Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

Road to the 2020 Diamond Awards

We are thrilled to announce the opening of the nominations for the 2020 Diamond Awards on Monday, February 3. Anyone, anywhere, can vote on their favorite gospel music artists. The Diamond Awards will be presented on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 during the Creekside Gospel Music Convention held at Pigeon Forge, Tennessee Oct. 25 – 30, 2020.

Rob Patz and Jan Goff at 2019 Diamond Awards

What are the Diamond Awards?

The prestigious Diamond Awards have a history of almost 30 years, recognizing the best in Gospel Music from coast to coast. The Awards began in 1991, hosted by Allen Smith and the Gospel Voice Magazine. Today, that same publication is known as SGN Scoops Digital Magazine, and both SGNScoops and the Diamond Awards are owned by Coastal Media Group and Rob Patz.

What are some of the categories?

Gerald Crabb at 2019 Diamond Awards

J.D. SUMNER LIVING LEGEND AWARD
This is a once-in-a-lifetime honor to recognize the living performer whom the fans feel has made the greatest contribution to Southern Gospel  music over a career spanning 25 years or more. Previous winners are not eligible to be nominated. Anyone from artists to industry professionals

Gerald Williams and Vonda Armstrong

can be considered.
Some of the past winners were:
2011: Gloria Gaither
2012: Ann Downing
2013: Squire Parsons
2014: Ed O’Neal
2015: Gerald Crabb
2016: Ronny Hinson
2017: Brian Free
2018: Gerald Williams
The 2019 winner was Eddie Crook.

Williamsons at the Diamond Awards 2019

MIXED GROUP OF THE YEAR
A group of any number with male and female vocalists. Must be full-time Southern gospel artists. Consider duets, trios, quartets, and families. As long as there is a mix of men and women (or boys and girls).
Some of the past winners were:
2014, 2015, and 2016: Karen Peck and New River

Karen Peck and New River at Diamond Awards 2014

The 2017, 2018, and 2019 winners were The Williamsons.

Triumphant Quartet accept 2017 Diamond Award

QUARTET OF THE YEAR 
A traditional group with four vocalists, featuring four-part harmony. Most often considered the male quartet category, broad ranges of styles can be seen in the list of past winners, but no Bluegrass or Christian Country. Must be full-time Southern gospel artists.

Gold City at 2016 Diamond Awards

Some of the past winners were:
2011 and 2012: The Gaither Vocal Band
2013: Ernie Haase and Signature Sound
2014 and 2015: Brian Free and Assurance
2016: Gold City
2018: The Kingsmen Quartet
The 2017 and 2019 winners were The Triumphant Quartet.

Who will you nominate? Stay tuned to this site as we continue the countdown to the 2020 Diamond Award Nominations!

For more Gospel Music news Read the latest issue of the SGNScoops Magazine HERE.

Diamond Awards 2019 to be aired December 27, 2019

Williamsons at Diamond Awards 2019

Atlanta, GA. (December 24, 2019) – WATC Television out of Atlanta, Georgia, will be airing the SGNScoops 2019 Diamond Awards celebration on Friday, December 27, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. The ceremony was held at Creekside Gospel Music Convention on Tues. Oct. 29, 2019, at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. This year’s awards honored industry veterans Eddie Crook, Jan Goff, Kenna Turner West, and Gerald Crabb, as well as newcomers Jessica Horton, Chronicle, Day 3, and Justified. “King Jesus” singers, Eagle’s Wings, swept the Bluegrass awards, winning all four categories.

Ken and Jean Grady of Gospel Music Today produced the 2019 Diamond Awards op

Patricia Mathis and her crew of WATC TV, Atlanta’s TV 57, recorded the 2019 Diamond Awards. Those outside of the Atlanta, Georgia viewing area can view it online at www.watc.tv.

Rob Patz and Jan Goff at the 2019 Diamond Awards

The Williamsons, The Dodrill Family, Mark209, Cami Shrock, The Pine Ridge Boys, and Josh and Ashley Franks, were a few of the artists on the Diamond Awards schedule. The program will re-air again in 2020 on the WATC network.

