Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

Two-Time Grammy Winner Jason Crabb to Perform at the Ark Encounter

Two-Time Grammy Winner Jason Crabb to Perform at the Ark Encounter

Huge New Answers Center at the Ark Welcomes Popular Gospel Singer

WILLIAMSTOWN, Kentucky (August 23, 2019) – The impressive new 2,500-seat Answers Center at the Ark Encounter Christian themed attraction will play host to Grammy award-winning Christian music vocalist Jason Crabb, Sept. 17 and 18, 2019, at 6 p.m. The high-tech center in Williamstown, Kentucky (south of Cincinnati), opened in April, and features excellent acoustics and a stunning 70-foot-long LED screen, which will enhance Crabb’s stage performance.

Crabb has been awarded two Grammys: in 2018 for his latest project, Unexpected, and in 2009 for his debut record. He has also been honored with 22 Dove Awards by the Gospel Music Association, including “Artist of the Year,” “Male Vocalist of the Year,” and “Song of the Year.” He will be performing with a band at the Answers Center.

For Crabb, coming to the Ark is something of a homecoming. He is originally from Kentucky. Crabb has performed on many of the world’s most prestigious stages, such as Carnegie Hall, the Grand Ole Opry, and during Billy Graham’s final crusade in New York City. His videos on-line have received over 20 million views, and his powerhouse vocals have endeared him to fans around the world.

Crabb, who toured the full-size Ark recently, stated: “The Ark and Answers Center are amazing and state of the art. The Center has a great sound. I can’t wait to sing in this wonderful new venue.”

Ken Ham, CEO of Answers in Genesis and the Ark Encounter said, “As a big fan of gospel music, I appreciate Jason’s music and message. He is known for an electrifying stage presence and powerful vocals as he sings praises to our God. What a great fit to have Jason, a Kentuckian and Bible-believer, perform at the Ark.”

Tickets for both performances are on sale now and range from $8.50 to $20.50, with a VIP pass offered that includes special seating and a meet and greet with Crabb and Ham. Seats are available at www.ArkEncounter.com/jasoncrabb.

Concert attendees can come early and tour the Ark and its beautiful grounds and newly expanded zoo, purchase a buffet dinner at Emzara’s Restaurant (which draws rave reviews from guests) , and then sit back and enjoy the 6 p.m. concert. Discount Ark Encounter admission is available for concert ticket holders: adults can purchase an Ark ticket for $39.95 (an $8 discount) when they present their concert ticket at the ticket window.

The Answers Center is the latest addition to the Ark Encounter attraction

Parking passes for the concert can be purchased for $10 standard vehicle and $15 oversized at the Ark Encounter ticket office. Parking is free, however, with a valid Kentucky, Ohio or Indiana driver’s license.

Answers in Genesis is an apologetics (i.e., Bible-defending) ministry based in northern Kentucky, near Cincinnati. In 2016, AiG opened the Ark Encounter, with a massive Noah’s Ark as its centerpiece, sometimes drawing 8,000-9,000 guests a day. The Creation Museum, 45 minutes away, has welcomed over 4 million visitors and has also become a major family attraction in the Midwest. For more information, visit www.answersingenesis.org.

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

Sneed Family Part Of Kentucky’s 100 Year Celebration

Sneed Family

Frankfort, KY- The Kentucky Governor’s office recently contacted the award winning Sneed Family with an invitation to be a part of the celebration taking place in Frankfort, Ky as they celebrate 100 years of life, service and history at the Kentucky Governor’s Mansion.

Several celebrations have taken place since the first of the year to commemorate this milestone year of the Mansion’s 100 years that included concerts, symposiums, art displays, receptions, garden parties, state dinners, lectures, and other historical/educational experiences. One of the things that Governor and Mrs. Beshear wanted to be sure to include on the list of events was a Gospel music concert.

The concert will take place on Sunday, September 21 in a large tent set up on the grounds of the Governor’s Mansion.

In addition to the Sneed Family other artist scheduled to appear are the Isaacs, Beyond the Ashes, His Heart Quartet, Marlana Vanhoose and Roy Webb. Kenny Bishop will lead the event and serve as host. Roy will be leading a house band to keep the evening moving along. Since Governor Beshear and his family used to sing in their own church many years ago, it is a possibility that they will get together again for a few songs.

