The Centene Center again played host to the Mid-America Gospel Music Association’s 8th Annual Convention in Farmington, Missouri. Southern gospel music fans from over a seven state area crammed into the small southeast Missouri community for a weekend of southern, country and bluegrass gospel. Held September 28 and 29, this two day event was an exciting way to open the fall season.
Master’s Touch kicked off Friday evening in fine quartet style and the excitement continued with soloist Wendell Johnson. The Southern Brothers shook the stage as usual with their great country sounds and was a fitting prelude to the evening’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Friday night’s Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Ralph Green. Ralph began singing at the age of 17 with the Happy Rhythm Boys and later sang with Barney Barrow and the Victory Quartet. In 1953 and ’54 he sang with the All American Quartet out of Quincy, Illinois who hosted a daily radio broadcast on WTAD and was featured on a daily television broadcast on WGEN. Ralph later returned to the St. Louis area where he formed The Melody Makers Quartet in 1955. After The Melody Makers disbanded in the early sixties, Ralph formed yet another group, the Sons of Harmony. Ralph felt the call to solo ministry in 1977, but would later join Reunion, a group which featured former Oak Ridge Boys and Blackwood Brothers pianist, Tommy Fairchild. In 2006 Ralph Green and former Reunion member, Jerry Tomlinson would join with songwriter Bill Schell to form Southern Tradition.
The Mid-America Gospel Music Association was proud to host Southern Tradition’s debut on the MAGMA stage following Friday’s emotionally charged presentation, and the crowd loved them. Congratulations to Ralph Green and welcome to MAGMA!
Dee Ann Schnautz, soloist extraordinaire, had the dubious task of following Southern Tradition, but did so with her usual grace and style. Golden Street Quartet was again in fine form and was followed by award winning soloist, Kathy Atkins. The Redemptions did a fantastic job as they debuted their latest project and were followed by writer Janice Crow, who “practiced” some new material on her favorite audience. The Berry Brothers’ sweet harmonies rounded out the evening, but surprised everyone as Alan Berry’s wife, Marilyn, took the stage by storm. Who knew she could sing like that? Special thanks to Marty Moreland who did a fine job emceeing Friday night’s entire event.
Friday night’s festive mood carried over to the local restaurants where tables jammed with gospel singers and fans rocked with laughter well into the night.
On Saturday evening we got to do it all again as area favorite, Heartfelt, and their live band opened the program. Heartfelt was followed by Sogospelnews.com’s Sunday Edition, singing as only they can. Next up was Carol Sanguinette-How, who, by the way, did a terrific job sharing Saturday night’s emcee duties with equally terrific Justin Hoagland of The Redemptions. Smilin’ Dave Davis and his group N’Praise are always a delight and their great sound bring a smile to everyone else.
Saturday night’s Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Finis Barr who also sang with the Happy Rhythm Boys and the Victory Quartet, then later had a group called The Kings Men, which featured Ed Hill and Jay Berry. Finis sang with a group formed at the Stamps School of Music called The Five State Quartet featuring the now legendary Bill Gaither, and would later form a group called the Believers. MAGMA was pleased to honor Finis as one of the St. Louis area’s most notable sons of gospel music. Congratulations, Finis!
Following the award presentation, Crown of Joy took the stage and blessed all with their unique bluegrass sound, followed by the beautiful stylings of Crimson River. Soloist Andy Russell is wearing two hats these days as both smooth, mellow soloist and radio host at KNLP in Potosi, MO. The Heritage Boys’ southern gospel blend was awesome as usual and just great harmony. They were followed by Karen Carr whose country gospel style is honest, “gutsy”, and alone worth the price of a ticket. The evening was wrapped up by The Wallens, four sisters with beautiful harmony and a big live band to back them up…just good stuff.
Of note, former Kingsmen tenor, Garry Sheppard, of Oates, Missouri, was honored at his Homecoming with a MAGMA Lifetime Achievement Award in early September, and MAGMA would like to thank Garry, as well as all the Lifetime Achievement Award winners, for their contributions to the Southern Gospel Music heritage that we now enjoy.
Make plans to attend next year’s convention. You can find additional information on the Mid-America Gospel Music Association at the website, http://www.midamericgma.com .
Janice Crow
MAGMA Board
Author: SGN
| Author's Website: http://sogospelnews.com/
Written: 11/01/2007
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Category: Feature Articles
Comments: 3
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The MAGMA convention was great again this year. The awards were extra special during the convention. The DVD presentations were fun to be a part of and the gentlemen that received the awards were very worthy.
It was also great to be able to honor Garry Sheppard at his homecoming concert prior to the convention. Garry has been a great ambassodor for SG and our region.
I can't wait until next fall so we can do it all over again.
Gary O'Neal
Once again the convention was a huge success. The performers were absolutely on top of their game. The fellowship and kinship artists seemed stronger than in the past.
It was great to see our friends Gene Warren who recently went home with the Lord and his lovely wife Martha.
After the convention was over it was time to reflect on the whole weekend. I truly enjoyed the whole convention and consider myself blessed to be in an association with so many wonderful people.
I have enjoyed serving on the Board of Directors for the last 8 years and count it an honor to have served as President for the last 5 years.
I can't wait until next year. I don't know how it can get any better, but I've said that a few times in the past and somehow it just keeps getting better.
Randy Barron
am interesting in performing. I have written and recorded in Branson with Greg Grey and DK Brewster as con producer. I had a weekly show last summer Gospel music at a local Christian Book store and cafe. I enjoy spreading the Gospel with the love of playing and singin music for the Lord.
Let me know when next convention is?
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