internet, Ask Me Why, and just had to come see them tonight so she could see them sing it live.  Fowler told of the video and why it’s so special to them.  Many know Patty and Hanna, and as Scott quickly retold the story of how he met them, kept in contact with them, and saw them come to know the Lord Jesus Christ, the explanation for the video became more abundantly clear…it was Patty’s story.  (It is really cool is to see Patty play herself in the video!!!!)  L5 sang Ask Me Why and the depth of the lyrics overwhelmed me yet again.  Between verses Scott quoted a verse from Romans, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved,” and then they encored it accapella, which is really something not to be missed!  Howie and Scott shared lines on the next song, Living In The Palace.  (Seems like they were singingall my favorites that night!)  Well, just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, Trey counted off for another tune and the guys started singing Boundless Love!  Glenn was rattling the floor on this one!  (Or is it the carpet?)  They also encored this one accapella.  With a big smile, Scott stepped up to the edge of the stage and said, “We started this tour in Mertle Beach, drove up to Bathe, New York, last night and will end up in California – we were feeling a little tired coming in tonight, but not anymore!  You guys have done it!  You have charged us up!”

Howie singing Destination Known

“I hope you have recognized the theme of the night,” Scott said tenderly, “the theme of the night has been Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.  He is what is right for what is wrong in your life.  He loves you.  When you make a mistake – He still loves you.”  He asked everyone to bow their heads in prayer, and as Scott took the time to thank our Heavenly Father for what He’s done for us, he closed with these words, “Our lives have been made abundant because of Your love…we are forgiven because of Your love.”  As “Amen’s” were whispered across the room the music for Champion of Love began.  Scott gestured to the front row and said, “Jeremy, come join us!”   Scott sang the first verse and Jeremy was featured on the second.  I wish you all could have seen it!  That last song ended with such power!

Jeremy Pope sings with L5

Conclusion: All I can think of is, “A Monday night?”  (!!!)  So thankful that it was though!  Everyone was so nice…I made some new friends!  The couple sitting behind me just happens to go to the Brumley Sing, and I hope to be able to see them there in August!  I’ll be looking for ya’ Dennis!  The L5 guys said they were tired – after a drive from NY to MO, I can imagine so! – but, you couldn’t tell it, they sang with everything they had.  That’s the hand of the Lord.  He knew that the guys needed a crowd that would encourage them, and He made sure one was there!  I’m very glad I was able to attend this concert!  I especially enjoyed Jeremy Pope.  He had a wonderful voice and when he sang Champion of Love, he blended with the guys as if he sings with them every night!  Very talented.  I was abundantly blessed by the evening!  What a ministry!

The night began with prayer, and then one of the radio guys announced what they were going to do differently this year.  (Every year the station has a different program which keeps us on our toes!)  Last Fall,  KWFC did a talent show contest and those who won first, second and third place, were given the opportunity to sing at the Anniversary Concert this year.  So the first soloist to take the stage that night was Angela Wilderman from Willard, MO, who won third place.  She sang two songs, It Is Well With My Soul and One Day Jesus Will Call My Name.  Angela had a deep alto voice that just sounded beautiful on those selections!

The Diplomats

Getting ready to bring on the first quartet of the night, the introduction was given, “These folks have been around since 1968.  Influenced by the Goodman’s and other Gospel artists – make welcome the Diplomats from Georgia!”  The Diplomats began their set with a quartet song called There’s A Light Guiding Me.  “Somebody say amen!” Jimmy Pearson encouraged, leading into the next song, Thank Him For What He Has Done.  Corey, who was featured on the verses, said this at the turn around, “How many have something to thank Him for tonight?  I know I do.”  After a little humor from Jimmy, they continued their set with an up beat song called Over On The Other Side.  It was the first fast song of the night and the crowd showed how much they loved it by clapping along!  Stepping up to the edge of the stage Jimmy told a story about singing in Louisiana, and how one gentleman approached him and asked if he could write a SGM song Cajun style.  So he did!  They sang it for us that night, and was called When I Felt The Touch Of His Hand.  It featured their bass singer, Joseph Brown, and even had a little “yip” in it!  Introductions were next; Jimmy introduced his wife, Rita, and gave a short testimony of her healing.  He shared that when she was diagnosed with cancer the doctor told them they couldn’t have any children.  “But I‘m a little old fashion,” said Jimmy,“and I had everyone pray…ten months later Corey was born.”  After introducing everyone, the band played an instrumental that comprised of guitar, piano and drums.  “To have a quartet, you have to have a bass singer,” Jimmy said, then introduced their bass singer.  Making Joe turn around so his back faced the audience, Jimmy asked how many really like bass singing.  Just about everyone raised their hand, but Jimmy told Joe there were only five!  LOL  The next song featured Joe, and as the intro was being played he stopped and complained about singing the same song the same way 200 times a year, and said, “Just for this one time, I want you to Jazz my song up…just a little.”  Corey, who was seated at the piano, asked, “Are you for real?  You forgot your words, didn’t you!”  Well, jazz it up they did!  The song was I Got To Walk That Lonely Road.  As they were singing a lady walked across the front to exit the auditorium and Joe stopped her saying, “Where you going?  You should stay – you’re gonna like this here!”  But when that didn’t work he resorted to shouting, “Get me a Coke while you’re out there!”  LOL  Rita followed the bass feature with one of her own – God Walks The Dark Hills.  When she finished her solo, Jimmy told the crowd how proud he was of her because she was invited to the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN to sing That’s Just What Heaven Means To Me.  Turning to her, he asked if she felt like doing it now, and she said yes!  Some time ago a person approached Jimmy and listed all of the things their group has: a mixed quartet, a male quartet, a full band – but they were missing one thing – Bluegrass!  On the other hand, their drummer Jeremy doesn’t like it, because it doesn’t have drums.  Michael, their pianist, doesn’t like it because it doesn’t have piano in it, and Corey doesn’t like it because he has the smallest instrument!  Yet, the band members picked up some instruments and sang a Bluegrass number together.  Jeremy tried to be funny by pinching his nose while singing and doing a little dance across the stage – but nothing beats Clayton and White Flag!  (IMO)  LOL  Jimmy sang a song about the resurrection and received a standing ovation, and then they closed their set with I Wouldn’t Take Nothing For My Journey Now.

In Him Trio

In between artists KWFC was presented with a plaque from the House of Representatives in Missouri for their longevity in the radio business.  At this time they took an offering and prayed again.  Dave Taylor and Jonathan Edwards were nominated for the Singing News Fan Awards as DJ’s this year!  So be sure to vote for them when you get your ballot!  Then, it was time for the second place winners of the talent contest to come sing – In Him Trio from Springfield, Missouri!  They sang three songs, the first of which was Brian Free and Assurance’s “I Keep Looking Up.”  I’m not an expert on singing, but I didn’t think the style of that song fit their sound well.  It seemed like they had trouble harmonizing and ended up over singing and hitting a few sour notes.  Yet, on their second song, I Believe In A Hill Called Mount Calvary, they sounded perfect.  Their third song was done accapella and was a hymn, Rock Of Ages.  One of their members wasn’t feeling well, so he pulled up a chair and sang it leaning toward the floor.  I felt sorry for him, but couldn’t help but think how bad that posture was for singing.

