I think that I am a pretty "hip" guy for being 60 years old. Go ahead and laugh at that statement, I'm sure that my kids are. 
When I was being taught by my parents, it was only good manners to take off your hat when you entered a room. It was only
being polite to offer your seat on the bus to a lady or old man. You said "Yes sir" to a man or "Yes Ma'am" to a lady. I can't help but think that
these actions made us grow up to be people that our parents would be proud of. I can't help but think that those manners made us a better country.
Don't worry, this is not going to be a political blog, though I could do a good one if I wanted. 
No, this is about how manners and just plain old courtesy
seems to have left it's place in Southern Gospel Music. I have seen it happen more often than not these days, however, last night it happened to us,
so it is very fresh on my mind. You can tell me that I am just an old fogy and that my age is making me too sensitive, but sometimes these things get under my
skin, and last night was one of them.
I am not against doing benefits, and this concert last night was a benefit. To be honest, after having a couple of slow months, it just felt good standing on stage
and singing. They were a great crowd to sing to and really showed their appreciation for our effort. They were a gracious crowd, and I would sing for them in a
heart beat, benefit or not, offering or not. So then what's my beef? Here it is pure and simple. My group sat through the sets of 5 other artists. Some were really good,
and some could use a little more practice. My beef is that fact that all but one singer from all of those groups left after they finished their stand. I want to
thank the gentleman who stayed for the duration of the concert to even hear the last group, us, The Sunday Edition. When all the artists packed up and left,
we had a much smaller crowd to sing to than they did. Oh, I forgot to mention that all of these artists were within driving distance of their homes. Again, this was a great crowd to sing to. They were with us the whole time we sang. I couldn't have asked for a more appreciative audience. Again, back to my beef, My group did the courtesy of staying to listen to all of the other artists perform, and I just consider it good manners to stay and be courteous to the artists who follow you. One group even started tearing down equipment and loading it out of the building while another group was singing. Again, am I just being an old fogy or what?
I understand that sometimes people have to leave concerts, but does everyone from that group need to leave? At least someone could have stayed to represent
thier group. OK, I'm putting on my flame suit now, so I'll be watching for those incoming arrows. So, let's bring back to having some manners in Southern Gospel Music. 
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 03/30/2008
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Oh, I forgot to add, the benefit singing raised over $2,000 for the need. Now that's something to feel good about.
Deon Unthank
SoGospelNews.com
My Blog
Some people are like Slinkys… Not really good for anything, but they
still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs - Author Unknown
No, Deon, you are not old fashioned or maybe you are and in that case so am I (but I'm not 60! hehe) This is such a pet peeve of mine as well. As an artist and also one who provides contract sound, I find it more commonplace in the "Christian" venues for this to happen than in secular music -- sad to say! All too often the groups want to pack up their toys and leave as soon as their part of the "show" is over, at a minimum they will disappear to the bus and never show their face unless it is in the spotlight. Yes, there are some groups we enjoy hearing, and others we endure, but we should always be mindful of the ministry we are to be focused on and support one another when on the same concert ticket, benefit or not!
Deon,
I'm not as old as you either and I agree whole heartedly that it is just plain RUDE! It's also rude to arrive at the last minute when you are singing with other groups. We insist that our ENTIRE group show other groups the same courtesy we would like to receive. Our manager is a stickler for this and I couldn't agree with him more. More and more we are seeing groups who stay on the bus until their turn to sing after which they head right back to the bus. Again, it is just plain RUDE! It is all about THEM. Ya'll just keep doing the right thing even if no one else does. You'll be blessed for it.
Karen \o/
http://www.yielded-ministries.com
“Let the keyboard of my heart be touched by the Master’s hand”
When a person is down in the world, an ounce of help is better than a pound of preaching.
could not agree more it is like my Dad always says "It's just plain common Courtesy.."
I agree with you Deon. Personally, I think it is a compliment to be called old-fashioned. Manners and courtesy, not just limited to SGM, are two things that you do not see alot of any more (at least in our area). If you think about it some of our manners are SIMPLE, EASY things to do but I guess people need more challenges out of life. I too have been in situations where "groups sing and then leave when they are through". Deon, keep up the great work you do!
“Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves for they shall never cease to be amused” 
This reminds me of when our children were grade-school age and we attended their chorus and band concerts. Some parents, as soon as their children performed, left the auditorium so the last group was left performing to only a few parents and grandparents.
I'm not as old as Deon either (but then again - no one is), but I agree with him completely. (Actually, we are only 3 years apart in age).
It is also one of my pet peeves when others leave early, without real cause.
Cliff Cerce
The Cerces, PO Box 8525, Springfield, MO 65801
417-863-8440
http://www.thecerces.com
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Being rude is being rude, no matter how old or young you are. I guess it is a mistake these days to assume that artists will behave in a professional, polite manner and be considerate of who they sing to and to those who host. For that reason, I highly recommend that if you ever host a sing with multiple groups, go over some "BASIC" ground rules with everyone that covers these rude actions, especially the packing up the gear and leaving while others are singing.
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