Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

2015 Creekside Gospel Music Convention Wrap-Up

Freemans

November has arrived and with it the 2015 Creekside Gospel Music

Guardians

Convention! Held from November 2^nd through 5^th, it was a wonderful experience for all involved. We hope that those of you who attended are already making plans for next year. If you didn’t make it, keep watching the SGN Scoops and Creekside websites for all the details for the 2016 Creekside Gospel Music Convention!

There are so many people who contribute to Creekside, that it is

Hinsons

impossible to name them all. However, we will begin by thanking our wonderful artists who came and gave of themselves during the week. These artists include:

Jerry and Jan Goff

We were thrilled to welcome all of the special guests and surprise artists that entertained us at various events. The Lou Hildreth Honors Jerry and the Singing Goffs on Monday night as well as the 2015 Diamond Awards held on Tuesday night were arranged and produced by many who are associated with SGN Scoops. The Tuesday and Thursday Showcases were put together and hosted by Vonda Easley and Ava Kasich. On Wednesday, Jason Runnels and Hope’s Journey hosted a special reception for the Pine Ridge Boys, and we appreciate all who were involved with the administration and procuring the refreshments for it.

Creekside Honors Jerry and the Singing Goffs

From the Jam Sessions to the Evening Concerts to the Midnight Prayer services, so many people worked tirelessly to set in motion Creekside for this year, and you are all so valued and respected for your abilities and dedication.

SGN Scoops would also like to thank Patricia Mathis and WATC TV, Ken and Jean Grady of Gospel Music Today, the SGN Scoops Social Media team, all the volunteers and the staff of SGN Scoops who assisted in any way with the Convention.

The Sneed Family

This event was constructed prayerfully and thoughtfully, and after four years we can see the growth and the touch of God on Creekside. We are so thankful that He is part of our gathering and we pray He will always be an integral part of all that is done through Coastal Media, SGN Scoops and Creekside Gospel Music Convention. See you next year!

The Williamsons

Jerry and the Singing Goffs

Rob Patz and Vonda Easley

Mark209

The 2016 Creekside Gospel Music Convention will be October 31 through November 5 at Pigeon Forge, TN. Start making your plans today. Be sure to watch postings on the Facebook pages of SGN Scoops and Creekside for all the latest news!

Creekside Scrapbook: 2015 Diamond Awards

Jerry and Jan Goff

The 2015 Diamond Awards were held on Tuesday, November 3, as part of the 2015 Creekside Gospel Music

Rob Patz

Convention. Many artists and fans were on hand for the celebration of the best in Southern Gospel and Christian Country/Bluegrass. It was announced that next year, the Christian Country and Bluegrass awards would be given out during the Christian Country Expo, held during the summer at Pigeon Forge.

This year at the Diamond Awards, SGN Scoops was proud to welcome Dr. Jerry and Jan Goff as the emcees for the evening. The duo performed their duties with grace and humor and were warmly received.

We do not list all of the winners here…instead, we invite you to look for the December 2015 edition of SGN

Darrell and Chris Freeman, (back) Les Butler, Caylon Freeman

Scoops digital magazine for the entire list of recipients. However, you will recognize the winners that we were able to catch as they had their special moments, accepting awards and thanking the audience.

SGN Scoops is thrilled to be able to recognize the excellent talent within the realm of our industry. We will begin the nomination process for the 2016 Diamond Awards in January 2016.  Keep watching our website and

Freemans

Facebook page for more information.

We appreciate all who travelled to Pigeon Forge, TN for the 2015 Creekside Gospel Music Convention. As we enter into the last evening of singing, we are reflecting on the many things that the Lord accomplished this week and we want to thank all who attended and all who prayed for the event. Be watching the Creekside website and Facebook pages for more

Weston Hinson

pictures and information.

The 2016 Creekside Gospel Music Convention will be October 31 through November 3rd, 2015, at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, TN. Write it down now and plan t

HInsons

Johnny Minnick of Goodman Revival

Roger Talley, (back) Dixie Phillips, Sharon Phillips, Johnny Minnick

Guardians

Richard Hyssong and Pauline Patterson

Caylon Freeman and Vonda Easley

Chris Freeman

Noah Hinshaw

Vonda Easley and Jan Goff

o be with us all week!

2015 Creekside Gospel Music Convention Begins in Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is the home for the 2015 Creekside Gospel Music Convention. The Convention began today and runs through Thursday, November 5th at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center. Beginning this afternoon with a Jam Session, the Convention continues tonight with concerts and a special evening to honor Jerry and the Singing Goffs. This special night will end with Midnight Prayer.