Triumphant Quartet

“I’m what you call a traditional male quartet fan,” said Jonathan Edwards, “I grew up listening to quartets.  My favorite was the Cathedrals…then along came the Kingsmen and Gold City.  Then around ten years ago a new quartet came on the scene and have had hit after hit.  They were just notified that their song Almost Home went to #1 – Triumphant Quartet!”  The first song by this group featured Clayton and is one of my favorites called, Amazed At The Change.  Saved By Grace followed, then father and son (Clayton and Scotty) shared a duet on the powerful ballad He Is – a majestic song about the books of the Bible.  When they reached “Revelation” everyone stood in ovation.  “Aren’t you thankful tonight that He Is?” asked Eric.  He went on to tell us that this was their first time to KWFC’s Anniversary Concert and that they were excited because they heard good things about us!  After a joke, they sang He Forgave Me, Saved Me, Raised Me.  Then David snatched his harmonica, and he and Jeff jumped into am instrumental duet of Goodbye, World, Goodbye.  They really get excited about playing their instruments!  “Wow.  I love the old songs,” said Eric, “that was an old hymn called,” turning to the others asked, “what’s the name of it?”  The audience laughed at the implied joke.  Eric gave a short history of the group and introduced the guys, and included their bus driver, Mike Garner.  Introducing the next song, Eric explained that it was a request and not normally in their program – Somebody Touched Me.  This old Cathedral song featured David and was sung with just Jeff backing them on the piano.  Following was TQ’s new #1 Almost Home.  With a standing ovation and encore to match – there’s no question why this song is so well loved by fans!  Eric shared a little from a conversation he had with a lady before the concert about the tornado’s that came through Joplin last May.  Her house was moved 30 feet OFF OF IT’S FOUNDATION, and amazingly, EVERYTHING WAS STILL IN PLACE!!!  Then he talked about the twister that came through Tuscaloosa – it was 1 mile wide and killed 350 people in one day…including his wife’s grand-nephews.  They were ages 10 and 13 – “The cutest little boys you’ve ever seen,” said Eric.  “Did you ever have to ask the Lord why?  Not in a disrespectful way, but just asking why.”  He received the news on the road on a Thursday, and for Thursday and Friday he said he was discouraged and kept asking the Lord, “Why?”  Then, on Saturday they sang in California and heard Dr. Stanley preach.  Dr. Stanley kept repeating Romans 8:28 “And we know all things work together for good to them that know God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”  So Eric wrote a song about how he felt, and genuinely said, “I don’t have all the answers – but I know somebody who does.”  The song Eric wrote is called God Works All Things, and though I’m sure it must be a difficult one to sing, he did it very well and asked the audience to sing the last chorus with him.  Turning from serious to silly, Eric introduced a song that features Clayton, “The Diplomats did a Bluegrass song…”  Here, Jeff leaned his elbows on his keyboard and we heard a loud  CLUNK from the keys!  After giving Jeff a sideways glance, Eric continued, “I hate to follow that, but we have a song that we had two requests for…well, both of them were Clayton.”  Some fans shouted their approval because they knew what was coming – but most were digging in purses pulling out Kleenex’s.  “I feel like to like Bluegrass you have to be raised around it,” Eric explained, “and to be able to sing it, you have to really have the nose for it…he’s really overqualified.”  LOL  With that grand introduction White Flag began and the sea of white appeared in the crowd.  About half way through the song Clayton called to a lady and said, “That’s a red one ma’am!”  LOL  When the song ended the guys escorted Clayton off stage as he continually waved his hanky.  With hundreds of people shouting and applauding, Jeff walked to the center of the stage and said, “Yeah, whatever,…for six years all over this wonderful country of ours, night after night, you wave your little Kleenexes.”  (Here the fans screamed again at the mention of the Bluegrass song.)  “Whatever,” Jeff moaned, “And I’ve sat back and watched him put his heart and soul into it like it’s the first time he sang it.  I have a theory.”  (The fans screamed again.)  “Now wait!  You don’t even know what I’m gonna say!”  Jeff argued playfully.  “He don’t remember that he did it last night!!!”  Jeff played a couple of piano solo’s before the guys came back on – the first one received a standing ovation.  When Jeff played Mansion Over The Hilltop, a loud crack of thunder sounded and Jeff commented, “He likes it too!” – And the thunder continued through the rest of the solo!  From where I was sitting I could see the lightning flash outside too!  As the downpour could be heard coming down mercilessly on the roof of the building, the guys came back out on stage and Eric began introducing their next song, “There are songs that get you from song to song – but then there are songs that really touch you and make you want to live more for Christ…and yes, it’s raining.”  Well, the ballad that followed was one of those that make you want to live for Jesus Christ more.  After asking anyone who has served in our nation’s armed forces to stand (police and firemen included) Scotty sang Somebody Died For Me in tribute to the brave souls who have defended our country.  Moving Up To Gloryland was Triumphant’s final song.

Karen Peck and New River

Sometimes Gospel Sings can be a love-hate relationship!  LOL!  One of the hardest things about the radio station’s sing is that there is no intermission and they go for three hours non-stop.  After Triumphant sang, it reached the two hour mark for me sitting on a very hard chair – it was time to stretch my legs!  So, while I was out in the lobby the first prize winner of the talent contest sang.  I didn’t catch her name, but she a beautiful soprano voice that sounded lovely!  Also, Karen Peck and New River came on before I returned back to my aching seat.  LOL  I didn’t catch every single song they sang, but I can tell you this, they sang Hey, Hold Me While I Cry, On The Banks Of The Promise Land and many more!  Karen’s son, Matthew, was also out with them playing guitar – very nice.

Conclusion: First of all, I want to thank KWFC for hosting this event every year – I love celebrating their “Anniversaries” with great Southern Gospel Music!  Though, I wish the featured artists would come on quicker.  I felt that the time gaps between groups were too long, I often found my mind wondering off while waiting for the main artists to come sing.  Of course, not having an intermission is always a challenge too!  The Diplomats were a little hard for me to judge.  They performed everything they did with precision and were accurate, but I felt that they had more interest in showing off their band and how they can play different styles of music, rather than sticking to SGM – as far as instruments were concerned.  The singing was traditional and great.  Triumphant Quartet surprised me in the most wonderful way!  Not too long ago I saw them at Praisefest Branson and thought they might sing the same set – not that I would have a problem with that – but the songs they did were COMPLETELY different!  Amazed At The Change, Somebody Touched Me, and God Works All Things were added that night.  What a treat!  I regretted not seeing more of the set from Karen Peck and New River, but feedback from my friends and the songs I heard were wonderful!  All in all, a very joyful night – even complete with the heavenly accompaniment!

Inside the Miner Civic Center fans were seated in a room with a high resemblance of the afternoon showcase rooms at NQC.  LOL  (Literally, the chairs and stage were an exact match!)  I settled into a seat on the far right and waited for the concert to begin.  Soon, a gentleman by the name of Mitch Pullen stepped on stage and began singing the hymn Farther Along and asked the crowd to sing along with him.  After that, a medium tempo song in a minor key followed called Gloryland.  “Thank you for coming tonight,” Mitch addressed the audience.  “Ya’llcame here to see Ivan, didn’t you?  Well, he ain’t here!” he teased.  LOL  Turning the atmosphere from silly to serious for the next song, Mitch asked, “Have you really thought about what Jesus Christ has done for you?  The song, Let The Blood Speak, meditated on that subject.  The writer of the same song, Sandy B., was in the audience, and Mitch acknowledged her by walking off stage and giving her a hug while introducing the next song, which was also written by her – Daddy Was A Jesus Man.  When the crowd heard the title, they sighed in response.  Before bringing Ivan on, Mitch picked up a pan of brownies that were sitting on the edge of the stage and told us about a local gentleman who can put any woman to shame with his brownies – he’s that good!  Well, he brought Ivan brownies and Mitch was giving him a hard time about it.  He asked, “Do see how skinny Ivan is?  He doesn’t need any brownies!”  LOL

When Mitch introduced Ivan, he was still back at his product table talking with fans – it was funny to see him peek his head into the door only to realize that no one told him it was his turn to sing!  After getting his mic he came up on the stage and gave Mitch a hard time, then turning to the crowd began singing a fast number called There’sGonna Be A Big Change.  “Oh my, we’re gonna have a great time!” Ivan exclaimed after his first song, “Did ya’ll enjoy Mitch?”  Before going on, he also asked how many were seeing him for the very first time.  As hands went up he asked, “Where have ya’ll been?  I already sang one song!”  LOL  “Let’s start this thing off right, let’s give Jesus a hand clap of praise.”  Everyone applauded, including Ivan, and then he sang a song called Hallelujah Shore.  During the last chorus he asked the audience to stand and clap along and most did.  A ballad, I Am Whatever You Need, followed.  “I feel like a little church is going to break out,” Ivan said, “As I look out into the audience, I see everyone smiling.  It’s not like that everywhere I go – and I assume if you’re not smiling, it’s because you left your teeth at home.”  That last comment prompted a story, which Ivan couldn’t resist telling us, “The first time I said that a lady came up to me at intermission and was holding her hand over her mouth and talking really fast – she said, ‘I have to go because I didn’t realize until you said something that I left something at home’.”  After everyone laughed at his joke he admitted that it didn’t happen, he just made it up!  “Hey, let me do this old song.  It has a new arrangement and folks come up to me and request it all the time,” Ivan explained, “I’m sure many of you sing this in church.”  It was Amazing Grace.  Before going into another set of verses, he whispered that the following lyrics are the testimony of everyone in the room.  The next song was the complete opposite of the hymn; in fact, Ivan even said that he was going to need some help on it.  “Someone say ‘yeah’!” he instructed as the intro played.  After the crowd yelled, “Yeah,” back to him, he began singing Best Hallelujah In The House.  As he sang, the audience filled in the song with “hallelujahs” when needed.  (Fun song!)  “I love to see the joy in your faces tonight.  There’s enough depressing stuff in the world,” Ivan said afterwards, “If you’re here and say, ‘I don’t know about all this joy stuff,’ just go home and turn on CNN and in five minutes you’ll be passed out from depression.  But I have good news – Jesus Christ is still King of Kings and Lord of Lords.”  Stepping over to the left side of the stage, Ivan picked up his product bag and began telling us what he’s been up to lately.  His current project, Joy Ride, was one of those things.  He recounted the first time he heard the title song, Joy Ride, and when the photos were taken for the CD the photographer pulled out a pair of sunglasses.  “A spirit of ‘cool’ came over me,” Ivan chuckled, “There’s something about sunglasses that just brings it out – I’m done with dignity – I’m just joy ride crazy this year.”  Getting us to clap for the tune, Ivan exclaimed, “This is the joy ride song!  Here we go!  Ready?”  And as everyone clapped, he sang the song that has been defining his ministry for the last year.  When the applause died down, Ivan pulled up a stool and began telling us about the greatest thing that ever happened to him – asking Jesus into his life.  Below is what Ivan shared as encouragement to fellow brothers and sisters in Christ…

