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God Is Faithful: A Look At Arthur Rice of The Kingdom Heirs

Arthur Rice receives Lifetime Achievement Award at Creekside 2018

Since 1995, the powerful, soulful, and energetic voice of Arthur Rice has been an anchor in the signature sound of the Kingdom Heirs. Rice’s incredible lead vocals delight audiences all over the world. He has experienced great success in his career having been nominated for many industry awards. Rice also serves as the President of the Southern Gospel Music Association and a deacon at his home church FBC Sevierville.

Gospel Music has always been a part of Rice’s life.

“I’m the youngest of four kids and the only boy in my family,” relates Rice. “My dad sang in several quartets along with my mom and oldest sister even before I was born, so I’ve been around church and singing all my life. I started singing solos with my family when I was old enough to stand in a chair.”

It wasn’t long until the gospel group bug bit young Rice.

“Then I started playing bass guitar for my dad’s quartet when I was seven and sang lead for them when I turned 14. I went with a mixed group called the Gerald Payne Family when I was 18 and that was when Eldridge Fox heard me sing.”

Kingdom Heirs

Fox’s notice eventually led to Rice’s first major mainstream quartet position. Rice served as lead singer and bass player for the legendary Kingsmen Quartet from 1983 – 1989. It was a natural fit as Rice and his family were already acquainted with the group.

“My family had always been friends with the Kingsmen through Ray Dean,” explains Rice. “My dad’s quartet was the first group Ray ever sang in and we’re second cousins. A short time after being in concert with the Kingsmen, Foxy called and asked if I would be interested in singing with the mighty Kingsmen. That was in 1983. I was there till ‘89 and I left the road for a year to help take over my dad’s shop after he had a brain aneurysm. The Lord healed him and gave us many more years with him.”

Following his tenure with the Kingsmen, he sang with fellow Kingsmen member, Squire Parsons, for five years before joining the Kingdom Heirs, where he has remained for 22 years.

Rice cites many great groups and vocalists as inspiration for his own unique, recognizable sound.

“We had one gospel station in our area; my dad turned all the radios to it then pulled all the knobs off so nobody could change the station,” laughs Rice. “So about all I grew up listening to was gospel music. I loved it all, but I guess my biggest influences were the Kingsmen, the Inspirations, the Happy Goodmans, and the Statesmen. But, when I was around 16, I discovered Ronnie Milsap. Wow, what a voice and range.

“After my voice changed at 14, my mom found a voice teacher for me,” Rice continues. “She drove me the hour trip every week until I was old enough to drive myself. I took lessons for seven years. Mr. Brookshire was from Juilliard but unlike most teachers we talked to, he allowed me to sing gospel music instead of just opera. I’m very grateful that my mom believed in me enough to make that sacrifice.”

Rice’s incredible voice is featured on the newest CD from the Kingdom Heirs.

“Our latest album, ‘The Last Big Thing,’ is a great album full of incredible songs. It has two top-five songs already on radio and the title song was voted 2018 Song Of The Year,” says Rice.

This hit project also includes a new release that pulls on the heartstrings.

“Our latest radio single is ‘Heaven Just Got Sweeter.’ It’s written by Jerry Salley and Dianne Wilkinson. We were going in the studio to record tracks for the new album and we had already finalized our songs when Jeff’s dad passed away from bone cancer. Dianne sent me a copy of the song to just play for Jeff to encourage him, but after I heard it, I thought it would encourage a lot of other folks. Little did I know that in just short few months, how it would encourage me when I lost my middle sister from cancer in October 2017,” Rice shares.

This is the mission of Rice and the group as well. It is of the utmost importance to show God’s love, comfort and encouragement through their music.

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Creekside Diaries v3: Diamond Awards 2018

Diamond Awards 2018 at Creekside Gospel Music Convention

Tuesdays at Creekside.   If you’ve ever been here, you know exactly what that means without any further explanation.

Tuesdays at Creekside begin at 9:00 a.m. with music in the Showcase Hall, followed by the evening concert at 5:00 p.m., Diamond Awards, and Midnight Prayer. This year was no different.

At 9:00 a.m. Pastor David Mathis from Living Hope Free Methodist Church in West Unity Ohio, opened the day with prayer.  Pastor Dave has been a friend to many of the Creekside artists including Hope’s Journey, Southern Raised, Mark209, and Kristen Stanton.  