The Governor’s Mansion will be open for walk-through tours before and after the concert for the public to enjoy along with getting to meet the Governor and First Lady. The Sneed Family being from the rolling hills of Kentucky are excited to be a part of their home-state celebration.

The Sneed Family will be taking a tour bus for those fans wanting to attend. The Bus Tour includes the concert, a tour of the Mansion and bus ride for $60.00 per person. There is limited seating and also limited time for those interested in the bus tour.

To be a part of this exciting event or book the Sneed Family for your event call the Sneed Family office at 270-678-3575 .

To learn more about the Sneed Family go to http://www.sneedfamily.com or https://www.facebook.com/sneedfamily .

Gospel Music FanFair Moves To Somerset, Kentucky

The Southern Gospel Music FanFair has seen much growth in a decade great concerts. SGM FanFair launched its inaugural event in 2005, in Chattanooga, Tennessee and then moved to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee in 2009. The following year, Wilds & Associates launched the Country Gospel Music FanFest, adding another week of music and even more variety for Gospel music fans.

Earlier this year, SGM FanFair and CGM FanFest was combined into one event so that Gospel music fans can now enjoy a variety of traditional and progressive Southern, Country, Bluegrass, Inspirational and Urban Gospel music at the new Gospel Music FanFair.

The week of Gospel Music FanFair will feature morning worship services, afternoon matinees, daily showcases, evening concerts and a talent search. Presented by Christian Voice Magazine, the Gospel Music Fan Awards program will be held on the final evening of the event.

The all-new six-day mega event premiers at the state-of-the-art theatre of The Center for Rural Development in Somerset, Kentucky on May 12th through 17th. The prestigious Center is located in the heart of the beautiful Lake Cumberland. The theatre is the crown jewel and showpiece of The Center, where some of the top names in music have performed including the world-renowned National Symphony Orchestra.

The Center offers on-site parking and plenty of nearby hotel accommodations for artists, vendors, and fans. Somerset offers the outdoor fun of Lake Cumberland, plus wide variety of shops, restaurants and attractions suitable for the entire family.

Wilds & Associates has announced yet another major change for this mega event. In honor of their 10^th anniversary event, no admission will be charged for general seating. While tickets are still required for artist circle seating, a recent vote among the Gospel Music FanFair Board of Directors resulted in a “no admission charge” policy for general seating. Instead, love offerings will be received each evening throughout the week.

Wilds & Associates president and CEO, Randall Wilds, states, “By choosing to operate on a love offering basis, we believe it will be more economically feasible for families to attend. We also believe that Gospel music fans are loyal and will support the event with their generous financial contributions. We feel great about this decision and we look forward to celebrating our tenth year with Gospel music fans and their favorite artists.”

Nearly 100 artists are scheduled to appear throughout the week, including The McKameys, The Dixie Melody Boys, The Freemans, The Greenes, Wilburn & Wilburn, The Hemphills, Phil Cross, The Roarks, Ann Downing, The Shepherds, John Lanier, Sunday Drive, Eternal Vision, and many more.

Everyone is cordially invited to join us for this special 10th anniversary event as we continue the tradition of Gospel music, fellowship and family fun – creating wonderful memories for years to come.

For more information, visit www.gospelmusicfanfair.com or call Wilds & Associates at 205-662-4826.

****Special Announcement: Christian Voice Magazine Gospel Music Fan Awards****

Christian Voice Magazine has merged their awards programs, formerly known as the Southern Gospel Music Fan Awards and the Country Gospel Music Fan Awards. The change was made to coincide with the new six-day Gospel Music FanFair event being held this spring in Somerset, KY and to accommodate a broader spectrum of Gospel music sub-genres.

The name of the awards program was officially changed to the Christian Voice Magazine Gospel Music Fan Awards. The program remains 100% fan-based, but Gospel music fans can now vote for their favorites from multiple progressive and traditional conservative sub-genres including Southern Gospel, Country Gospel, Christian Country, Bluegrass Gospel, Inspirational, Urban Gospel, and Worship.