“My whole Christian walk has not always been a piece of cake.  There have been those storms,there have been those valleys that I’ve had to go through. I would venture to say that if we were to take testimonies here tonight – there’s a lot of you that know what a storm is like.  You know what it means to go through one of those tough times in life, and I want you to understand tonight, that this God that we serve is so wonderful – He is so magnificent.  And just whenever you think there is no hope for you; God just ushers in His Spirit, and the next thing you know, you’re on top of the world.  You’ve realized that there is hope in Jesus Christ.  There are times where you can’t always be positive, we try our best, but there are those times when we can’t stay 100% positive all the time.  Tonight, there are probably those of you who are sitting here, and you may be right in the middle of one of those storms that have just knocked the breath out of you.  And there may be someone here that is so discouraged, you’re trying to find that step up, to where you can be encouraged again, where that sun is going to shine in your life once again.  There are those who may be here tonight who are going through some form of sickness.  Folks, I want you to know tonight, that the God that we serve is still the Healer.  And this God that we serve is still the most positive message that there is in the world that we live in today.  If for no other reason to trust Him, there is nothing else out there to give you eternity for life.  There is eternity in heaven when you know Jesus.  So, you see, God loves you.  The greatest love story that has ever been told, ‘For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son Jesus, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.’  So you see, He loves you and cares for you tonight.  He also said in His Word, ‘I will never leave you nor will I forsake you.’  So no matter how tough the storm may be I want you to remember this.  If you forget everything else, okay, but remember this – folks, I’ve read the end of the book…and we win.”

“I want to sing to you one of the greatest messages of a song that I’ve ever been able to sing.”  The ballad was none other than I Choose.  “I want you to sing this with me,” Ivan encouraged, “I know you know it.” – Then began directing the crowd in singing God Is So Good with a question.  “How many has God been good to?”  Hands rose all over the room.  After leading the audience in singing two more songs, he came off the stage with these words, “He’s here – He wants to touch you, your mind, your family, everything in your life – but you have to choose.”  He had us sing the chorus of He Touched Me one more time then exclaimed, “That’s the best singing I heard all night!”  Back on stage, he closed the first half of the concert with Midnight Cry…can anyone say, “Standing ovation?”

After a brief intermission Mitch Pullen came back on stage and sang two songs before bringing Ivan back on.  The first was He Keeps Blessing Me and the second, I’ll Pray For You.  “I’ll ask you one thing tonight,” Mitch inquired, “this song says I’ll pray for you, how many will pray for someone tonight?”  Many raised their hands in response.

Once again, Ivan took the stage and a loud applause followed as another upbeat song met our hearts and ears.  This one was called I’m Going Home, and is also off of the Joy Ride project.  He then took it upon himself to promo some events like Singing in the Sun and the Gatlinburg Gathering.  “Anyone want to go to Myrtle Beach?” he asked.  No response.  “How about Gatlinburg?”Still no response.  Ivan pouted, “You’re just a bunch of fuddy-duds!”  LOL  As he was telling us about his new Facebook account, he shared how funny it is to “be traveling around the world and asking people to “like” me! – That’s the oddest thing I’ve ever done.”  LOL  The next song he sang was a quartet song that was made popular on the Homecoming videos called Jesus Loves Me.  (It wasn’t the children’s song!)  Then he told about another new song that has ministered to him off of the Joy Ride project.  “How many are thankful for the blood of Jesus Christ?” Ivan asked, “It doesn’t matter how you shake it – we are all different because of Jesus.”  The song Who I Am Ain’t Who I Was speaks of the change that the blood of Christ makes in us.  “I wanna do one more song for you tonight,” Ivan said, “a few came up to me and asked for this song.  I haven’t done it in a while…if I can remember the words, that’s always a plus!”  LOL  The song was a ballad titled Temporary Goodbye, and Ivan sang it after he shared how he misses his Dad (who is now in heaven) and said, “Those who have loved ones already gone ahead, this one’s for you.”  After this song Ivan asked the crowd if it was okay if he closed in prayer, and at one point he prayed that God’s children, “Don’t ever turn loose from His hand, we need to hold tighter than we’ve ever held before.”  A resounding “AMEN!” followed, and Ivan was tempted to sing just a little bit of When I Get Carried Away before closing the evening – and boy he did!

Conclusion: Though I’ve seen Ivan sing before, this was the first time for me to see him in concert by himself (all other times have been at “Sings” shared with other artists).I enjoyed every minute of it!  Laughing at his jokes, listening intently when he spoke of the Lord and Christian life and humming along with the songs – the evening couldn’t have been better. If Ivan is in your area, be sure to get out to see him!  You will receive a blessing.  Thanks Ivan, for reminding us of the Joy Ride we have in Christ Jesus our Lord!!!

This project boasts 13 tracks – 10 of which, were written by group members Rebecca Isaacs Bowman, Sonya Isaacs Yeary and Jimmy Yeary.  (Quite a task, if you ask me!)  Every single song points us to emotions, events and questions we face on a day-to-day basis.  This is a CD made for “life” so to speak.  You’ll encounter themes like: forgiveness, love, heaven, healing, joy, trust and purpose.  My favorite are the songs written around events that took place in the Bible!  Every one has a special message that can be applied to our lives daily.  They are truly unique.  Also, there are a lot of hard questions addressed on this project, and I have a deep respect for that.  The questions that are raised in songs like Why, Why Can’t We, I Still Trust You, and I’m Gonna Love You Through It are ones that have been contemplated for centuries.  The angle the Isaacs took point us back to the Word – the best place to look for answers to questions like these.

The music put to these songs are most enjoyable and many have that classic Bluegrass sound.  Almost every track has a good turn-around where violins, banjos, guitars and mandolins fill our ears with some good “picking!”  Each number and ballad have an arrangement that unite the lyrics and music in a way that is just right for each song.  You will not listen to this CD and think, “I didn’t like the instrumentation on that one.”  Nothing is too strong and nothing is too weak – all are perfectly balanced.  On the other hand, you wouldn’t have to specifically be a Bluegrass fan to enjoy this project.  I believe that anyone who wants to listen to “truth in song” would love a project like this, regardless of the genre.  So with that said, lets take a look at the songs!

You will hear vocals on this recording from:
Rebecca Isaacs Bowman
Sonya Isaacs Yeary
Lily Isaacs
Ben Isaacs

1. Hallelujah Turnpike
Tempo:  Fast
Feature: Ben and Sonya
Message:  The lyrics in this song describe the journey to heaven as “rolling up the Hallelujah Turnpike,” and is the main theme.  The verses talk about traveling down this road of life full of joy that not even the Devil can slow down because Jesus Christ “paid the toll.”  The second verse encourages those who are not traveling down this road to “turn around and go the other way,” before it’s too late!  Make your plans for heaven – get in the passing lane!  The chorus simply talks about where the Turnpike leads to – heaven, home.
Other Comments:  Very Bluegrass!  There is a little instrument solo with mandolin, banjo and violin in between the chorus and second verse and another violin solo towards the end.  A very pleasant, enjoyable Bluegrass tune!

2.  Waiting In The Water
Tempo:  Slow/Medium
Feature:  Beckie
Message:  The first verse recalls the story in the New Testament where Jesus healed the blind man by telling him to go wash in the pool.  The one who people called helpless and ignored by the populace caught the attention of the Messiah.  Why?  Because He saw beyond the outward frame into the worth of a soul…so he placed clay on the blind man and instructed him to go wash in a pool of water that very day and he would be healed.  Funny isn’t it, that the Lord would ask someone who couldn’t see to go do something like that!  Surely there were many times when the blind man lost his footing and tumbled onto the ground, but that didn’t stop him.  Wonder if the words to the chorus of this song didn‘t run through his mind, “Every step I take is a step of faith – when I can’t see what’s in front of me, I’ll walk on and just believe.”  The Father hears our prayers, and when we get to the place where He wants, we’ll find a miracle waiting for us.  For the blind man…it was waiting in the water.  The second verse compares our experiences in life with the story of that man.  We walked in a different kind of darkness, one where loneliness and hopelessness abounded.  Maybe you are in that place now?  If that is the case, we can believe that every word He tells us is true and cling to the promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us.  Just like that blind man, we may stumble and fall along life’s journey, but we’re gonna get to the water, “even if we have to crawl!”  The bridge sums up the theme of the song and declares that the Lord knows each situation we face and no matter how confusing it may be at the time, it fits right into His plan…all we have to do is press on!

