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Mississippi State Quartet Convention

By Missy Kinchen, MSQC history provided by Jason Oxenrider

Many regional groups gather with anticipation to the annual Mississippi State Quartet Convention (MSQC), in a friendly little town called Purvis, Mississippi at the Lamar County Community Shelter Building. The idea of a Convention started when Jason and Pam Oxenrider, after going to the National Quartet Convention, thought it would be nice to have something like this closer to home. They dreamed of a Convention where groups, friends and those eager to hear gospel music could come and bless others with their God given talents.

Jason and Pam, who are siblings, prayed about this idea and talked with their father and mother, Barry and Beverly Oxenrider about what they desired to make happen. The excited parents were in agreement with them, and after years of prayer and preparation, held the first MSQC in 2000. The mission statement for MSQC is: “Win the lost and encourage the discouraged, with the atmosphere of praise and fellowship”.

The first MSQC was at The Lamar County Rodeo Arena in Purvis, MS., starting as a one-day event held on a Saturday in October. Over the next two years, a day was added, so by the third year, the Convention was a three-day event. After three years of holding the convention in a dirt floor rodeo arena, the decision was made to move the convention to central Mississippi, an indoor venue.  The convention would then be held over the next six years at The Neshoba Co. Coliseum.

It was during this time that the decision was made to move the Convention from the Fall to the Summer, making it easier for families with kids in school to attend a three-day Convention. After six years in Philadelphia, Ms., with most of the groups being from Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama, a decision was made to move closer to the Hattiesburg, Ms. area. Finally MSQC would move to its current location, The Lamar County Community Shelter Building in Purvis, Ms. After 15 consecutive years, many now look forward to this annual June event.

Approximately 30 groups attend each year. Some groups have had chart success in both Christian Voice Magazine and Singing News Magazine.  In years past, national artists such as Triumphant Quartet, The Bowling Family, The Talley Trio, Mark Trammell Quartet, The Perrys, The Dove Brothers Band, The Anchorman, and others have participated. This year the MSQC welcomed artists such as The Omega Quartet, The Paul Family, One More Road, Chronicle and Southern Heritage.

Starting on Thursday, groups perform in a Gaither-Style Homecoming sing-along, with a live band and choir. In the past this time was themed to give tribute to groups such as The Kingsmen and others. This year MSQC honored The Hinsons. Envision a large choir, along with a live band, playing and singing the greatest hits from these gospel legends. The audience is quick to recognize these familiar gospel tunes.

Friday morning at MSQC, starts with a devotional time for any of the ladies desiring to be involved. Mrs. Beverly Oxenrider conducts this study time. Meanwhile, the men go for a time of fellowship and golf. On Friday afternoon, there is an awards ceremony, in which artists and supporters of the convention have selected their favorites, along the lines of The Singing News Fan Awards and NQC Awards. After the ceremony, all of the groups will sing until around midnight.

Saturdays at MSQC, the festivities begin with morning showcases. The first showcase is a Bluegrass Pickin’ session, followed by The MSQC Band Jam. MSQC is blessed with several great musicians from Bluegrass to Southern Gospel. The last morning showcase is known as Battle of The Quartets, a fan favorite.  All of the quartet group members come on stage and sing the great quartet songs.  There is a mix and match ofmembers from different groups to sing songs and you just never know what to expect during this showcase. This adds excitement, from singers to the audience. By early afternoon on Saturday, the concerts begin and all groups perform until late that night. MSQC ends on Saturday night with the grand finale, where all the groups meet on stage to sing the last song or hymn of the night, then ending with a prayer.

Afterwards, sad that it must come to an end, the groups begin to pack up. They say their goodbyes and reminisce about the last three fun filled days of gospel music, fellowship, and most importantly, praise to The Lord. Groups and audiences leave the convention saying that “their cup is filled” and groups are encouraged to keep on doing what they do.