The morning was filled with a non-stop rotation of artists which lasted until approximately 2:00 p.m.

At 5:00 Scott Roberts and the 5 o’clock band hit the stage, playing some well-loved hymns and classic gospel songs which always gears up the audience for the rest of the evening. Tuesday night featured a lineup of great artists leading into a time of singing and preaching with C.T. Townsend and his wife Becky.

The atmosphere was electric and the crowd was talking well past the end of the evening about the message Townsend delivered.  The message was a great reminder that God has already blessed us with what we need, so when we feel like we have nothing left, we need to go take another look. And when we’ve done everything we can, we need not fear because God will step in.

For many in attendance, the highlight of  the evening were the Diamond Awards, hosted by Dr. Jerry Goff and Jan Buckner Goff.  

Gloryway Quartet, who won the Sunrise Quartet of the Year, were asked to open the awards show with some singing.  Justin Crank from Gloryway reported that it was an honor just to be asked to be part of the Diamond Awards.

“We didn’t think we had a chance at winning.  We just want to give God glory first and a thank you to all of our fans and family for their love and support,” said Crank.

Winning multiple awards were the Jordan Family Band with the Sunrise Song of the Year,  “This is the Day;” the Gospel Music Today Video DVD of the year, and the Sunrise Award.

Eagles Wings also took home multiple awards with the Bluegrass Gospel Song of the year, Bluegrass Gospel Female Artist of the Year, and Bluegrass Gospel Male artist of the year.  

Also walking away with awards were:

The Children of the Promise –Sunrise Trio of the Year

The Williamsons — Mixed Group of the Year

C.T. and Becky Townsend – Duet of the Year

The Kingsmen—Quartet of  the Year

HighRoad – Christian Country Song of the Year

Vic Clay  — Publisher’s Choice Award

Jeff Stice – Anthony Burger Instrumentalist of the Year

Chainbreaker (Triumphant Quartet) — Song of the Year

Gerald Williams – JD Sumner Living  Legend Award

Gerald Crabb – Dottie Rambo Songwriter of the Year

Lottie Squires —  Paul Heil Award for Broadcasting

Robert York—Mountaintop Industry Award

The evening closed out with Exodus leading Midnight Prayer, once again centering on how prayer changes things.  God has met with us in this place. And it’s not over yet.

By Kristen Stanton

Special to SGNScoops Website

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Creekside Diaries V2: Arthur Rice, Revival Choir and Prayer

Creekside 2018: Dr. Jerry Goff and SGNScoops honor Arthur Rice with Lifetime Achievement Award

THE CREEKSIDE DIARIES – Volume Two, Monday, October 29, 2018, by Kristen Stanton.

Another fantastic day here at Creekside is in the books!  At 9:00 a.m. artists began pouring in the Smoky Mountain Convention Center for booth set up.   The buzz was still in the air as these artists were prayed up and ready to do ministry throughout the week.

Here is what happened at night:

4:30 doors open
5:00 Scott Roberts and 5 o’clock band
5:20 MARK 209
5:25 Dodrill Family
5:37 Day Three
5:49 Gloryland Qt
6:01 Debbie Bennett
6:13 Epps Family
6:25 Gospel Truth Trio
6:37 Tonja Rose
6:49 The Riders
7:01 (Featured Group) Sacred Harmony
7:21 Chordsmen Qt
7:33 The Griffins
7:45 (Featured Group) The Coffmans
8:05 Offering
8:10 Dr. Jerry Goff and SGNScoops honor Arthur Rice
8:40 The Pine Ridge Boys
9:00 Ezekiel’s Call
9:12 Red Back Sing Closeout….

Ministry begins not when an artist steps on the stage, but ministry begins the minute the doors are opened.  We believe that every person who walks through the door of the Convention Center is important. The needs that they have are important.  The hurt that they are feeling is important. And THAT is why we sing — to tell them that we may not have all the answers, but we know a God who does.

It seems as though the message I heard so often today was about prayer and how it changes things.   I heard the message about how God sees every tear that falls. The message resonated with me. I don’t know if anyone else noticed it or not, but God has a way of arranging a program to do the work He has for that day.   The Epps Family sang a song tonight called God Still Answers Prayer — a powerful message for the masses — and a message that the Creekside family truly believes. We saw that same message carry forward into Midnight Prayer where we heard how prayer has changed lives.