3.  Four Men
Tempo:  Medium
Feature:  Sonya
Message:  This song takes us back to the days of Daniel and tells the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in unique way!  The first verse recounts the events that led up to the fiery furnace – Nebuchadnezzar making an image and demanding that everyone bow down to it, and the three brave men who refused to do so.  Angered, the king had these men thrown into the furnace with a sneer, “Let’s see if your God will deliver you.”  The chorus continues the story: the three men were bound and thrown into a furnace, seven times hotter than normal, those watching saw each man alive…actually, they saw four men instead of three, and asked the question, “But who is that with ’em in the fire below?…they threw three men in but there were four men walking around!”  The next verse tells of the king’s reaction to the what happened.  When he saw that they were still alive and not harmed in any way, he ordered them to be taken out, because, “there is no other God who can deliver like this.”  After another round of the chorus and little instrumental solo, we come upon the bridge, and find an application for our own lives in the story.  When we feel like we’re in the fire that is controlled by the enemy, just remember the example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. “the ropes that tied them were the only things burned.”  (God will carry you through the fire!)
Other Comments:  On paper (or your computer screen!) what is written may not sound like riveting song…but I assure you, on this recording it is all that and more!  There is something about the simple message married to the melody that makes this number addicting!  This is a bluegrass tune you are bound to enjoy and be humming all day long!

4. Why Can’t We?
Tempo:  Slow
Feature: Ben and Rebecca
Message:  Forgiveness.  That one word sums up this whole ballad.  Not just the forgiveness we receive from the Lord, but the kind we have to give ourselves from time to time, and those around us.  If you’ve ever laid awake at night and thought of all the things you wish you had never done, you can relate to the man in the first verse – cause that’s exactly what he’s doing.  He just can’t forgive himself…even though God has.  The chorus is series of questions designed to stir the mind in thoughtful contemplation of the subject at hand.  If God can extend His love, find something good in us, let the memories go, and forgive us over and over again…why can’t we?  Verse two focuses on our lack of forgiveness towards others.  We get hurt, then refrain from giving second chances and as the lyrics say, “took grace into my own hands.”  Yet, Jesus reminds us that we all have done wrong.  The bridge takes our mind back to the time when ultimate forgiveness was shown – when the Lord was dying on a cross, yet, with compassion said, “Father, forgive them…”
Other Comments:  This is the song that the recording is named after…and what a song it is!  It’s beautiful! – Yet, carries a very important message.  Whether we need to forgive ourselves for something, like the man in the first verse, or someone else, like the one in the second verse, we learn from the perfect example of what it means to forgive – Jesus Christ.

5.  God Still Has A Plan For You
Tempo: Slow
Feature:  Lily
Message:  The theme of this song is directed to those whose children are grown and out of the house, leaving the parents wondering if they’re still useful to the Lord or not.  The first verse actually brings us to that exact setting: pictures cover the halls once filled with children, the children are pursuing their dreams, and sometimes the parents feel forgotten and left behind.  Yet, the chorus sings a different story.  God still has a plan for your life!  Even if you feel like you can’t do the things you use to.  I like the line that says, “As long as you’re still here, there’s still a work for you to do.”  The second verse voices the same questions, just in a different way.  This time, instead of focusing on the memories in the hall, you’re standing in front of a mirror wondering how the years flew by so quickly.  Though thankful for each and every blessing and the wisdom learned along the way, the question still lingers, “Was my purpose fulfilled yesterday?”  The bridge encourages you to live in the now and not dwell in the past – every person is valuable to the plans of God!
Other Comments:  This is a very unique song!  There are many songs out there that center themselves on God’s plan for the lives of His children, but how many specifically focus on the generation spoken of in the song?  Not many.  The lyrics are perfect for the SGM audience.

6.  You Can’t Take My Joy
Tempo:  Fast
Feature:  Rebecca
Message:  This song is about claiming the joy of the Lord no matter what, and most importantly, not letting the Devil take it away!  There is just no way to re-phrase the verse, only quoting it will do!  “You can take my home and all the money in the bank – turn my reputation into something that I ain’t.  You may take my job and everything that I have left – but Devil, let me tell you, you can’t have my happiness!”…Then the chorus tells us why!  Faith is fastened in the Lord Jesus Christ, and from Him we receive peace of mind though Satan can make life hard sometimes.  Yet, we have to make the choice to not let him get us down and shake us – we have to tell him, “You can’t take my joy!”  The story of Job is recalled in the second verse as a reminder of how strong one can be under trials and troubles.  Though we may not be able to match Job’s strength, we can pray, and One stronger than even Job will be there to help us, God Almighty.  The bridge brings to mind that our treasure is not upon this earth but in Jesus Christ, and He is the reason why the Devil can’t take our joy!
Other Comments:  I love this song!  It is by far my favorite from the project!  This is what the church needs to hear today!

7. Why
Tempo:  Slow
Feature:  Sonya
Message:  This ballad is like a list of questions that the author wants to ask God because the things they see seem so unfair.  The first verse raises questions in search of a reason why people have to suffer through natural disasters (tornados, earthquakes, hurricanes, etc), die because of terrorist attacks, why do innocent children have to endure pain when they should be enjoying their young life running around?…especially when God could snap His finger and put an end to it?  The chorus turns the tough questions of life into trust in God.  We know that in the end He has a purpose for everything, and though it hurts to see others go through trials…there is a reason why.  The second verse digs even deeper into the hard circumstances that some have to live through – couples who long to have kids are barren and those who don’t want children can conceive, others are forced to live with shame they can’t get rid of, the elderly are developing Alzheimer’s, the young die before they live a full life.  The last line desperately cries, “Surely, it must break Your heart, the way it’s breaking mine.”  The bridge brings about a heavenly scene when finally, we’ll get to ask the Lord why, and He will help us understand.
Other Comments:  Honestly, this can be a hard song to listen to, as I’m sure it must have been hard to write.  The lyrics are very heavy, but they are that way because there are people all over the world thinking these same thoughts.  What a privilege to know that one day we will stand before the One who knows why!

8.  I Still Trust You
Tempo:  Slow
Feature:  Rebecca
Message:  This is another song that turns questions into trust, and points us to Lord for every need in our lives.  The first verse simply talks about seeing the righteous suffer and the wicked prosper, asking the Lord for happiness and receiving pain instead.  Though it doesn’t seem right, the lyrics hold onto the promise that God’s love is sufficient.  The opening words to the chorus, “I still trust You, Lord,” cling to the assurance that He will lead us through the path that is scorched and empty, and when we come to the place where we don’t know which way to go, we can still sing, “I still trust You, Lord,” and  hold tightly to His hand.  The reason why we can have such confidence in the Lord Jesus is spoken of in the second verse.  His faithfulness in the past, the promises in His Word, “I will not forsake you,” and “Lo, I go with you,” are the ground on which we place this trust.
Other Comments:   Claim His promises and trust in Him!

9.  He Knows All About It
Tempo:  Fast
Feature:  Sonya
Message:  The message in these lyrics are just what we need to hear today!  They don’t propose, “if” – they claim, “when”…When we cry, when our hearts our heavy, when we feel like hope is gone – don’t worry or get down, because Jesus Christ knows.  I love the words to the chorus so much I just have to quote them.  See if they don’t shed a spark of light on your day!  “Jesus knows all about it, yes, He knows all about it!  So don’t give up, or get down and out, ‘cause Jesus knows all about it, He already knows all about it…oh, yes.”  The second verse affirms that when you pray in your “valley of despair” – He hears you.  So keep praying, keep believing because He is right there with you…I promise!   The bridge runs through a quick list of things that Jesus “knows about,” that can bring encouragement to us in our valleys.
Other Comments:  I like how this accapella song begins slow, and then speeds up for the chorus.  Great message – great “build!”

10.  Get On Board
Tempo:  Fast
Feature:  Sonya
Message:  The first word of the first verse tells us what the subject of the song will be – Noah.  In true Bluegrass fashion, the first verse re-tells the story of Noah and the Ark:  Noah was righteous, obedient to God’s call to build a boat, and did everything the way God told him to.  The most important line of the first verse may be the last, where God says, “And tell your wife and children I’ll be sailing with you…”  (Most of the first stanza was written from the Lord’s viewpoint.)  The chorus has a fun and simple lesson – “it’s gonna rain, you better get on board!”  Trust in the Lord before it’s too late because when He shuts the door, your opportunity is passed.  While the rains poured on the earth and destroyed everything, the second verse tells us, but Noah and his family were safe in the Ark, praising the Lord that saved them from the Flood.  The third and final verse calls for us to apply the moral of the story to our own lives – is the Lord communicating with you like He did with Noah?  If you don’t feel He is, you may be missing the purpose that He has for your life – get on board!
Other Comments:  A true Bluegrass number!  I love how fun this song is!  It brings a story to life that we know by heart, yet, it’s one we’ll not tire of hearing in the musical genus of this arrangement – both musically and lyrically.