Tomorrow the singing begins at 10am with Showcases, followed by a Jam Session and an evening concert. The 2015 Diamond Awards begin at 8pm followed by the Midnight Prayer.

For more information on Creekside Gospel Music Convention, visit the Facebook page and the website

Creekside is hosted by SGN Scoops digital magazine.

Jerry Branscomb needs our prayers.

Please say a prayer for Jerry. He was at work this morning and had a possible stroke. He has been admitted and is being checked out.

We at SgnScoops are all praying for complete healing for our friend. Will you join us?

SGN Scoops’ Fabulous, Frenetic Fun Fact Friday with the Hyssongs

Hyssongs

We are excited that the award-winning Hyssongs will be hitting the stage this year at Creekside! Dell, Susan and Richard have been traveling for 19 years as a full time family trio. They not only have energetic family vocal harmony, but also add in brass instruments (trumpet and trombone) to engage the audience. The group was awarded the Singing News Fan Award for 2014 Favorite New Trio at the National Quartet Convention in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Hyssongs at 2014 Diamond Awards

The Hyssongs’ songs are constantly hitting Southern Gospel radio charts. “I Was Blind, But Now I See,” reached number seven on the Singing News chart. The Hyssongs perform at more than 250 events each year, and this year we are proud to say Creekside is once again on their schedule. If you love family trios, you do not want to miss this spirit-filled group.

Thanks Hyssongs for being apart of this week’s “Fun Fact Friday!”

SGN: What is your most memorable moment on stage?

Hyssongs: Stepping onto the main stage at the 2014 National Quartet Convention for the first time and singing to 12,000 people was definitely a highlight and memorable moment for our family. It was the same stage we had received the Singing News fan award, “Favorite New Trio,” a few hours earlier that same day.

SGN: What draws you to the Southern Gospel music genre?

Hyssongs: We feel that Southern Gospel music touches people’s hearts like no other. Songs about God’s love, forgiveness, and His second coming, stir and challenge people and draw them to Christ. Southern Gospel music points people to their need for a Savior and encourages Christians to live a life that is honoring to God. There is no other genre that we would rather be singing.

SGN: What is your favorite Bible verse and why?

Hyssongs: Our family has two verses in Ephesians that would be our favorites. After Paul tells us to be controlled by the Holy Spirit of God, he continues in Ephesians 5:19-20: “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (KJV)

Two reasons for liking these verses are that the Bible tells us our singing and songs need be to the Lord. We don’t need to impress people; we need to please God. Secondly, we need to be a thankful people.

We are thankful and praise God for all things. We especially praise Him for allowing us to sing the greatest music in the world!

Don’t miss the Hyssongs‘ appearance at Creekside Gospel Music Convention!

Creekside 2015

There are still a few Creekside tickets remaining, but these must be reserved as soon as possible. Please make your plans to join us in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee on November 2nd through 5th at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center. Keep watching our website and Facebook page for more exciting announcements.

Jerry and the Singing Goffs to be honored at Creekside 2015

Tank Tackett, Jerry Goff, Bill Dykes

Pigeon Forge TN (October 13, 2015) – The 2015 Creekside Gospel Music Convention will host a very special evening on Monday, November 2nd. Lou Wills Hildreth will honor Dr. Jerry Goff and the Singing Goffs during the four-day event at Pigeon Forge TN, November 2nd through 5th, 2015.
Jerry and the Singing Goffs were well known for their great singing, songs that still are being sung today, and the communication excellence of Dr. Jerry Goff. One of best-known lineups was Jerry Goff, Tank Tackett and Bill Dykes. Other members included Barry Hess, Gary Buckles, Art Ross, Wally Goff, Bobby Howard, Gary Valentine, Dave Thomas, David Harvell, Dave Rowland, David Hoskins and Gene Jones, among others.They had several hits including “I’ll See You In The Rapture,” “Please Search The Book Again” and “I Am Blessed.” The most memorable part of their concerts was when Dr. Goff brought out his trumpet and thrilled the audience with his playing. Now it’s time to show our appreciation for his work in Southern Gospel music.