9The singing was phenomenal –from the spotlight on the Smoky Mountain artists all the way through the Red Back Hymnal sing.   But the power of God showed up through that one simple word – PRAY. God hears our prayers and He WILL answer us. God has started a work here at Creekside.  

And God WILL finish it.

By Kristen Stanton

Creekside 2018 opens with quartet-filled Kickoff Concert

Creekside Kickoff Concert 2018

Creekside Diaries, volume one: Sunday, October 28, 2018

By Kristen Stanton

The air is buzzing with excitement here in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Cars and buses are pulling into the Smoky Mountain Convention Center ready for a big week here at the Creekside Gospel Music Convention. 

People are greeting each other with hugs or shouts from across the parking lot and it’s clear that “We Are Family” is more than just a slogan – it’s a feeling.  

Now in its seventh year, this event has taken on an identity different from anything else in the industry.    

Packed full of singing and special events, this year kicked off with a bang with Quartet Night. The Pine Ridge Boys, The Chordsmen, and Common Bond Quartet sang to a standing room only audience that left the crowd excited for the Monday night concert. The capacity crowd filed in when the doors opened at 6:30 p.m. and stayed until the last note was sung.

The spark is in the air – and if you’re here, you can feel it. The pastor at church this morning reminded us that God’s presence changes everything. The three quartets that sang tonight certainly ushered in the presence of God.

Is revival starting?  Maybe. I can’t wait to find out!

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Southern Gospel News Podcast – “Talks About Creekside”

Southern Gospel News Podcast, or SGNP was started back in April of 2018.

Host, Darien Southerland  talks with Rob Patz about Creekside.

Darien Southerland’s energy is plumb contagious, and its no secret his true passion is Southern Gospel Music. He got his start working with Salem Communications back in the 90’s, and started his own advertising agency, BG AD Group in early 2000’s.

Listen HERE

Throwback Thursday- Arthur Rice- Kingdom Heirs

Arthur Rice to be honored by Dr. Jerry Goff at Creekside 2018 

Monday Night at Creekside Gospel Music Convention, We will be honoring Arthur Rice.

Here’s some things you may or may not know about Arthur.

Scott Roberts and The FIVE O’clock Band Return To Creekside 2018

SGNScoops is pleased to welcome Scott Roberts and the Five O’Clock Band to the seventh anniversary of Creekside Gospel Music Convention 2018! Combining the talents of skilled Gospel artists, Scott Roberts and the Five O’Clock Band will appear every afternoon on stage in the Smoky Mountain Convention Center, Pigeon Forge, October 29th through November 1st.

To ensure fans receive the best seats at each showcase , evening concert and artist appearance as well as the gifts, Creekside is offering VIP badges for only $25. Order yours today by contacting Rob Patz at 360.933.0741. VIP passes also ensure entrance to the 2018 Diamond Awards,  presented on Tuesday evening, October 30th, 2018.

Don’t forget to reserve your hotel rooms too!  For reservations call Rob at 360.933.0741 .

Creekside Audience Asked to Give Back to Hurricane Michael Relief Collection

Creekside will be collecting donations for devastated areas such as Marianna, Fla. courtesy of Angela Marie Parker

Pigeon Forge, Tenn. (October 20th, 2018) — Creekside Gospel Music Convention has often given its audience a chance to give back to the community during Christian music festival. This year, Creekside is asking those who make the trek to Pigeon Forge, Tenn., for the four-day event Oct. 28 – Nov. 1, to think of their neighbors when they pack their suitcases.

Creekside 2018

By now everyone has heard the accounts, and viewed the photographs, of the devastation that Hurricane Michael left in its wake as it cut a swath through the coastal towns of the Florida Panhandle and the Gulf Coast.

Angela Parker of Mercy Rain

Angela Parker, of gospel artists Mercy Rain, grew up in one of the hard-hit areas of Florida, and is spearheading efforts to gather toiletries from the concert goers at Creekside. Items will then be shipped to the areas of need. Creekside attendees are asked to bring small items for donation to drop off at containers that will be available at each entrance.

Marianna, Fla. courtesy of Angela Marie Parker

“I just wanted to help them all and this is a way to help,” says Parker.