About WATC TV: WATC TV provides Atlanta with a mix of family, Christian and educational programming. It is known to viewers as the home of Atlanta Live and is seen over the air throughout the metro Atlanta market and also in over one million cable and satellite homes. WATC is the home of many original series and has been honored with numerous Angel and Telly Awards, as well as receiving its first EMMY in 2010. The station’s programming can be seen around the world via video streaming located on the WATC website at  http://www.watc.tv/

About SGNScoops: SGNScoops Digital is a fully-downloadable monthly magazine that exists to promote the gospel by unveiling what is intriguing and real about Southern Gospel and Christian Country music. SGNScoops offers music news and views as well as concert and book reviews, inspirational articles and features reaching beyond our gospel music world. SGNScoops is the home of the Diamond Awards, a fan-based annual awards program recognizing the best in Southern, Bluegrass, and Country Gospel music. For more information: http://www.sgnscoops.com/

Rob Patz: Happy Thanksgiving…or is it?

Rob Patz talks about Thanksgiving 2019

Publisher’s Point by Rob Patz for November 2019 SGNScoops Magazine

Can you believe that it is already November? This year has gone by so fast, with so many incredible events, so many new friends, and getting a chance to reconnect with old ones at the same time.

When we get to the month of November and Thanksgiving, I always try to take at least a few hours to reflect on how thankful I am for the opportunities that I have received. This year I was in more states and more events talking about the magazine I love and my passion for this music.

Even more than those opportunities, I am thankful for the old friends who continue their friendships, and the new relationships I’ve made.

I often think about the verse, Psalm 107:1 (NIV) “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”

Rob Patz and Vonda Armstrong at Creekside 2019

During this year I’ve dealt with several hardships, but I’ve always been reminded that we need to give thanks because God’s love endures all the time. Even in the midst of darkness in our life, God is there and his love endures in everything that we go through.

I know there are a lot of you out there who look at the holiday season as a time of sadness. For many of us, this year will bring a change in the norm of how our holiday will unfold. For me, this year will have a large void, as someone who I have celebrated the holidays with my entire life won’t be there. But I take heart and realize that at some point in the future I will be reunited and get to see them again.

Stephanie Kelley and her mom, Sharon Kramer

This year at Thanksgiving, it will not be like it has in the past, as Aunt Sharon will not be there to make her gravy. Aunt Sharon embodied a true servants heart to every person she touched. This holiday season for me and my family will be difficult but I realize that she would’ve wanted us to continue to celebrate and continue to serve those around us.

As we move forward into the holiday season, may I encourage you to find joy and to give even when it’s hard, realizing that although some things have changed, God’s love endures forever.

November 2019 SGNScoops Magazine

Hey, it’s never too early to start planning for 2020. We have multiple events happening next year and we will probably be in a state near you, so check our website for upcoming events at gospelmusicconvention.com

Of course, start making your plans now for Creekside 2020, October 25 – 29, in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. If you’d like more information, you can contact me personally at rob@sgnscoops.com or 360-933-0741.

Read more Gospel Music News in the latest SGNScoops Magazine Online HERE.

Download The SGNScoops Magazine PDF Here

Find SGNScoops Magazine On Facebook Here

Listen To Gospel Music Here

Throwback Thursday – Creekside 2016 with Mark209

Creekside Gospel Music Convention is coming up, on October 28th through 21st, in beautiful Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Today we go there for Throwback Thursday.

Here is a Throwback Thursday to 2016: MARK209 was singing outside the convention center. There is some outdoor music planned for this year as well.

At Creekside, there is something for everyone. There will be Daytime Showcases, Evening Concerts, Christian Country at the Creek , and Midnight Prayer, just to name a few.

Evening concerts

Throwback Thursday to Creekside 2016: Mark209

Creekside 2019 presented by Coastal Media

For more information on Creekside and other Coastal Events, please write to: events@sgnscoops.com or click HERE.

