Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

Louisville, KY – The 55th Annual National Quartet Convention officially kicks off on Sunday evening in Louisville at the Kentucky Fair & Expo Center. The event is expected to bring more than 40,000 people to the city for Southern Gospel Music’s largest event. A Sunday evening concert serves as the official kick-off for the week, as The Hoppers, The Booth Brothers and Greater Vision will be featured in a 6:00pm concert in East Hall.

This year’s Convention, which runs from September 9 through 15, features the best recording artists in the world of traditional, harmony-oriented Southern Gospel Music. This year over 500 exhibitors will be on display in an exposition spanning 175,000 square feet on the grounds of the KFEC.

Throughout the week-long event, attendees will enjoy great music from early morning through late night. One of the many highlights of this year’s Convention will include the return of the Male Quartet Night on Wednesday evening. Over the years the National Quartet Convention has grown to encompasses duets, trios, quartets and even choirs; however, the Convention returns to its roots on Wednesday evening when the evening line-up in Freedom Hall will feature the four-part harmony of many of Gospel music’s most prominent quartets.

On Wednesday, multi-award winning recording artist Marty Raybon and Full Circle will headline the bluegrass Gospel music that will be featured during the Bluegrass Pickin Jamboree. Legendary singer/songwriter and multi-Grammy winning recording artist, Bill Gaither will appear on the stage in Freedom Hall multiple times throughout the week, as he will again host the Gaither Vocal Band Reunion, reuniting members of his multi-award winning vocal group, honoring the group’s 30-year history. Present Gaither Vocal Band members will also take to the stage in Freedom Hall on Friday during the evening program. Gaither will also host the Friday afternoon Sing-Along, featuring a 100-voice plus choir of Gospel music legends and popular newcomers. On Saturday afternoon, multiple grand pianos will fill the stage in Freedom Hall during the Parade of Pianos Showcase featuring Gospel Music’s favorite pianists, performing individually and together. Also on Saturday, several of the most popular Christian artists will pay tribute to one of the industry’s greatest producers, Lari Goss, as they celebrate the Man Behind The Music.

In addition to the great music featured during daily and evening concerts, the event will also feature prominent keynote speakers, including Dr David Jeremiah, who will be featured on Friday morning in the East Hall of the KFEC.

Seats for all Showcases and evening concerts are available by calling 800-846-8499 and will also be available beginning Sunday in the North Wing Lobby of the Kenturcky Fair & Expo Center. A complete schedule of events set to take place during the 2012 National Quartet Convention, including performers and speakers scheduled to appear, may be obtained online at www.nqconline.com.