Suggested items include:

Food — small packages whenever possible, non-perishable.  Examples:

• Doritos
• Nature Valley Granola Bars
• Crystal Light drink mix
• Lance  Toast Chee  Peanut Butter Crackers
• Apple Sauce packs
• Lays Chips
• Mac and Cheese
• Cookies
• Anything  light-weight and boxed that can be mailed easily

Toiletries – personal sizes wherever possible. Examples:

• Toilet Paper
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrushes
• Soap
• Hand Sanitizer
• Paper Plates
• Paper Towels
• Deodorant
• Tampons & Pads
• Tissue
• Clorox wipes
• Baby wipes
• Diapers
• Formula (powder mix)
• Chapstick
• Sunscreen
• Hand Lotion
• Shampoo
• Conditioner

***Remember: Everything is going to be shipped, so the items need to be light-weight and easy to mail.

Rob Patz, director of Creekside, says, “I’m excited about Angela’s suggestion of this Hurricane Michael Relief Collection. It seems like a great way to give back to areas that have been hit so hard by the hurricane. I love it when our artists and audience can join together in reaching out a hand to others. In my opinion, it just confirms the fact that #WeAreFamily.”

For more information on this Hurricane Michael relief collection, please contact Angela Parker at angelamparker77@gmail.com.

Creekside Gospel Music Convention is a four-day event held annually at Pigeon Forge, Tenn., at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center. Daytime showcases, evening concerts, midnight prayer and special events are held daily. Come and experience the preaching of CT Townsend. Dr Jerry Goff will be honoring Arthur Rice of the Kingdom Heirs, and the 2018 Diamond Awards will also be held during this week of gospel music. For more information on Creekside, contact Creekside director, Rob Patz, at rob@sgnscoops.com.

Come to Creekside and discover why we say #WeAreFamily.

Only days away: Creekside Gospel Music Convention 2018

Creekside 2018

The 2018 Creekside Gospel Music Convention is going to be an exciting event with great music, preaching and showcases for all who enjoy good gospel music. Creekside runs from Oct. 28 through Nov. 1 at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Tickets are free but must be reserved at creeksidegospelmusicconvention.com.

The Nelons at Creekside 2017

The festivities begin with the Creekside Kickoff Concert, presented by SGMRadio and WPIL 91.7. Featuring the Pine Ridge Boys, this year’s event will host all quartets, with the Chordsmen Quartet and Common Bond Quartet.

Creekside 2018

This evening’s free event begins Sunday, Oct. 28 at 6:00 p.m., at Mill Creek, located at 2772 Florence Drive, Pigeon Forge, Tenn., 37863.

2nd Annual Smoky Mountain Gospel Showcase

On Monday, the day begins with the Second Annual Smoky Mountain Gospel Showcase, held on Oct. 29, 2018, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., featuring local east Tennessee artists.

Angela Marie of Sevierville, Tenn. is the host for this showcase. The Smoky Mountain Gospel Showcase will be held at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon Forge and tickets are free.

This year’s showcase artists will include: Angela Marie, Bishop Curtis Manning, Leonard and Joyce Repass, Faithful Promise, Rescued, The Cokers, and Glory Bound. Be sure to arrive early for a good seat to enjoy the authentic sounds of the Smoky Mountains.

Beginning Monday and continuing through Thursday, the free Creekside evening concerts will begin at 5:00 p.m., with Scott Roberts and the Five O’clock Band.

C.T. Townsend at NQC. Photo by Chip Woods. C.T. Townsend will also be appearing at Creekside Gospel Music Convention Oct. 28-Nov.1

Creekside has announced the addition of special guests to their roster. C.T. Townsend will be preaching at various times throughout the week. This young, vibrant preacher will be ministering from the main stage as well as during the day.

Dr. Jerry and Jan Goff will also be at Creekside all week and will host many of the events.

Dr. Jerry and Jan Goff

Dr. Goff has announced that Arthur Rice, lead singer of the Kingdom Heirs, will be honored with a special award on Monday, Oct. 29, during the evening concert. The SGNScoops Jerry Goff Lifetime Achievement Award presentation ceremony will feature stories, songs and people from Arthur Rice’s journey in gospel music. Family and friends are invited to join the Creekside audience as Rice is saluted by Dr. Goff and other gospel music personalities.