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

Listen To Todays Gospel Music Here

Justified Quartet will be Singing on the Square at Creekside

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee (October 3, 2019) — Creekside Gospel Music Convention, Pigeon Forge, has offered something new to its schedule every year, but this year, one of the most exciting additions is Singing on the Square.

This new event will occur on Monday, October 28th and Tuesday, October 29th, outside of the Smoky Mountain Convention Center. Two exciting artists will play outdoors in the afternoon, prior to the indoor evening concert. Singing on the Square will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., with Joy Holden as the first artist on Monday.

Creekside is thrilled to announce that on Tuesday, the Singing on the Square artists will be Justified Quartet. This male quartet from Flint, Michigan, is made up of Tim Caldwell, Mark Jacoby, Carl Ledford, and Dave Potts. They will be singing from their latest release, “Take a Stand.”

During the live performance of this quartet, there will be an outdoor dinner available for attendees. This dinner will be free to the first 100 fans that arrived for the concert.

Creekside 2019 and Singing on the Square are presented by Coastal Media and Coastal Events.

“I am so excited that Justified is joining the Singing on the Square concert series,” says Rob Patz, head of Creekside Gospel Music Convention and CEO of Coastal Events. “This is going to be a great new addition to the Creekside experience, and I’m so looking forward to the presentation of Justified Quartet during our outdoor concert and dinner. I invite all of our Creekside and Pigeon Forge friends to join us.”

Creekside Gospel Music Convention will be held from Oct. 27 – 31, 2019, at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The Creekside experience includes daily showcases, evening concerts, special speakers, and midnight prayer. Also, Christian Country at the Creek is being held simultaneously, from Oct. 30 – 31. Adding to the diversity of the musical offerings, there will be a bluegrass gospel music presentation on Wednesday, entitled Eagle’s Wings and Friends.

VIP tickets are still available for this event, along with a few rooms remaining in the preferred accommodations. For tickets and accommodations, call Rob Patz at 360-933-0741.

For more information on Creekside and other Coastal Events, please write to: events@sgnscoops.com or click HERE.

For more information on Justified, click HERE.

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

Listen To Todays Gospel Music Here

Christian Country at the Creek

Creekside Gospel Music Convention has several new and exciting events occurring during the week of music and fellowship in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, on Oct. 27 – 31, 2019. Running consecutively with Creekside is the inaugural Christian Country at the Creek.

Leslie and Dennis McKay of McKay Project and M.A.C. Records

Tuesday night, Oct. 30, after the 2019 Diamond Awards and evening concert, event goers will travel from the Smoky Mountain Convention Center, to the Creek Stone Inn, located less than one-half mile from the Convention Center at 4034 S. River Road. A fun $5 pizza party will begin at 10:30 p.m., ushering in the Christian Country at the Creek kick-off, featuring artists Jessica Horton, Tonja Rose, and the McKay Project.

Rob Patz and Gerald Crabb

Wednesday, Oct. 30, Christian Country at the Creek begins at 8:45 am at the Mill Creek, 2772 Florence Drive, with The McKay Project. On Thursday, Oct. 31, Gerald Crabb will begin the day of Christian Country. In these two full days of music, fans will hear over 30 artists,  such as: Bonita Eileen, Pardoned, Carol Barham, and more.

Jessica Horton and Tonja Rose

Each evening, concert goers will join with those at Creekside, to enjoy Southern, Bluegrass, and Country gospel music on one stage, at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center.

For more information on Christian Country at the Creek, Creekside Gospel Music Convention, the 2019 Diamond Awards ceremony, as well as accommodations and VIP tickets, contact Rob Patz at 360-933-0741, email events@sgnscoops.com, or click HERE.

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

Listen To Todays Gospel Music Here

Creekside welcomes Eagle’s Wings and Friends

Creekside Gospel Music Convention welcomes Bluegrass Gospel with Eagle’s Wings and Friends on Wednesday,  Eagle’s Wings will be joined by the Stevens Family Tradition, the East Ridge Boys, and the Family Sowell.