11.  That Is Why I Sing
Tempo:  Slow
Feature:  Lily
Message:  This ballad is written from a singer’s point of view and offers us the reason and testimony of why they do what they do.  Verse one begins with a question, “Do you want to see me smile? – Make my efforts feel worth while?”  The line goes on to say that the artist wants us to share with them how their ministry has touched our lives.  Turning to a different angle, the singer reasons that what they do is worthless if they don’t get across that “God is love, and He deserves my all.”  The refrain softly declares the reason behind their voice – to point to Jesus Christ and glorify Him.  The next verse explains what the singer is NOT there to do – receive fame and/or fortune.  All earthly things are loss, so the singer performs for something that will gain an eternal value.  That is why they sing…
Other Comments:  Every now and then it is good to be reminded of the “whys” in this life.  Keeping the heavenly focus in the forefront of our minds will help us enjoy concerts and Gospel Music more and more.  This song did that perfectly.

12.  I’m Gonna Love You Through It
Tempo:  Slow/Medium
Feature:  Sonya
Message:  The story of a family whose wife/mother has just been diagnosed with breast cancer and the beautiful relationship between the spouses is the theme of this inspiring, yet, sad song.  In the first verse, the wife receives the phone call and breaks down, her husband is there by her side and comforts her.  Cancer is no respecter of persons – you can be young and have a family, but it’ll still come.  I love the husband’s words that make up the channel into the chorus, “I know that you’re afraid and I am too, but you’ll never be alone, I promise you…”  The chorus is like a continuation of the husband’s assurances: he’ll be strong when she is weak.  He’ll hold on.  He’ll dry her tears.  When she feels scared, he’ll take her hand and say, “Together we can do it – I’m gonna love you through it.”  The second verse skips to surgery, which she makes it through all right.  The doctors say they found it just in time.  Yet, through the loss there is an unsatisfactory tint to life that forces smiles and limits her wardrobe.  Just when she thinks she can’t do it any longer, he says, “That’s what my love is for.”
Other Comments:  This song is a tear jerker for sure!  My Great Aunt passed away from Breast Cancer a year and a half ago and my Uncle was just like the man in this song.  Here is a song that will minister and find a home in many hearts.  It’s touching, inspiring and very heartfelt.

13.  I Believe In A Hill Called Mount Calvary
Tempo:  Slow
Feature:  Ben and Beckie
Message:  We are all familiar with this great classic, I Believe In A Hill Called Mount Calvary, and this arrangement features the kind of sound that the Isaacs are well known for.  The short verse sung talks about the things that the Christian believes in and reaches its climax with the line in the chorus – “I’ll still cling to the old rugged cross.”
Other Comments:  This short hymn was the perfect way to close the project!  Beginning accapella with the chorus and then picking up a few instruments here and there in the verses, the feel is almost reverent, yet, refreshing!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Brian Free and Assurance

“How are you doing tonight?” Brian asked, grabbing his mic and walking to the center of the stage with the other guys.  A soft hum could be heard as they found the correct key, and then the accappella harmonies began on the classic Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee. Jeremy and Derrick shared a duet on the second verse of the same hymn – and soon Brian and Bill joined in for a powerful ending.  The audience responded with strong applause.  “C’mon everybody!” Brian exclaimed, “Keep those hands going!”  The quartet song featuring three of BFA’s member’s was up next – Go Tell The World.  Before the second verse of this number, Bill challenged the crowd, “He’s coming!  Are you ready?”  At the close of the song, a loud whistle rang from the back of the theatre.  (The crowd loved what they were hearing!)  “Is it okay with ya’ll if we just have a good time in the Lord tonight?” Bill asked, “Worship with us!”  This introduced Anything Is Possible With You, which featured Bill.  I love how all the guys are in tune with what they’re doing.  On this particular song, the other three guys were standing in the background singing the words to themselves while Bill sang the verses to the fans.  When it ended, Bill asked, “Aren’t you glad tonight that we serve a God where nothing is impossible for Him?”  The next song was Brian’s solo, I Believe, and then he invited the crowd to sing along with the following oldie, Glory Road.  Just when you thought it was over, Bill turned to Brian and said, “Brian, you have to sing a little bit more – just a little!”  Brian tried to make a face showing his displeasure, but it was very brief because he couldn’t hold back his smile for long.  So they did another chorus and the last note Brian held captured the audience in a flawless performance.  At the very end Bill punched Brian in the shoulder all in good fun.  They both laughed.  “If you are glad to be here tonight, say amen,” Brian exclaimed.  He told us what their ministry was about, “Lifting up Jesus Christ and having fun doing it.”  He also said that they love singing old songs and new ones, but right then, they were going to go back and grab another old one.  This oldie was Just A Little Talk With Jesus and featured their bass singer, Jeremy Lile on the verses.  When Brian began singing “his verse,” Jeremy cut in and said, “Sing it darlin’.” (Now, if you’ve ever seen Mr. “Precious” give a disapproving look – it was then!  Oh the teasing!)Since he wasn’t too happy about it, he gained some sympathy from Bill, who laid a hand on Brian’s shoulder.  Brian turned his head to Bill and mouthed the words “thank you.”  Though it didn’t end there, they kept picking on each other throughout the rest of the song.  As Brian asked how many people were seeing BFA for the very first time, the house lights were raised and he lifted up his hand to shield his eyes from the lights – but when he saw all the hands that were up he exclaimed, “Oh good!  We’re gonna’ sell some CD’s tonight!”  LOL  He introduced the group next.  Bill shared that during that week Brian celebrated 31 years singing for Jesus Christ!  Then they sang their current radio single, The Part Where You Come In.  This one also featured Bill and before the second verse came around he thoughtfully expressed, “What a moment.”

Applause marked the end of that song and Brian stepped forward and said, “What a beautiful song.  How many remember the day you got saved?  If you’ve forgotten that day, you have forgotten the greatest day of your life.”  He pulled up a stool and sat down while he continued to speak about some of the things that happen in our lives as an introduction to Never Walk Alone.

“We as Christians, we were not promised, that once we’re born again, all our problems go away.  I think if you’ve lived any amount of time on this earth, you see that as a child of God we do face some hard times.  Bad things happen to good people – that’s just the way life is.  This is not our home anyway – we’re just strangers passing through.  My home’s in heaven, I’m not setting up housekeeping here, I don’t plan on staying.  If we started taking testimonies, there are some of you here tonight that are going through some things in your life that you never ever thought you’d face.  Maybe you lost a loved one recently, maybe it’s health issues in your life or someone in your family.  Or maybe it’s problems in a marriage, or in a relationship, trouble at work or school, financial issues – whatever the issue is in your life, not only does God know about it, He cares about every thought that goes through your mind.  No one will ever love us like He loves us.  The last year and a half now, this song has truly ministered to me and reminded me of what the Word of God says.  No matter what we do face, Christians, if you’re born again, if you are a child of God, He’s promised you and me in His Word that we would never, ever walk alone.  Amen?”

Sliding the stool back to its place at the end of the song, God Will Close The Door came next.  This is another upbeat song featuring their bass singer, Jeremy, and was done back to back with For God So Loved.  Half way through the chorus Brian encouraged everyone to sing along.  The powerful message brought the crowd to their feet.  “Thank you so much, what a song,” Brian whispered, and with more gusto added, “and as long as we got King Jesus we don’t need anyone else!  Let’s lift the roof off of this place!”  As you probably guessed, BFA’s hit, Long As I Got King Jesus followed. On this bluesy song I couldn’t help but notice that the black backdrop behind stage suddenly lit up with Christmas lights – including the star of Bethlehem!  LOL Referring back to the last song, Brian stated, “That’s what the Word tells us – praise God.”
Before intermission the guys did a product pitch…and like I’ve mentioned in other posts, sometimes they’re worth repeating!  This time, as Brian was so very seriously telling the audience that Vinyl was on its way back; Bill took their record and positioned himself to sling it into the audience.  Brian exclaimed, “It’s not a Frisbee!  Stop it!”   (It was one of those things that you would just have to have been there!)  Another thing, Brian mentioned that they now have a Twitter account.  So if you have Twitter I highly recommend you go follow @BFA_Music!
The second half began with the MC on stage peering into the darkness to where the stage entrance was saying, “Are the singers back there anywhere?  Let’s welcome Brian Free and Assurance back!”  The guys came back on with another classic, First Day In Heaven.  Then Brian announced that they had a special request for Jeremy to sing Save Me A Seat (at the table) – which they did!  Afterward, Bill stepped up to sing his solo, You Must Have Met Him and addressed the crowd, “There’s one day I’ll never forget – the day I got saved.”  Next, Brian introduced another request by gesturing to a lady on the front row and saying, “We’re singing this one for you.”  The song was the beautiful ballad Oh What A Savior.  This is a song that never ceases to touch the audience no matter where it’s sung.  The passion that Brian and the guys put into it played a key part in that too.  After that song, Brian voiced how much he loves that song and asked, “How many remember Rosie Rosell?”  Then he told of how he and Rosie shared the same vocal instructor and as one of them would be leaving their lesson the other would be coming for theirs, and that’s the way they met and developed a friendship.  Getting back to the song itself, Brian challenged, “Think about the words to that song, they mean a lot.  Salvation was a free gift to you and me…but it came at a great price.  If we give Him our life and truly let Him be the Lord of our life – and that encompasses it all – we have nothing to worry about, nothing to fear – He’s in control!”  He took a moment and told about BFA’s new website, and because their webmaster was there that night, he had everyone give her a hand, and then he jumped back into the salvation message… “You have a choice – why choose hell?  You don’t know what happiness is unless you know Jesus.  You don’t know what a marriage is unless you know Jesus.”  Then he talked about the relationship he has with his wife and explained how they might fuss for a few seconds, but then it dies off.  Looking out into the crowd he asked, “How many couples fuss?”  After no response Brian asked, “No one fusses?”  Then heartily exclaimed, “Ya’ll are lying!”  Brian introduced their closing song, Jesus Will Pick You Up, and before anyone left for the evening, Brian closed the night in prayer.  (I wish I could have typed out every word – it was so sincere and genuine.)