Jordan Family Band

Creekside 2018 will feature a great variety of gospel music artists to satisfy every musical taste. Musical guests will include the Jordan Family Band, Mark209, the Williamsons, the Pine Ridge Boys Quartet, Hope’s Journey, Eagles Wings, the Connells, and many other great artists during the week.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, midnight prayer will be happening at 12:00 a.m. in the lobby of the Smoky Mountain Convention Center. This event is open to artists and all attendees.

On Tuesday, the daytime showcases begin at 9:00 a.m. Many of the artists appearing in the evening will also be on stage in the morning,  giving listeners the opportunity to hear their favorites more than once this week.

Jason Crabb at Creekside accepting Diamond Award

In the evening, celebrate the 2018 Diamond Award winners, as the top five nominees find out who has been chosen as the best in each category. The Diamond Awards are known for hosting special guest artists and presenters, along with surprise industry personalities.

Alabama Quartet Convention

This year the Alabama Quartet Convention (ALQC) Road Revival is coming to the Creekside Gospel Music Convention, on Wed., Oct. 31, from 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. The event will be headlined by Barry Rowland and Deliverance and will also showcase other ministries. Admission is free.  

The Browders

Wednesday night, Creekside favorites, the Browders, will be the special guests. Many of your favorites will also perform that evening. Don’t miss the last midnight prayer, occurring in the hotel lobby.

Eagle’s Wings

Thursday, Nov. 1 will begin with the daily showcase at 9:00 a.m. The afternoon will feature the Eagle’s Wings No. 1 Party, 3:00 p.m. at the showcase hall.

On Thursday, the Dunaways will be a special part of an evening filled with more great music.

If fans are making plans to travel to Pigeon Forge for the first time, they should take note of this comment by Rick Brock of Mercy Rain: “2017 was my first Creekside appearance.  It was at the start of the day and artists and people were just starting to come into the booth and concert area. The gentlemen who was behind the curtain separating the two aisles was playing his guitar and singing a song to pass the time.  I started to join singing harmony with him with the curtain still closed. Soon I pulled back the curtain so that we could see each other and introduce ourselves. I had never really got to meet him before this time.

Mercy Rain

Truthfully, our harmony was sounding really good. We would ask each other, do you know this song or do you know that song? If he did, he would play it on his guitar and we would both start to sing. Later, we had other artists from other nearby booths come over and join in. We were so enjoying ourselves that we failed to notice that several people had stopped by our booth to listen. They were so enjoying that mini impromptu concert where we were just enjoying singing and fellowshipping with one another. That set the tone for me for Creekside and I look forward to this coming year. That is what makes Creekside family – with a little front porch singing.”

Sheila Blackwell says, “Looking back to attending the first year of Creekside (2012) , I was so impressed with everyone involved that I too wanted to help it be an ongoing and successful event.  I talked with Rob Patz and the next year I became a volunteer. Every year since, the event has grown. So has the need for volunteers, thus I have coordinated a team to help annually. Blessings abound at this event; groups and people come and go, and the singing gets better and better. It is a blessing to know that  people are getting saved during the services. That’s why we do what we do. Hope to see everyone again this year.”

Creekside is offering a VIP bracelet for only $25 for the week. This will provide entry into the preferred seating at each event, includes a Creekside gift bag each night, as well as other select surprise events. VIP bracelet can be ordered by calling Rob Patz at 360-933-0741.

Convention headquarters Creekside 2018

Convention headquarters is in the Ramada Inn which is adjacent to the Smoky Mountain Convention Center. However, accommodations are disappearing quickly, so those planning to attend should make their reservations now. Call and reserve your hotel room at 360-933-0741.

Creekside Gospel Music Convention 2018 tickets can be reserved by visiting creeksidegospelmusicconvention.com. Group accommodation specials may still be available. For more information on tickets, lodging and special VIP tickets, contact Patz at 360-933-0741.

Good News With Josh Hughes… Talks about Creekside 2018

Rob Patz, Vonda Easley and Donnie Williamson appeared on “Good News With Josh Hughes” this morning to talk about the upcoming Creekside Gospel Music Convention.

Vonda Easley states, “I was honored to be a guest on the show. Josh does an excellent job in spreading good news and Creekside Gospel Music Convention is a great place to share the good news of Jesus Christ.”

“We are so excited to have so many talented artists this year”, adds Rob Patz.

Watch the show below: