Southern Gospel World
Southern Gospel Reviews and Inspirational Insights

• 4 July 2010

If you get the Singing News magazine, I’m sure you’ve seen ads for the Primitive Quartet’s Hominy Valley Sing which they do twice a year in Candler, NC. I’ve heard of the event for years but never thought I’d have the opportunity to go. This year, God opened the door for me to be there the opening night and I’m so thankful that I was able to experience it.

As I walked toward the place where the singing was happening, the Good Shepherd Quartet was already singing and, since it took us a little bit to get situated, I didn’t make a list of the songs they sang. People seemed to enjoy them, though, and it was neat to hear a group that I was not previously familiar with.

Next up was the Smoky Mountain Reunion, the members of which are all previous members of the Inspirations: Archie Watkins, Marlin Shubert, Troy Burns, Jack Laws, and Eddie Deitz. With Les Butler joining them on piano, they sang a lot of old Inspirations favorites including “Touring That City,” “Rose Among the Thorns,” “The Wonder of Wonders,” “He’s My Best Friend” (featuring Jack), “He Will Remember Me,” “Roll On Jordan” (which they sang a capella), “Thank You Lord” (one of my favorite songs which Eddie sings), “Never Grow Old” (another a capella song featuring Jack), and “Worthy is the Lamb.”

Following them was the Primitive Quartet and I enjoyed seeing them sing some of their new songs along with some of their old standbys. They sang “Members Only,” “That’s What I Want to Be,” “He Didn’t Stay Dead,” “Grace is There,” “I Wonder What They’re Doing in Heaven,” “I’m Looking Through New Eyes,” “No Longer an Orphan,” “Dear Jesus, I Love You,” “Where the Roses Never Fade,” “Who Rolled the Stone Away,” and “There’s a Record Book” which, right now, is probably one of my favorite songs on their new recording. (We’ll see if that changes by the time I review the CD.) 🙂

The Hominy Valley Sing is an outdoor event and, as I listened to the group sing “There’s a Record Book,” I looked up into the beautiful blue sky and pictured the sky parting and Jesus up there with His record book, smiling as He finds my name listed. How I long for that day but I’m thankful for the opportunity to continue to serve Him until that day. “My name will not be lost, misplaced or overlooked. For it’s kept safely in God’s record book.” I needed the reminder that, even if no one on earth knows my name, God knows it. I’m His daughter and, although it’s hard to imagine the love He has for me, He’s proven it to me over and over again. How can I help but love Him in return?

Wednesday was Friends & Family night where various family members of the Primitive Quartet would join them on stage and sing a song. The set ended with Reagan Riddle’s daughter Tracey singing “I’d Rather Have Jesus.” I love it when people sing songs from their heart and Tracey did just that inviting audience participation at the end.

They then took a break before the Good Shepherd Quartet and the Smoky Mountain Reunion each did another set. Matt Dibler and Darren Osborne sang a couple songs with the Smoky Mountain Reunion which was a great surprise. I don’t remember what time it ended but it was such a blessing to be a part of an event which was full of the Lord. From the setting to the songs, everything reflected Him. Even if you’re not a bluegrass fan, I would encourage you to attend this event one day. Their next Hominy Valley Singing will take place on October 9-10 and October 16-17. More information can be found on their website. Click on “Special Events” and scroll down to find a list of the groups who will be there.

• Filed under
  • Concert Reviews
• RSS comments feed for this post
• TrackBack URI