A high "tenor screamin'" ending!

Conclusion:  Once again, this group conducted a night that won’t be easily forgotten in my book!  Time after time I see BFA in concert, but instead of seeing the “same old, same old,” they always bring something new to the table.  Whether it’s a joke, antic or requested song that I haven’t heard them sing live, there is always something new with these guys.  For me, it was seeing Jeremy sing Save Me A Seat this time.  Some of the things that Brian shared in between songs were new to me also.  It was just a refreshing evening!  One more thing that I can’t help but mention in closing – after the concert, the guys were getting pictures taken with fans at the product table, and in between pictures this little girl (maybe 7) walked right up to Brian, wrapped her arms around his waist and said something to him (I was too far away to hear, but it must have been something about the singing because Brian said thank you.)  With a big grin on her face she walked away.  Too cute!

Tribute Quartet

Tribute Quartet kicked off the night with their upbeat song called, He Is Leading The Way…from the very beginning, the guys interacted with each other with an energy that betrayed a long car ride from the West Coast!  On the turn-around Gary asked the audience to “turn to your neighbor and say, ‘I’m glad you got to see me tonight,’ then Gary turned to Riley and Josh turned to Anthony and said those very words!  LOL Another fast song followed, It Makes Me Wanna Go, then Josh stepped up to the center of the stage to perform the first verse of the next song, More Than Able.  On the second verse of the same medium temp song, Anthony took the stage and sang his part.  At the songs’ close, Gary asked, “How many know that God is more than able?”  He went on to introduce the group just then and shared with everyone how they love coming for the benefit that the church was doing that night.  You know that Gary can’t introduce Josh without saying something fun, and this time it went something like this… “This young man is from Raeford, FL.  Does anyone know what Raeford is famous for?”  After a moment of intense silence, Gary exclaimed, “The state prison!  -and that’s exactly where we found him!…In cell number 78!”  (That joke was a new one to me and had both myself and the crowd chuckling.)  Look For Me Around The Throne came next and Gary encouraged everyone to clap along with the beat.  While singing this old quartet song, Anthony stood off to one side of the stage while the other three huddled together on the other side.  At one point, Riley stooped down to make himself as short as Gary, who just rolled his eyes at Riley.  “I love them old songs,” Gary said thoughtfully, then told a little story that went along with that last one.  If you haven’t heard the story of Gary going parasailing during the Singing at Sea, let’s just say that a gust of wind sent that lead singer 550 feet straight up in the air – upside down!  “How many of you would like to see Red play the piano?” asked Gary.  Josh stepped over to his keyboard and began to do things like: dust his coat sleeve off, straighten his bow-tie … all before slowly wiggling his way down to his bench seat in time to pick up with his track music that’s been playing for the last 30-60 seconds.  The song was I’ll Fly Away!  About half way through this Jazzy solo, Josh was playing so fast, it looked like his hands were shaking.  Well, he was definitely doing that on purpose, because before you knew it, he stood up and kept shaking his hands as if he had just been electrocuted!   Continuing this shake, he pulled out his handkerchief and wiped his arm off, then sat back down and finished playing the song.  What a hoot!  Gary shared with the audience how blessed he feels to have the guys that has with him on stage every night.  During that time, he listed the nominations that they have received for the Singing News Fan Awards – Josh was nominated for Baritone and Musician.  Then Gary turned to Riley and said, “Come over here whistle britches,” (now it was time for Riley to roll his eyes at Gary!).  After an awkward pause he added, “I can’t remember his name so I call him whistle britches,” then he turned to Anthony and said, “And I call him Slim Jim!”  Riley was nominated for Young Artist and Horizon Individual.  Anthony was nominated for Bass, and it’s only his very first year out!  Next, Gary turned to the guys, getting their attention and said that he wanted to do a song that was off a project containing ten songs that were made popular by their peers.  “We decided to let Josh pick his very own song,” Gary announced, “This is what he picked…” – and the music that played sounded like it came right out of the 1950s!  It was Sweeter As The Days Go By.  On the last chorus, Anthony turned to Josh and straightened his bow-tie.  In response to that gesture, Josh turned to the audience and raised his eyebrow.  The next song was a ballad, a very stirring one too, called Homecoming Day.  As the tears began to flow, Gary shouted, “Somebody praise the Lord!” and came off the stage singing the hymn What A Day That Will Be.  “Friend,” Gary began,  “I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait until the day that I don’t have to worry about praising the Lord and worry about my neighbor might think, or worry how to pay the bills, or about having this sick body…when that day comes, the only thing that matters will be being covered by the blood!”  Then he sang another chorus.  Before the next song, he asked, “Let me ask you here tonight, am I in a crowd of believers?”  And with that question, he returned to the stage and began singing, I’m In That Crowd.  This upbeat number was received so well that they encored it and everyone stood.

Pastor Jim and Gary

As the guys left the stage for intermission, Josh let out a scream, then apologized, “Sorry, I just had to get it out…it’ll hurt you if you keep it in!”  LOL  Pastor Jim came up to the stage and gave a brief history of UCAN and assured everyone that all the money that night would go to this organization.  Just before the plates were passed, he asked Josh if he would play for the offering.  Josh joyfully replied, “Reckon I got to now!” – and skipped up to the keyboard and played Every Day With Jesus.
The second half began with Pastor Jim announcing, “Would you welcome back Tribute Quartet?!”  Tribute walked on stage and Gary let the audience know that, “This one was written by Miss Barbara Huffman, who is here with us tonight.”  The song written by Miss Huffman was an up-beat quartet song called, There’s A City Beyond The Clouds, and Gary encouraged the crowd to clap along. Riley was featured on the second verse of that song, and when it finished, Gary turned to him and said, “Riley, you have some special people here tonight, why don’t you introduce them?”  So Riley approached the edge of the stage and introduced his grandparents, who came all the way from Springfield, MO!  After a nervous laugh, Riley continued, “See, here’s the thing….he [his grandpa] is going hate me…today is my grandpa’s birthday!  So we’re going to sing for him.”   Everyone joined in and sang Happy Birthday!  Josh went on to sing some other form of lyrics to the tune of Happy Birthday when everyone clapped at the end, but was quickly silenced by the other guys…LOL
Turning the atmosphere to that of a more serious topic, Gary began telling the crowd that before the concert started, he was in the back of the church praying.  He specifically prayed, “I need a word tonight,” – and the Lord said, “I gave it to you in a song…”  And so Gary’s word to us that night, and for you today, whenever you read this is: “God likes to work when nothing else will.”  Tribute fans will recognize that as a song title off of their Hit Replay CD, and Gary sang it for us that night.  Just as the ballad ended, Gary said, “Some of us need a miracle right here tonight, don’t we?” Then he sang another line accapella.  As mentioned above, Tribute was on their way back from their West Coast Tour, but the following incident caught them off guard while they were on the way there.  They were traveling to Seattle, WA, when they received a phone call which relayed sad news that the promoter for the concert they were heading to was tragically killed on Wednesday night at 11:30 P.M.  The family told Tribute that they needed their concert to be turned into a “memorial”  singing, and asked if they would sing “Dad’s favorite song.”  Without missing a beat, Gary told the family they would do it – but it was a song they didn’t know!  When Gary hung up the phone, he looked in the rearview mirror at Anthony and said, “Slim Jim, pull out that thing…I phone – I pod – I drink – I sleep, (whatever that thing is) and find this song.”  It was an old Rusty Goodman song, Leaving On My Mind. They sang this song for us that night.  Gary decided that he didn’t want to sing anything he didn’t know, so he turned to the other three and said, “This is the new ‘I Trio!’  Leaving On My Mind,” and stepped to the side to watch Josh, Riley and Anthony sing.  Looking at Gary, Anthony inquired, “How can I be serious after that?  You’re mean.”  Even so, he sang it perfectly as Josh accompanied on the keyboard.  When the song concluded Gary asked, “How ‘bout it!  Did you enjoy that?”  After a pause, he added, “How many would like to hear Pastor Jim sing something?  Make him welcome one more time!”  As Pastor Jim came up on stage, Gary asked him if he knew Beulah Land – and that’s what they sang!  Before he left the stage, he said, “I have to tell a quick story.”  Gary laughed good-naturedly, “Uh-oh, you know how pastors and their quick stories go!”  Pastor Jim went on, “We were at a conference and they had a ventriloquist there.   They had him come up on stage and he ended up singing ‘I’m a little tea-pot short and stout!’”  LOL   Can you picture that?