Voting began in early February with the open nomination ballot where fans listed their choices in 25 categories. As a result, Christian Voice Magazine has just announced the top ten finalists for the 2014 Gospel Music Fan Awards.

Jason Crabb leads with nominations in eight categories. In addition to Favorite Male Vocalist and Favorite Crossover Artist, Crabb’s Love Is Stronger CD has been nominated for Favorite Album and his hit radio single, “What The Blood Is For”, is among the top ten for Favorite Song.

Following closely is Christian Country band Sunday Drive and rising male soloist, Michael Wayne Smith. These artists tie with six nominations each, including Sunday Drive’s nomination for Favorite Group and Smith’s for Favorite Soloist.

The Roarks and Tim Livingston come in together with five nominations each while Marty Raybon, Brian Free & Assurance, Ava Kasich, and newcomers Ashley Repass and Jesse Reece each nab four nominations. Karen Peck & New River, Triumphant Quartet, The Dixie Melody Boys, and The Parish Family all have multiple nominations as well.

Gloria Gaither, Archie Watkins and Gerald Wolfe are among the top nominees for Living Legend.

Awards will be given as winners are announced at the 2014 Christian Voice Gospel Music Fan Awards program on May 17, 2014, during the 10th annual Gospel Music FanFair at the Center for Rural Development’s Performing Arts Theatre in Somerset, KY.

To view the full list of top ten finalists and access the online ballot, visitwww.christianvoicemagazine.com

North Kentucky Campmeeting With Gerald and Adam Crabb August 11th, 12th, & 13th

Ripley, Mississippi {July 18,2013} The  Sherman Full Gospel Church will host the “North Kentucky Campmeeting 2013”  featuring award winning songwriter, Gerald Crabb and Adam Crabb of the internationally known group, the Crabb Family. The services will start at 7:00 PM on August 11th, 12th and 13th. Each night will include a time of praise and worship led by Adam Crabb, as well as singing and preaching.  Sherman Full Gospel Church is located at 3185 Dixie Highway in Dry Ridge, Kentucky.

Visit http://shermanfullgospel.com/ for directions to the church or call 859-428-2200. For information about Gerald Crabb, visit http://www.geraldcrabb.net/  and for more information about Adam Crabb, visit http://adamcrabb.com/.

Elam Donates a Portion from New CD Sales to Tornado Relief Fund

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA –  In the true spirit of Christian giving, Kentucky singer/songwriter Jessica Elam is making A Willing Sacrifice. A fresh new gospel voice from Kentucky’s Appalachian Mountains, Elam is donating a portion of the proceeds from sales of her new CD – A Willing Sacrifice –to a relief fund established to help the people of the community rebuild after a tornado destroyed towns, homes, and businesses on March 2.

“It’s the least I can do for the Appalachian community,” says Elam. “There but for the grace of God go I.”

The tornados, which began in Menifee County, Kentucky, travelled sixty miles across the state, and thirty-five miles into West Virginia. West Liberty, West Virginia, was totally wiped out by the tornado. The twister also damaged 3500 structures in Morgan County Kentucky alone…most of which were total losses. Elam’s hometown of Salyersville – about twenty-five miles from West Liberty – and Hager Hill in Johnson County Kentucky were also hit hard by the tornado. Jessica’s is still involved with the effort in helping out her friends and neighbors.

In addition to helping those affected by the tornado, Elam wants to spread the word about her heavenly new Gospel CD.

Deeply personal and inspirational, Elam’s music is all about life and love; hope and faith. A Willing Sacrifice is a mix of contemporary Christian pieces, a blend of Bluegrass and Southern Gospel styles. All of the songs on A Willing Sacrifice – the artist’s second release – were composed and are performed by Elam.

While Elam hails from the south, her music has universal appeal. One Nation Under God (America) – the third cut on the new CD – recently spent six weeks on JB’s Top Ten Indie Gospel Songs chart, where it was number one for a week.

“Having spent most of my life in the church, I was raised on Southern Gospel and Bluegrass Gospel,” says Elam. “While many things have changed in Kentucky, the music still rings loud and clear from that little Appalachian church my grandfather built over fifty years ago.”