Creekside’s first all Bluegrass Gospel event will be held on Wednesday, October 30, 2019, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Showcase Hall.

Eagle’s Wings. Picture courtesy of Vonda Armstrong

The annual convention has long welcomed Eagle’s Wings as a favorite participant. This beloved family group will be joined by Brad Stevens and the Stevens Family Tradition, a relatively new band on the Bluegrass scene. The East Ridge Boys, Richie Rose, Fondo Fields, and David Taylor, from Lick Creek, Kentucky, will also be bringing some picking and grinning. The concert wouldn’t be complete without the Family Sowell. This family is based in Knoxville, Tenn., and presents high energy, acoustic music.

Stevens Family Tradition

Creekside encourages all bluegrass fans to make plans to join them for the best week of Southern, Country, and Bluegrass Gospel music, presented in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

East Ridge Boys

Held at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center, Oct. 27 – 31, 2019, Creekside presents music in a family atmosphere, morning through evenings, and ending with midnight prayer.

Family Sowell

For more information on Creekside and all Coastal Events, email events@sgnscoops.com or click HERE.

For Creekside VIP passes, accomodations, and more, call Rob Patz at 360-933-0741.

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

Listen To Todays Gospel Music Here

Rob Patz: What if I told you…?

Rob Patz. Picture courtesy of Penny Walters and Gloryland.

Publisher’s Point for September 2019 by Rob Patz

What if I told you…?

What if I told you that I never imagined my life would be exactly the way it is? I felt that I was going to do something completely different with my life, that I would be married, and that I would have kids. I’ll be completely honest: There are nights I have laid in bed and wondered what was wrong with me, and why it didn’t happen the way I wanted it to. But in the end I will tell you that I didn’t imagine this place, but God did.

What if I told you that everything you see on Facebook and Instagram and Twitter really isn’t what is happening? That people place so much in what they see and not what really is the truth?

What if I told you that every year in September when it’s my birthday, I reflect back on my life, and most of the time I’m not happy with any of it. That’s just the truth. Raw truth. I’m sure most of us can say that. As my mom used to say, “Hindsight is 20/20!” So, looking back on what decisions we’ve made during the year, or years past, they are easily dissected in the rearview mirror.

What if I told you that it took until this year for me to be comfortable in my own skin? For me to realize that God created me to be just who I am, for just his plan? I hate to admit it but I’ve always been one of those people for whom appearance was important. What other people thought and other people perceived about who I was, was something I worked on daily. I struggled with the thought that people saw parts of me that I didn’t want viewed. Over these last 12 months, I’ve come to realize that all the parts of me make up who I am, and I need to celebrate who God made me to be.

What if I told you that the blessings God gives you are not for you to keep, but for you to bless those that are less fortunate, whether that be through financial, or mentoring, or just an act of kindness? 

September 2019 SGNScoops Magazine

We live in a society now that stares at their phone more than they stare at their TV. To be honest with you, people spend more time looking at their phones, then they do interacting with other people. I’ve noticed this more and more as I travel. 

A week ago, I was sitting in a hotel breakfast room, which happens to be one of my favorites. I get to stay there at least once a month. On this morning, I looked around at the other people in the large restaurant area and I realized that no one was really talking except for a cluster of men in the corner, obviously headed off to do sales that day. But other than that, everyone in the room was staring at their phones. What if I suggested that you put the phone down and interact with those people around you? You may just change someone’s day.

What if I told you your dreams aren’t dead, or that they may have just taken a detour in your mind, but not in God’s? I’m amazed how many times in my life I have thought I had blown everything and that God couldn’t put back together everything that I had messed up. But it has been awesome to see how God takes all of the pieces and turns them into something incredible – a mosaic – beautiful, broken pieces put together into an incredible, beautiful picture.