Pastor Jim singing with Tribute

Gary stepped off the stage onto the audiences level and said, “Twenty-seven years, my goodness.  I’ve heard a lot, seen a lot, and I can tell you that Jesus has been with me every step of the way.”  After sharing that Tribute has only been home two days since the 1st of February at that time, he continued, “I was a blessed child, not that we had money, because that was not the case, but because I had Christian parents and grandparents.”  He told how his grandma taught him music and where the notes on the piano were. How she would encourage him when he would get “plum aggravated,” and how he remembers her walking around the house singing “Praise God, Praise God.”  Gary then encouraged us, “God inhabits the praise of His people…it’s easy to praise Him on the mountain top, but not in the valley…but, He is faithful.”  Then he had the congregation sing the words “praise God” to the tune of Amazing Grace, and I’m So Glad Jesus Lifted Me before Tribute stepped off stage.
Pastor Jim came up on stage and announced the sum that was given in the offering for UCAN – $4,095!  Wow!  Great support!  Then the guys did a CD pitch and we were dismissed.  If you would like to learn more about UCAN or make a donation to this ministry,  visit them on the web at  http://www.ucanpb.com.
Conclusion: #1.  It was soooo good to see Tribute again!  We have missed not seeing them for a while and I know my readers have too!  The night was such a blessing.  Tribute always takes a lot of laughter, fun, preaching and encouragement with them where ever they go.  And the Church needs a good amount of all of those things today!  It was shocking to hear that one of the promoters from their West Coast Tour unexpectedly passed away.  My heart went out to the family and the loss seemed still very fresh for Tribute as well.  May we remember Jim Arson’s family [that was the name of the promoter] in prayer as they walk through this difficult valley.  As always, Tribute gave a magnificent night of music and ministry!  Thank you guys (Gary, Riley, Josh and Anthony) for reminding us that God likes to work when nothing else will!

Howie singing Destination Known as Scott looks on…

Legacy Five was the first group on stage the last day of Praisefest, and opened with a medium tempo number called, I’d Like To Say It Again, followed by Strike Up the Band. Well, it was St. Patty’s day, but Glenn was the only one wearing green! LOL Scott pointed out a lady on the front row by the name of Mildred, who is 97 years old! He also mentioned meeting an 8 week old baby yesterday and brought up the fact that there was a good variety of ages represented at Praisefest. Then he walked over to the end of the stage and spoke to Mildred. He said that he wanted her to tell the audience what her doctor said when she went for her last visit. Her doctor wanted to know the secret to her long life and requested that she write it down for him. She said, “Okay, I’ll do that.” So, when she went in for her check-up she had a list. Number one, right at the top was SGM! She said, “Well, it takes an awful lot of Gospel Music.” Everyone chuckled at that, and Scott almost went to get up but she said that there were actually four things to her list! So Scott let her have the mic again and she shared what all four points were, “Gospel Music, Bible Study every day, a ministry and a dish of ice cream daily.” Now that caused some good natured laughter! Howie jumped right in with the fun, “Well, I must be feeling really good because I had two bowls of ice cream already!” Scott repeated the ingredients one more time, then introduced Howie, “I can’t imagine a Legacy Five without this man, Scott Howard.” As Howie began his solo, Destination Known, he added a special line to the part that said, “There really is no secret to what keeps me going on…” adding, “a bowl of ice cream,” to the end! LOL Holy Is Thy Name followed and received a standing ovation. Before they went into their final song, Scott recounted the incident that happened a few years ago when they were booked for a concert in Florida. If you’re not familiar with this story it went something like this: one week before L5 was scheduled to go to the church, one of the pastors called the office and let them know about some of the policies at their church. #1 – Personal testimonies were not allowed#2. Not allowed to read the Bible from the stage#3. Not allowed to pray unless you don’t use the name Jesus. “I’ve never been disrespectful to a pastor,” Scott assured everyone after giving those points, “but it was one of those times when you have to make a stand on principle – if we can’t talk about Jesus, there ain’t nothing to talk about! Jesus is right for what’s wrong in your life! There is a 12 year old girl back there sitting with my wife and kids, her daddy is a Muslin, but she found Jesus at one of our concerts because we’re not afraid to talk about Jesus! And in case you weren’t in church on Easter Sunday, let me remind you on how extraordinary this Man is.” Then he read Luke’s account on the resurrection and sang Truth Is Marching On. Everyone was on their feet by the bridge! Standing ovation!

Greater Vision

When L5 left the stage, Scott introduced the next group, “Welcome back our buddies – Greater Vision!” Taking his mic in hand, Gerald asked the crowd, “Did you enjoy L5? Scott could be a preacher, couldn’t he?” Then they kicked off their set with a song called Just One More Soul. The next song was an upbeat “quartet” sounding song that is quickly becoming one of my favorites, There’s Only One Way. “I love that song,” Gerald mused, getting ready to go into a story. “I remember the first time we sang that song; it was on the Alaska cruise and my pastor and his wife were there. Well, his wife didn’t understand the words to the song and after the singing, she came up to me and said. “What do you mean that Jesus is not a good way to get to heaven?” I replied, “Well, He’s not.” “Where did you read that?” she pressed. “In my Bible.” Gerald answered. “Well,” she continued, “you must be reading a different version than me.” Then Gerald said, “Well, I’m just reading the red letters – ‘I am the way, truth and the life.’ That means that Jesus Christ is the only way to get to heaven.” Then he talked about the great time we all had in Branson and how encouraged they’d been and that many came up to them and said that they had been encouraged too. “This next song is the how we feel about being here.” Gerald said – We Are So Blessed was the ballad. After that soft reminder of how blessed we truly are, Gerald shared that a lady in the lobby went up to Chris last night, and told him about her son that’s been a prodigal. “There are some songs,” Gerald informed us, “that you don’t just throw out there because they’re so personal.” Then he told of how they have only sung this next song about four times, because it’s that kind of song – Another Childs Coming Home. (Very touching! I feel very privileged to be in an audience that’s witnessed it live.) Gerald talked some more about the theme of that song after they sang it, “There are some things that happen in the Christian life that we cannot explain. My older brother was a prodigal – he dropped out of school, got in trouble with the law and left home.” He explained that the house he grew up in was so small that the kids shared a closet with their parents and the only thing separating the two bedrooms was the closet. “I remember many time’s, late at night, hearing my mom crying, praying and begging God to do something. She would say things like: ‘What did I do wrong?’ I took him to church.’ ‘I taught him about You…’” Gerald went on, “It’s a choice. When those things happen the only thing we can do is pray to God- most of you are about giving up on praying for that prodigal in your life – I know we sang this song the other night, but I want to do it again.” The message was a perfect follow up to Another Child, it was I Know A Man Who Can. Hearing those lyrics really hit home among the audience and everyone began standing. Lightening things up a bit, at the end Gerald exclaimed, “Now that old man can still sing!” Taking a moment to reflect, Gerald began reminiscing about growing up in his home church. He reminded the audience that every church has a “character,” and if you couldn’t think of one you were probably it! At his home church he remembered watching a lady sing in the choir. “Nell Cox,” he said, “I don’t know if she could sing or not, but she acted like it.” Another man would sing Brethren We Have Met To Worship every Christmas! Then there was Merl Haun – a farmer. He wore bib-overalls to church, couldn’t read or write, didn’t sing in the choir or teach Sunday school…but, he always carried Brock peppermint candies in his left pocket. “After Sunday School,” Gerald shared, “he would find me and say, ‘Jesus loves you this morning – and so do I,’” then hand Gerald a peppermint. He continued to share that to this very day when he sees a Brock Peppermint he thinks of Merl Haun. “You don’t have to be famous to be effective,” Gerald summed it up, “all you have to do is be faithful. When you stand before God and think that your life didn’t count, God’s going to show you the faces because you were faithful.” This lead into Faces, but GV’s last song was none other than My Name Is Lazarus.

After intermission, Gerald shared with everyone that their biggest hope was to have 1000 attendees at Praisefest Branson. Well, they had close to 1600! The second half was fully devoted to Dr. Charles Stanley who spoke on how the Lord wants to continue to use people no matter what their age, and afterward, both L5 and GV appeared on stage one more time together singing Jubilee!

Conclusion: Out of all four sessions of Praisefest, this final one impacted me the most spiritually. The things that were shared by Gerald, Scott and Dr. Stanley were very thought provoking, challenging and encouraging. What a weekend!

The Old White Flag – how it hurts Jeff's ears!