Jan and Jerry Goff

“Wow!” says Dr. Jerry Goff. “I was truly excited to learn about a night to honor The Singing Goffs at the Creekside Gospel Convention, but it’s also humbling to receive such honor from your peers. They are the ones who know you best.”
Lou Hildreth, part of the legendary Wills Family, says, “It gives me great pleasure to honor my longtime friends, Jerry and the Singing Goffs, on Monday night,  November 2nd at Creekside Gospel Music Convention in Pigeon Forge. Dr. Jerry Goff is known and respected by the Gospel music industry and fans as a great singer, an MC who set the banner high, a preacher of the gospel, a television legend and pioneer, a trumpet player who left us overwhelmed with the beauty of the

Lou Wills Hildreth

moment, a songwriter who expressed our deepest concerns, and a Godly man who consistently presented top talent as Jerry and The Goffs. We appreciate Creekside GMC for the opportunity to present this honor!”
“I am excited that Jerry Goff and The Singing Goffs are being honored during the Creekside Gospel Music Convention,” says Patricia Mathis, Vice President of WATC in Atlanta, GA. “I saw first hand how much the audience loved and were blessed by the music of Jerry and the group. I still remember the excitement and enjoyment of the audience when Jerry made his entrance from the back of the room to the stage by blowing the trumpet and shaking hands with those in attendance. I hope everyone will attend this wonderful celebration.”

Creekside 2015

Rob Patz, Publisher of SGN Scoops says, “We are so happy to host the Lou Hildreth Honors and to welcome Dr. Jerry Goff to Creekside. He and his group made inroads in Gospel music and a night to honor them is long overdue. We hope all of his friends, fans and family are able to travel to Pigeon Forge for this event.”
Creekside Gospel Music Convention begins November 2nd at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center. Daily showcases, jam sessions, nightly concerts and Midnight Prayer are all scheduled from Monday until Thursday. The 2015 Diamond Awards are held on Tuesday, November 3rd. Creekside tickets are free but must be reserved. For more information on tickets and lodging visit www.creeksidegospelmusicconvention.com or call Rob Patz at 360.933.0741. Free tickets are available at:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/creekside-gospel-music-convention-2015-in-pigeon-forge-tn-tickets-18436621431

Chuck Day inspires vocalist Kelly Coberly

Chuck Day and Kelly Coberly

Last month, the Christian Country Expo in Pigeon Forge welcomed a wealth of talent both new and seasoned! Chuck Day was on hand to receive the 2015 Christian Country Living Legend Diamond Award from SGN Scoops CEO, Rob Patz. Also appearing that week was Kelly Coberly, a Christian Country/Southern Gospel vocalist who is newer to the Christian music stage.

Kelly Coberly

Kelly tells us the experience was amazing.

As if appearing at the Christian Country Expo wasnt a big enough blessing in itself, the Wednesday evening concert turned out to be an even bigger blessing than I had imagined. As I was headed backstage to get my music queued up for my performance, I was stopped by one of the other artists. She said “Kelly, we were just talking about you.”  She then introduced me to Chuck Day, who wrote “Midnight Cry.” She said she had been telling Chuck about how I sang “Midnight Cry” at Tuesday’s showcase.

I had never met him before, and I didn’t realize that he was there, so when she introduced us, I was a little shocked and speechless. That evening, I had the honor of singing “MidnightCry” at the concert, with Chuck Day present in the audience. I have to admit, I was a little nervous and my voice was pretty shaky, but I was so honored to have such a wonderful opportunity. “Midnight Cry” is such a great song, and to be able to sing it for the writer himself was a moment I will never forget.

Soon after, Chuck took the stage to perform, and was presented with the 2015 Christian Country Living Legend Diamond Award.  Chuck stopped by my booth later and told me “Good job!”

The entire week was a blessing, and I am honored to have been a part of the event, but Wednesday night was so surreal for me, and a huge blessing and honor.

— Kelly Coberly

Chuck Day, Vonda Easley, Ava Kasich, Rob Patz during presentation of award

Chuck Day was among several well-known names at the Christian Country Expo, August 24-27, 2015. Other artists appearing included Chris Golden, Kevin Rowe, The McKay Project,  Tommy Brandt and Tommy Brandt II, The Schoefields, The Branscombs, Jim Sheldon, Lindsay Huggins, Tina Wakefield, Sharron Kay King, Robin Springs, Ava Kasich, Jan Harbuck, and more.

Creekside 2015

The next event at Pigeon Forge held by SGN Scoops is the 2015 Creekside Gospel Music Convention, November 2-5, 2015. Featuring many great Gospel artists and hosting the 2015 Diamond Awards, Creekside is a great vacation destination for those who love Southern Gospel music. For more information click here.

