Southern Gospel World
Southern Gospel Reviews and Inspirational Insights

• 30 September 2010

I debated on whether to do a really long blog post featuring the whole week or if I should do each day separately. Since so much time has gone by and so as not to drag it out forever, I decided to do one big post with all the highlights. this may be extra long but it may not take long to skim the details. I have not read the other blog reviews of NQC so hopefully I’ll have some new insights or details that have not yet been covered.

In previous years, I’ve focused more on attending concerts in Freedom Hall but not going to a lot of the showcases. This year, I was able to see some of the lesser known groups perform and I’m glad I did.

Monday afternoon was my first time to see the Crist Family. I’ve been hearing good things about them but it was nice to experience them in person. They sang “Big Hallelujah” and “Joy’s Gonna Come in the Morning.” The group was very charismatic, especially Tami, so I can see why people like them. I picked up their latest CD and, although I haven’t had a chance to listen to it yet, I look forward to doing so.

Gerald Wolfe was the emcee Monday night and that was probably my biggest concert night. I saw Greater Vision, Tribute Quartet, The Inspirations, The Perrys, Squire Parsons, Gold City, Dixie Melody Boys, the McKameys, The Collingsworth Family, Naomi & the Segos, and Brian Free & Assurance.

I think we were all praising God that Tracy Stuffle was able to be with the Perrys. As I recall, he only sang on the last song of the set which was “If You Knew Him.” When they got to the line which said, “You’ll know He’s living and death has died,” I could have shouted. Maybe I did. I don’t remember, but they were obviously testifying to that truth through experience.

The only time I’ve ever seen Squire Parsons sing in person has been at the Convention but I think this was my first time to see him sing by himself. He closed his set with Beulah Land and brought in his son Samuel to sing the second verse. They did a great job on Squire’s signature song.

I was really looking forward to seeing Gold City with this lineup and I have to say I hope they stay together a long time. Later in the week, Channing Eleton played the piano for them which brought back memories. I think the last time I saw a full Gold City concert, the group consisted of Tim, Jonathan, Mark, Jay and Channing. How time flies! I haven’t been as in tune with their music since that era but I look forward to hearing more of this current lineup.

Later that evening, the McKameys and Collingsworth Family took the stage to sing “Nothing but the Blood of Jesus.” Gerald Wolfe said that is the first time 2 family groups have shared the stage at the National Quartet Convention.

I didn’t get to many of the concerts on Tuesday so will move along to Wednesday.

Wednesday, I got to see The Dove Brothers, Gold City, Kingdom Heirs, and Legacy Five. Then they all came out at the end for the finale which was Champion of Love. Daniel Riley and Scott Fowler sang verse 1, with McCray Dove and Arthur Rice singing verse 2. They all did a great job. I also enjoyed Legacy Five’s set when they sang “Truth is Marching On” and Jim Brady sang verse 2. It’s neat when groups will do something different. Such a blessing to see all that.

Thursday was the Bluegrass showcase. I was never into bluegrass growing up but I’ve learned to appreciate some of it in recent years. The performers were The Watkins Family, The Rochesters, The Isaacs, The Primitive Quartet, Cody Shuler & Pine Mountain Railroad, and a surprise visit by Jerry Salley. They also gave away awards that night as follows:

Female Vocalist: Becky Matthews (Rochesters)
Male Vocalist: Ben Rochester (Rochesters)
Instrumentalist: Ben Rochester (Rochesters)
Group: The Primitive Quartet
New Artist: Triple L Band
Song: “I’m a Soldier” (Rochesters)

Later that evening, I got to see the Diplomats and the Freemans back to back. Both groups were excellent. I’m still becoming familiar with the Diplomats but I think the Freemans were better than ever.

On Friday, I went to see Canaan’s Crossing. Some of you may remember me reviewing one of their CDs a couple months ago. I’ve enjoyed what I heard so it was neat to see them in person. Tina Miller seems like a neat lady and is very talented. I picked up their new CD too so I’m sure another review will be coming sometime in 2011.

That night I also saw The Kingsmen, Triumphant, The Easters, the Perrys, and I loved the finale of one of my favorite songs: “I Wish I Could Have Been there.” I don’t think I will ever get tired of seeing them perform that and I hope they never get tired of singing it.

Saturday‘s showcase was a tremendous highlight for me. It was the 100th Anniversary celebration of Southern Gospel music and the reunions that stage held were some that I never thought I’d see.

First of all, the LeFevre Quartet, the Blackwood Brothers and the Chuck Wagon Gang sang a few songs to honor their heritage. Then Lulu Roman sang “Two More Hands” and “King of Who I Am”–two songs which I remember well from the 1980s.

Dony, Reba and Destiny McGuire did the tribute to the Rambos with a medley of songs the Rambos had made popular. I missed having Dottie there but have to trust God in His timing. Buck Rambo joined them on “He Looked Beyond My Fault,” “Tears Will Never Stain the Streets of That City,” and “Things Are Gonna Be Better.”

The Nelons sang, “The Son’s Coming Up, “Son Go Bring My Children Home,” “O For a Thousand Tongues,” and “We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown.”

Then the Downings sang several songs. It was so nice to see Ann Downing, Joy Gardner and Dony McGuire back once again for that segment. I was especially glad that they sang “I’ve Got Confidence.” The first time I heard that song was the radio station playing the Downing’s live version. I fell in love with it then and still get blessed every time I hear it.

After that, the Speers performed and then the group that I was most looking forward to seeing: The Hinsons featuring Ronnie, Larry and Bo Hinson with Chris Freeman. They sang, “I’m So Glad He Found Me,” “He Can,” and “The Lighthouse.”

Another thrill for me was seeing a reunion of the first southern gospel group I ever saw in person: Gold City featuring Ivan Parker, Brian Free, Mike LeFevre and Tim Riley. What was really neat is I guessed ahead of time what songs they would sing: “When I Get Carried Away,” “I Think I’ll Read It Again,” and “Midnight Cry.” I was absolutely thrilled. Several people told me they thought Gold City was the group that received the most response from the crowd.

Scott Fowler, Gerald Wolfe, Danny Funderburk, Mark Trammell and Glenn Dustin paid a tribute to the Cathedrals, and then Ed Hill, Dewayne Burke, Rick Strickland, Michael English and Clayton Inman formed the Singing Americans to sing “Home,” “Glory Road,” and “I Bowed on My Knees and Cried Holy.”

What a wonderful afternoon. It was about two hours long but they packed a lot into that short amount of time.

On the main stage that evening, the performers included the Inspirations, the Primitive Quartet, the Blackwood Brothers, and the Mark Trammell Quartet.

I felt so blessed the whole week. Some of my friends didn’t arrive until Wednesday or Thursday but I met some new friends and enjoyed time with people that I don’t see but once a year. I still didn’t get a full ice cream cone but was able to finish some of my sister’s ice cream in a cup. We also never got around to getting our annual funnel cake but maybe next year.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my review. There’s a lot that I’ve probably forgot to mention or highlight but I’ve given you an overview and this, along with what’s been covered on other blogs, should fill you in on what you missed if you weren’t able to attend. If you were there, I’d love to hear about anything special God did for you that week. He is so faithful!

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