Stevens Family Tradition, with Rob Patz and Vonda Armstrong

What if I told you it was not by accident that this month that you are reading my Publisher’s Point? What if I told you that God is working in your life in ways that you can’t even imagine, to bring you to the point of the dreams that you’ve always had?

Creekside 2019 presented by Coastal Media

I hope to see you next month in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, for Creekside Gospel Music Convention 2019, Oct. 27- 31, at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center. Contact events@sgnscoops.com for more information.

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

Listen To Todays Gospel Music Here

Creekside presents new Singing on the Square with Joy Holden

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee (August 19, 2019) — Creekside Gospel Music Convention has offered something new and different each year, but in this eighth year of gospel music presentation, there are many original features. One of the newest, most exciting additions is Singing on the Square.

Joy Holden is the first artist to open this new addition to Creekside. On Mon., Oct. 28, 2019, she will bring the music of Creekside out to the people of Pigeon Forge. Singing on the Square will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., outside of the Smoky Mountain Convention Center. Holden will perform with her live band, bringing her original music to the forefront of the Convention Center outdoor stage.

A seasoned musical veteran in the fields of pop and rock, Holden’s debut Christian album was released in 2017. Since that time she has been presenting her high energy, foot stomping music, blessing audiences across the country.

Creekside 2019 presented by Coastal Media

“I am so excited that Joy Holden is going to be initiating the singing on the square concert series,” says Rob Patz, head of Creekside Gospel Music Convention. “This is going to be a great new addition to the Creekside experience, and I believe Joy Holden is exactly the kind of artist to debut our outdoor concert and dinner. I invite all of our Creekside and Pigeon Forge friends to join us.”

Creekside Gospel Music Convention will be held from Oct. 27 – 31, 2019, at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The Creekside experience includes daily showcases, evening concerts, special speakers, and midnight prayer. Also, Christian Country at the Creek is being held simultaneously, from Oct. 30 – 31.

Rob Patz. Picture courtesy of Penny Walters and Gloryland.

VIP tickets are still available for this event, along with a few rooms remaining in the preferred accommodation. four tickets and accommodations, call Rob Patz at 360-933-0741.

Road to Creekside concert wrap

Bibletones. Picture courtesy of Penny Walters and Gloryland. Road to Creekside

On Saturday, August 17, Laurel, Mississippi, was the site for a concert dubbed, “Road to Creekside.” Featuring artists who are on the roster for Creekside Gospel Music Convention, a lot of great gospel music was thoroughly enjoyed by all who were in attendance.

Rob Patz. Picture courtesy of Penny Walters and Gloryland.

Rob Patz was the emcee for the evening, bringing his own flare to the proceedings. Live and in concert were: the Bibletones, Hope’s Journey, Eagle’s Wings, Gloryland, Charlie Lucas, and Hunter May.

Eagle’s Wings. Picture courtesy of Penny Walters and Gloryland.

“The people of Mississippi are awesome,” says Patz. “I had a great time. The music was terrific and the food was fantastic!”

Gloryland and Vonda Armstrong

Pictures shown were taken the night of the event.

Hunter May. Picture courtesy of Penny Walters and Gloryland.

For those wishing to see these artists live, as well as many others, Creekside Gospel Music Convention is slated for Oct. 27 – 31, 2019, at Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Gloryland and Rob Patz

Held at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center, events each day include showcases, seminars, chapel, nightly special features, midnight prayer, and more.

Hope’s Journey. Picture courtesy of Penny Walters and Gloryland.

New events this year include Christian Country at the Creek, Creekside Bluegrass, and Singing on the Square.

Charlie Lucas. Picture courtesy of Penny Walters and Gloryland.

For VIP Tickets and accommodations, contact Rob Patz at 360-933-0741.

Gloryland. Picture courtesy of Penny Walters and Gloryland.

For more information please visit the Creekside Facebook page HERE or contact events@sgnscoops.com.

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

Finale. Picture courtesy of Vonda Armstrong.

Eagle’s Wings. Picture courtesy of Vonda Armstrong.