Next year’s Mississippi State Quartet Convention is scheduled for June 11-13, 2015, in Purvis, MS. at The Lamar County Community Shelter. RV sites are available onsite. For more information visit: www.msqca.com  or call 601-466-4343.  See updates for MSQC on Facebook also, at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mississippi-Quartet-Convention/112756678740409 . (Article written by Melissa Kinchen, MSQC history provided by Jason Oxenrider.)

SGNScoops Magazine Presents Today’s Gospel Music Volume One

SGN Scoops, your destination for the latest in Gospel music news and information, is pleased to present SGNScoops Magazine Volume One…great new music from some of your favorite artists. Hear cuts from Creekside Gospel Music Convention artists like Ava Kasich, Clayton Watson, Faith’s Journey, Hope’s Journey, Lindsay Huggins, Omega Quartet, Page Trio, The Steeles, The Williamsons and Tina Wakefield. You will be blessed and your heart will be touched by the music on this album. Get your copy today!

Omega Quartet Achieves First TOP 80!

Omega Quartet

“Love Worth Dying For,” written by John Lemonis, reaches straight to the heart of every listener. It’s a confirmation that Jesus loved us so much that it was worth the pain of the cross. I guess you could say it’s a new way to look at John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down his life for his friends.”

It’s really not a surprise to Omega Quartet. “When we heard the song, we knew it was going to change lives,” states Kevin Harry of Omega. “We are honored that God allowed us to be the ones to sing it.”

“Love Worth Dying For” is number 66 on the Singing News Top 80 chart for July 2014. The song is on Morris Music Group March Comp Disc. I am honored to work with this Quartet! You can find out more about them at http://www.omegaquartet.com/

Written by Vonda Easley, MMG Radio Promotions

Morris Music Group signs OMEGA Quartet

Morris Music Group is proud to announce the newest addition to their family of artist, Omega Quartet. Based out of Dahlonega Georgia, Omega Quartet is the first all male quartet signed to the Delta Sky division of Morris Music Group. Omega Quartet was formed in 2008 and has quickly garnered many honors in a relatively short time. “Omega Quartet is a great addition to MMG,” stated Kelly Morris, owner of Morris Music Group. “Producer Darren Morton and I are looking forward to working with this talented young group. Their dedication to ministry and perfecting their craft will win them new fans in southern gospel music.” Omega is set to begin their new project with producer Darren Morton of Gat 3 Midsouth in the upcoming weeks. Omega members include: tenor – Doug Pittman from Dahlonega, GA; baritone – Cody McCreary from Hartwell, GA; bass – Rick Walls from Myrtle Beach, SC; and lead – Kevin Harry from Dallas, GA. Visit www.morrismusicgroup.com or www.omegaquartet.com for more information about Omega Quartet.

OMEGA Trio becomes OMEGA Quartet!

Dahlonega, GA -(10-25-2013) OMEGA Trio becomes OMEGA Quartet!
On the very recent heels of hiring Kevin Harry as their new lead singer, OMEGA prayerfully made the decision to become a quartet!

After several discussions, a close friend of the group called with a name and a huge recommendation. Phone calls were made and an audition weekend was scheduled. It only took one sound check singing a few songs and the group knew they had found the right man for the job.

OMEGA is pleased to announce that Rick Walls will be the new bass singer for the group. Rick is no stranger to Southern Gospel. He sang bass for the Grand Strand Gospel Hour at the Gatlin Bros Theatre in Myrtle Beach, and most recently toured with the Holy City Quartet. Jeff Chapman of the Kingdom Heirs states, “I think Rick is a fine bass singer and will be a great addition to Omega”.

“I’m very excited about the opportunity the Lord has given me to minister with the three anointed men from Omega. Their passion and desire to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ is something that I am looking forward to being a part of for many years to come”, says Rick.

Doug Pittman, group owner, says “Rick is the full package! His enthusiasm and love for the Gospel is evident in all that he does. Not only does he have a great bass voice, he also has a heart for people. This partnership between Rick and Omega is perfect and God ordained. He sees eye to eye with our mission: to spread the love of God through His word in music.”

Rick will make his first official appearance with the group at the Creekside Gospel Music Conference October 28,2013.

For more information about OMEGA, visit them at www.omegaquartet.com