SGN Scoops’ Fun Fact Friday with the Griffins

The Griffins

Welcome to SGN Scoops’ Fun Fact Friday!

This week we are excited to announce that The Griffins will be attending Creekside Gospel Music Convention 2015. They are also our guests for Fun Fact Friday!

The Griffins are a Southern Gospel trio from Spartanburg, SC. The group has been ministering in churches, events, and festivals for many years. Tim and Angela bring much to the Southern Gospel industry; along with singing, they also are official representatives of Love A Child, Inc., a Christian humanitarian organization. Angela is also news director for Global Promotions.

Recently, The Griffins made some transitions and announced Lyn Westafer as their new soprano.

We are thoroughly excited to get to fellowship with all of them in November, and know they will bring joy to everyone’s hearts that hear them sing. Check out some fun facts about the trio below.

SGN: When did you realize your calling was to sing Southern Gospel music?

Angela Griffin: “I think I’ve always known that my calling was to minister in song. I have a rich heritage in Southern Gospel music. I have often said that my mom taught me the fundamentals of music and God filled me with the anointing. I can remember as a young child my parents standing me up in a chair to sing, just so the congregation could see me. Today, I’m in full time music ministry. I’m very thankful for the calling on my life. I love the lyrics, the music and the heart-felt messages in Southern Gospel songs. It just doesn’t get any better for me!”

Tim Griffin: “When I was a little boy I attended Whitney Free Will Baptist Church in the community where I grew up. I sang in our youth choir for many years and learned to play the piano during those years. One day my dad, who was related to Elmo Fagg, brought home a stack of Blue Ridge Quartet albums a mile high. I started playing the piano along with the albums and learned hundreds of quartet songs. One Sunday in 1975 we had a quartet coming to sing at our church homecoming. I went to church early so I could play piano while they were setting up sound. I knew they were in need of a piano player and I felt certain that if they heard me play, they would ask me to play for them and they did. I knew then this was the path that my life would take, being involved in Southern Gospel music either singing or playing piano.”

Lyn Westafer: “I was raised on Southern Gospel music, with folks like the original Kingsmen and Rex Nelon hanging out at my aunt and uncle’s, and everyone singing around the piano. The summer before my senior year in high school, Brock Spear called and asked me to come be their alto. I had just been elected as head cheerleader and being a typical teenager, opted to cheer instead of singing with the Spears. What was I thinking? I have known since college that my calling was in full time music ministry; to bring people to throne of Jesus through music. The Lord has graciously given me so many opportunities to do just that, like singing with Derric Johnson’s Re’Generation for a few years. I was in Contemporary music for a while and recorded under the Brentwood Music label; however, in 2006 I found myself back in the Gospel world and sang with the Rick Webb Trio. I am so excited to be singing the gospel with The Griffins and my family is thrilled that I’ve come home. God is good!”

2.) Who is your favorite gospel singer and why?

Angela Griffin – “I could never answer this question with just one person or group being my favorite. There have been so many artists that have touched my life through a song or testimony. If you had asked me this question when I was growing up, I would have said the Mighty Kingsmen Quartet hands down! I loved them and still do. I love Karen Peck and New River ending their program with, ‘My God Will Always Be Enough.’ Anything TaRanda Greene sings I love. What a talent and testimony she has. Nelons, Gold City, LeFevres, Collingsworth, Three Bridges, Brian Free and Assurance, Triumphant, Tribute, Ernie Haase and Signature Sound, The Bowling Family and… does it get any better than the Crabb Family? I could go on and on.”

Tim Griffin – “I would have to say my favorite gospel singer growing up was Janet Paschal; as a teenager there was just something about her smile that inspired me. She was a phenominal soprano singer and I loved the chemistry she brought to the group. I fell in love with the LeFevres and then of course The Rex Nelon Singers. When I got my driver’s license and had the chance I followed that red, white and blue MCI challenger all over North and South Carolina.”

Lyn Westafer – “I’m not sure I can answer that. There are so many that I love to hear and that I’m inspired by. When I watch the Gaither Homecoming videos, I am always drawn to Vestle and Eva Mae. They remind me of my aunt. They sound like her and look like her. I love the authenticity of so many of our Gospel artists, and it’s the realness that I love more than those incredible voices.”

3.) What other hobbies do you like to do when you’re not on the road?