“We live within 30 miles of each other, but I have to go 700 miles to see them!” Eric Bennett, bass singer of Triumphant Quartet shared with the crowd before their first song, Saved By Grace. That song opened TQ’s set, and from the get go, the guys eminated a high-energy, great performance.  When David hit the high note on the chorus,many in the crowd hollered for him.  “Praisefest-ers” liked the tenors!  LOL  “Anybody in the house tonight been saved by grace,” asked Eric at the very end of the number.  A show of hands responded and they encored it.  The ballad that won “Song of the Year” in 2011 followed, Love Came Calling.  “Thank you so much,” said Eric,“I can’t even explain how excited we are to be here.  I love a wonderful crowd like this…we go to a lot of churches and it’s hard to get people in churches now-a-days.”  He went on to tell a story about a mother who asked her son why he wasn’t ready to go to church on Sunday morning.  The son said that he wasn’t going because he thought the people there didn’t like him.  The mother said, “Get dressed!  You’re going!  One, because you’re my son and two because you’re the pastor!”LOL He Raised Me,Forgave Me, Saved Me was next, and David began showing off his dance moves on the chorus!  Needless to say, the other guys severely disapproved.  Clayton grabbed his shoulder on the turn around and pretended like he was “giving him a talkin’ to.”  David lifted his arms to the crowd as if to ask what they thought, and with the audience’s shouts of approval, exclaimed,“But they like it!” Continuing on with the show, Jeff and David played a piano/harmonica duet on the old song, Goodbye World Goodbye.  The lights behind the stage danced on their duet – it was a cool effect for the bouncy number!“Jeff Stice and David Stutton,” Eric announced when they finished their solo, then teased the audience,“We came out here and sang our hearts out and ya’ll just sat there!”LOL  Eric introduced the group next and introduced a song that someone requested they sing, however they have never recorded.  This “mystery” song was O What A Savior and naturally featured David.  They sang with the piano and received a standing ovation.  With such a powerful song like that, who wouldn’t stand?  Clayton was last to be introduced, and with a look of dread, Eric said that their next song they would really just like to get out of the way. Everyone shouted their approval the minute he said that – and he didn’t even announce the title of the song!  Every purse began to rattle and a few moments later Kleenex’s emerged and were passed around.Yep, it was time for the Old White Flag!  This Bluegrass tune brought out a lot of shouts of encouragement, hankies and antics!  Standing ovation!(…with white flags and all!)  As the guys dragged Clayton off the stage, Jeff assured the crowed, “Don’t worry, he’ll be back,” and after someone screamed, Jeff looked out over the crowd remarked, “Yeah, whatever…we’ve been doing that for 6 years!  Aren’t you tired of it?”  Of course the audience let him know that they were NOT tired of it!   Moving on,Jeff played us a couple of songs on the piano and received a standing ovation for the first one.  In between hymns, Jeff shared the following thoughts concerning his new solo CD, “Let me tell you a quick story before the guys come back on…I’m a mama’s boy – always was, always will be.  She went through a bout with breast cancer, and one day, she asked me to come over to the house and play for her.”  When he was there, Jeff’s mom said that she would like to hear a CD of only him playing  – no background music.  So, he did just that, and dedicated the CD to her.  The next song was the very first song that he learned on the piano – Mansion Over The Hilltop.  He had us sing the chorus with him and then the guys came back out and concluded their set with When The Trumpet Sounds.  “How many are ready for that trumpet to sound?”asked Eric.  The response was so good that they encored it and everyone stood!
When Charles Stanly appeared on stage everyone stood and clapped for him.  “This nation was built with people who came together and knew that there was something bigger than themselves,” Stanley began.  Opening his message, he used that line to promo one of his books about praying for our nation – especially  being an election year.  The theme of Dr. Stanly’s sermon was “Promises of God,” and he looked at four reasons why we can trust God to keep his promises.  These points were built on the characteristics of God: He’s truthful, faithful, unchanging and loving.  “When God makes a promise,” Dr. Stanley said, “It’s a big deal – because He is going to keep it all through your life.  Can you say tonight, that you believe every promise in the Word of God?”

Legacy Five

After Dr. Stanley spoke it was time for intermission.  Once again, we had a twenty minute break, then the second half began.  Legacy Five’s singing I Never Shall Forget The Day drew the fans back to their seats quickly!  They only did that song and one other, I’m Feeling Fine.  But on the last one, Rodney came across the stage dancing a jig with that silly face he puts on when Gerald picks on him during their concerts!  It was so funny! Oh, to have had that on video!!!

Rodney dancing!

“Welcome, Rodney and Greater Vision!” Scott introduced as GV came on the platform.  Glenn Dustin stayed on stage and sang bass with GV on their first song, He’s To Me.  On the second verse Gerald, Rodney and Glenn sang together like a trio, and Glenn was singing with his eyes closed, so Gerald said,“Glenn!  Open your eyes!”Trying not to laugh, Glenn shook his head no.  A moment later, it was the audience’s turn to laugh – Gus and Trey came out on stage with brooms, “sweeping” their way across the stage!  They even tried to sweep Gerald off stage!  LOLJust as they exited the stage, on the opposite side of the stage, Gus wheeled Scott Fowler out from behind the curtains and across the stage on a dolly!  Scott, of course, had his eyes closed and hands folded across his chest.  LOL  After the song, Gus came out on stage and bowed.  Glenn also left the stage, leaving GV all to themselves.Gerald sat down at his keyboard and told of a song that he wanted to save for tomorrow, but decided that it couldn’t wait. He pulled thoughts from Dr. Stanly’s sermon to introduce it, “Some can’t experience the promises of God because they’re holding onto guilt that they can’t let go of. – All of us having something we wish we could have done differently. This song says that starting tonight, before you go back home, you can start living the rest of your life the way you wished you had.”  The song was no other than the new ballad, Like I Wish I’d Lived.  “That’s a beautiful song, isn’t it?” asked Gerald at the finish.

Jubilee!

The closing segment of the evening was the Jubilee “practice round,” so to speak.  Gerald explained that they’ve been recording Jubilee 3, and needed some practice before the tour starts.  We were the crowd that was nominated to practice on!  Gerald also mentioned that the Booth Brothers weren’t at Praisefest – though they tried to get them there, “You know where the Booth Brothers are singing tonight?” asked Gerald – “North Dakota!”  That’s a long way from Branson.  Though the BB’s weren’t present, we thoroughly enjoyed those who were there!  As the guys from both groups lined up on stage, Gerald began telling that they gave a special name to each part.  I didn’t catch all of them, but the “lead part” was named “The Macho Men!”  LOL  The first song that Jubilee performed for us was an old Kingsmen song called Beautiful Home.  Another funny detail, the guys didn’t know the words, so they sang the lyrics from paper!  Sounded pretty good for practice!  On the other hand, Glenn showed off and didn’t need the paper on this first one – he knew all his words.  It was also pretty fun to see the guys try to clap, which made their papers flap awkwardly.  “That was good!” Gerald exclaimed after Beautiful Home had finished.  Turning to Scott, Gerald announced, “This next one features you.”  Holding up his paper, Scott confidently replied, “That’s why I got the words – I’m prepared tonight!”  Gerald went on to say that we would have a special treat on the second verse – Trey would sing!  Of course, Trey kept shaking his head “no” as Gerald spoke.  The song was I’m Almost There.   Scott was featured on the first verse and Trey did get up and sing the second verse!  And he did a great job!  All the guys were grinning from ear to ear – Trey received the biggest applause of the night!  “How ‘bout Trey?” Gerald stated at the end of the song.  Then he shared the story behind getting Trey to sing the part on that song.  Before they went in to record Jubilee 3, Gerald texted Trey and said, “I want you to sing the second verse to this song.”  He said that Trey texted him back and said, “Are you kidding?”  Well, Trey didn’t really take Gerald seriously, and when they met in Nashville the day before the recording was scheduled to start, Gerald told Trey, “See you at the studio in the morning.”  Trey looked back at him in disbelief and replied, “You weren’t kidding?”  The next morning, Trey walked in, went into the vocal room, sang the verse through once, walked out and headed for the door.  Gerald called after him, “Don’t you want to hear a play back?”  Trey answered, “I heard it the first time,” – walked out, hopped in his car and drove home.  “And that’s the truth!”Gerald said with a smile.  Then he introduced the closing song by claiming that fans gave him a hard time because they didn’t sing this song that morning – Champion of Love.  Gerald said that he couldn’t think of a better song to close a great night with.  As you can imagine, the crowd shot to their feet in no time!

Conclusion:  Wow – Praisefest kept getting better and better!  Literally, it could not have been any better!  I savor every time I get to see Triumphant (because they don’t get around this area very often…) and GV and L5 were amazing.  I wish they would have sung more, but the “Jubilee practice” session made up for any lack of onstage presence from our host groups!  It was really neat to see Trey sing, though I’m sure he was nervous, he did an awesome job.  Both Roger and Tim sang with L5, so it’s seems natural that Trey should sing too!  (…but if he doesn’t want to, that’s okay too, we still love him!)  Ah, yes – Dr. Stanley.  This was the first time for me to see him speak “live,” and his subject was not only perfect for this gathering, but so practical for our everyday lives.  What a ministry he has!  Well, by this time, I came to the conclusion that the weekend was passing by way too quickly – only one more session before Praisefest ended – yikes!  Until the final post!….