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Avenue Trio is singing songs along every mile

Recently, I had the opportunity to catch up with an up-and-coming trio in Atlanta when they were in town to tape Gospel Music USA at WATC TV. Avenue, based out of Nashville, Tenn., is climbing the radio charts across the country.

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Formed by Kasey Kemp, a name known to many in gospel music, Avenue records on the Song Garden Label. Their current project, “Songs For Every Mile,” includes the radio singles, “One Of These Mornings” and “Reach the World,” the latter which was originally recorded by the Bishops. 

“We sang (“Reach the World”) 20 years, four times a week, (for) many years,” says Mark Bishop. “(I’m) proud Avenue has put their touch on it and recorded it.”

Kemp was a member of Naomi and The Segos for several years, as well as with the Toney Brothers, and Allegiance. In Avenue, he is joined by Jacob Lagesse who sings lead, and Corey Lackey, on tenor. 

Lagesse and Kemp sang together in Allegiance, and they met Jacob through their pastor, Steve Hurst. Steve Hurst and Gary Casto helped Kemp create Avenue. 

“We are passionate about the Gospel and music,” says Kemp. “We believe music is a great avenue in which to share the gospel. Plus, those of us that are born again are on the avenue to heaven.”  

Avenue recently made their first appearance in Akron, Ohio, opening their concert with the popular gospel song, “The Heavenly Choir.” 

Kasey Kemp

Kemp is pleasantly surprised at the reception Avenue has received. “We choose songs that everyone is familiar with and that we feel would work together well on stage,” says Kemp. “Our first project was meant to be nothing more than a table project; meaning no radio releases. However, when it was complete, we felt it deserved more than (being) just a piece to sell on our table. We sent ‘One Of Those Mornings’ to radio and it topped out at number 23.” The song was on national charts for two months.

Kasey is the oldest member of the group. He is married to Haley and they have two children, Avaline, age two, and Autry, four months old. Growing up, Kemp was influenced by the Cathedrals. He took private vocal, piano and trumpet lessons as a child, and also went to the Steve Hurst School of Music. Avenue’s audiences are blessed when Kemp brings out his trumpet during their performance on stage. 

Corey Lackey

Lackey, 24, is a college student who is majoring in business management. Being from Wayne, Michigan, Lackey has been influenced musically by a trio with its roots also in Michigan, the Booth Brothers. The group’s tenor has great support in his career from his parents, sisters and brother.

Jacob Lagesse

Lagesse, 22, just graduated from Trevecca University in Nashville, where he studied music business and performed in school musicals. He likes to spend his time off at the beach or at a baseball field. When asked about special memories at university, Lagesse says, “Not sure on embarrassing college moments, but one of my highlights was getting to perform on the Grand Ole Opry stage.” His experiences have seasoned both his vocals and performance ability.

All three artists in this group are ready for this moment that God has brought them together to be his avenue to share his love to the world, including the audience of WATC TV. Avenue’s “Gospel Music USA” episode is scheduled to air July 27.  

WATC TV has taped over 200 episodes of “Gospel Music USA” with more than 80 artists and airs on numerous stations across the nation. It airs in the Atlanta area on Saturday afternoons at 2:30 p.m.(EST)., and is also available on the internet at www.watc.tv. 

This powerful trio’s strong vocals are sure to put them on the charts often and to grace stages across the country. Find out more about Avenue at avenuetrio.com 

By Robert York

First published by SGNScoops Magazine in June 2019

For more Gospel music features read the latest SGNScoops Magazine HERE.

Avenue Trio announces changes

Avenue

Kasey Kemp of Avenue Trio recently announced changes to the group through a video on the group’s Facebook Page.

Avenue Trio is losing Corey Lakey from the singing lineup. June 9, 2019, was the last engagement for Lackey, who has been with the group from the beginning. The tenor confirmed that he is stepping back from singing but will still be very much involved with gospel music, as well as continuing his involvement with the Steve Hurst School of Music.

Corey Lackey

Kemp has confirmed that Riley Harrison Clark will be temporarily filling in for the trio, as they continue to audition vocalists for this position.

For more information on this powerful gospel music trio, click HERE.

Avenue released their first album, “Songs For Every Mile,” one year ago. Spokesman Kasey Kemp is an ordained minister and has been involved with Southern Gospel Music for 17 years. The trio records with Song Garden Music and is booked by the Dominion Agency. Avenue can also be found on Twitter, Instagram and other media outlets.

Read the May SGNScoops Magazine Online HERE

Allegiance Trio Announces New Tenor Singer

Corey Lackey joins Kasey Kemp and Jake Sammons of Allegiance Trio

Nashville, TN (January 4, 2017) –Allegiance Trio is excited to announce big changes for 2017. Corey Lackey has been named to the position of tenor singer.

“Corey is ready to step up. He brings a charisma to our ministry that will be exciting to watch,” said Kasey Kemp, spokesman of the group. “We have formed a strong team and God is growing us. Allegiance Trio is positioned for the doors that are opening,” Kemp continued.

Lackey, 22 years old, joined the Trio after relocating to Nashville from the Detroit, MI area. Previously, Lackey has been serving the group as the road manager and providing sound engineering.
“I am thrilled that Kasey and Jake are providing this opportunity. I have traveled many miles with these men and know that their hearts burn to sing. Standing beside them every night will be a distinct honor,” Lackey responded.

Allegiance Trio further announces the “Time to Sing” Internet video program. Under the direction of Jake Sammons, the program features Southern Gospel artist testimonies that drive them to sing. The interviews provide a poignant view into the lives of these individuals.

Allegiance Trio is comprised of three men who combine their voices for one purpose, to align themselves to honor God with one voice. Along with Kemp and Lackey, Jake Sammons sings baritone and writes much of their music.

The acclaimed Wayne Haun and Nick Bruno skillfully produced the music for the Trio’s newest project, It’s Time To Sing. Gus Gaches directed the project under Song Garden Records label. Allegiance Trio has plans to release the next single from the project soon.

To keep abreast of news from Allegiance Trio, watch for their new website or click on their site on Facebook.

For more Gospel music news click here.