Angela Griffin – “Like, Post, Comment, Scroll … Facebook! I love social media and promoting Christian artists. It’s a huge part of my job at Global Promotions, but it’s my passion so it never feels like work.”

Tim Griffin – “The only hobby I have currently is being a homebody. When I am home, I enjoy listening to Southern Gospel music and playing my piano. I also enjoy surfing You Tube and staying connected with old friends and family on Facebook. When you travel the country for 40 years, you have the opportunity to experience things that many people never experience. With that being said, it’s easy for home to become your hobby.”

Lyn Westafer – “I have two home businesses and I am a vocal instructor/coach. I love both. Aside from that, I really enjoy hiking, bike riding, and I love digging in the Word of God with my Strong’s Concordance.”

Thank you so much to The Griffins for being our guests today. We look forward to seeing them and all the artists at Creekside 2015, November 2nd through 5th. For more information on The Griffins, visit their website. For more information on Creekside, see the website or visit them on Facebook.

GOSPEL MUSIC LOVERS RETURN TO PIGEON FORGE FOR NQC

Thousands Set To Return for Seven Days of Concerts in Great Smoky Mountains Resort City

Pigeon Forge, TN – The attention of the southern gospel music industry will again be on Pigeon Forge, Tenn., from September 27 – October 3, 2015, when hundreds of performers and approximately 40,000 fans unite for the 59th Annual NQC (National Quartet Convention.)

“Coming off of our largest convention in 13 years, we are excited about what is in store for our second year in Pigeon Forge,” said Clarke Beasley, Executive Vice President.

J.D. Sumner, a gospel music legend and former backup singer for Elvis Presley, founded the NQC in 1957 in Memphis, co-producing it with James Blackwood. It later moved to Nashville and has been in Louisville, Ky., for 20 years.

Pigeon Forge, TN’s LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge serves as the home for the annual convention – a $45 million special events facility that opened in 2013. The center’s primary space will be configured for 11,000 seats for the NQC, with no seat more than 150 feet from the stage.

Featured artists are a “Who’s Who” of southern gospel music, and nightly concerts feature up to 20 acts. Among them are the Booth Brothers, Greater Vision, the Hoppers, the Kingdom Heirs, Triumphant and the Collingsworth Family, as well as prominent soloists such as Grammy Award winner Jason Crabb.

Special events during the week include the Singing News Fan Awards, a fan-voted program of Singing News Magazine, on Sept. 30, the keynote address by Dr. David Jeremiah on Oct. 2nd , the Cathedrals’ Family Reunion featuring several alumni of gospel’s most celebrated group on Sept. 30th and a Gospel Music Hymn Sing hosted by Gerald Wolfe on Oct. 3rd.

“We are excited about the enhancements we have made to the production this year including elevated seating and doubling the amount of large screens, and we are also excited about the improvements the LeConte Center has made to the acoustic environment of the Center with the installation of acoustical treatment on the walls. As much as our attendees enjoyed the event’s first year in Pigeon Forge, we are confident that they will enjoy this year even more,” said Clarke Beasley.

Admission information for 2015 concerts is available online at nqconline.com, by calling toll-free 800-846-8499 and at the door.

Visitor information about Pigeon Forge is available online at MyPigeonForge.com and by calling 800-251-9100.

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Dont forget to make your plans to return to Pigeon Forge TN on November 2 – 7 for the Creekside Gospel Music Convention and the 2015 Diamond Awards, at the Smoky Mountain Resort. Reserve your tickets today at www.creeksidegospelmusicconvention.com

Diamond Awards Top Five Nominees Announced

Diamond Awards Top Five Nominees Announced

Pigeon Forge, TN – Coastal Media and SGN Scoops are pleased to present the 2015 Diamond Award Top Five Nominees! The Diamond Awards began in January with fans nominating their favorite artists for each award from the Living Legend to the Favorite Album. From this comprehensive list, fans were asked to nominate their top ten for each category. Now, fans have chosen their top five nominees for each award and this list is presented below. Vote Here or below

Diamond Awards Top Five Nominees Announced

Fans are asked to go to the Diamond Award website to vote from this top five list for their favorite in each area. Voting ends for the Top Five on September 14, 2015. The 2015 Diamond Awards will be presented in a gala ceremony on November 3, 2015 at Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, during the Creekside Gospel Music Convention. More information on Creekside Gospel Music Convention can be found on their website or on their Facebook page, or contact Rob Patz at rob@sgnscoops.com.

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