Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

SINGING IN THE SOUTH SHOWCASES FACEBOOK LIVE ONLINE STREAMING CONCERT SERIES

With the current state of gospel music given the COVID-19 virus and the “Stay At Home” social distance mandates, a partnership was formed to showcase select artists, their music and ministries with Singing In The South Concerts.

WOTG Radio Network, Simonis Productions, Classic Artists Music Group, along with Singing In The South Concert Series, invited some of today’s southern gospel artists for a special Facebook LIVE concert series. The LIVE STREAMING concerts starts April 17 with Charlie Griffin and Second Chance Ministries as the first weekend guests. The concerts are slated to continue through May 2020. The concerts may be extended based on the “Stay At Home” mandates issued by local and state governments.

The Chordsmen Quartet

Most concerts will be on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:00 pm EST hosted by Andrew Brunet of Singing In The South. Brunet’s love of gospel music is unmatched. With his regular duties as host of multiple radio programs and podcasts, he promotes gospel concerts and artists in the Carolinas. Each artist concert promises to be filled with lots of music, laughs and energy.

Charlie Griffin

Current artists confirmed for this special Singing In The South Internet concert series includes:

April 17 – Charlie Griffin

April 18 – 2nd Chance Ministries

April 24 – Derek & Jana Simonis

April 25 – Chordsmen Quartet

April 30 – Ben Waites

May 1 – Inheritance

May 2 – Mark Dubbeld Family

May 8 – The Sheltons

May 9 – Pine Ridge Boys

May 15 – Diplomats

May 16 – Jay Humphreys Trio

Each ONLINE LIVE STREAMING event will be one hour showcasing music, testimonies, a Q and A session with each artist and will have lots of artist fun. A special donation link will be set up to support the various music ministries with information links to their websites and social media options.

Derek Simonis

Derek Simonis of Simonis Productions will be engineering the production of this once in a lifetime concert series. His background in gospel music includes extensive work in web and graphic design, full time performance with Liberty and as a working partner with Classic Artists Music Group. Simonis shares, “We are excited to be part of this special LIVE STREAMING concert series. With the Corona life style changes, this allows us the opportunity to share some great talent, ministries and just to present Jesus to so many people.”

Classic Artists Music Group’s Charlie Griffin states, “With COVID-19 our social habits are changing. But the message of Christ and the Good News has not changed. So, we are working to use our tools to reach more people. From our music family we will be introducing some new music family members and just sharing the best gospel music possible. I am excited at this opportunity and look forward to reaching more people with Christs life changing message.”

WOTG Radio Network will broadcast the Facebook LIVE STREAMING ONLINE events on their radio network of music channels. Up to nineteen channels will be airing this special concert series.

After the ONLINE concert performances, each special event will be archived on YouTube with each artist and/ or partnering vendors.

For more information on this concert series contact Singing In The South at 803-374-4069 or Classic Artists Music Group at 704-552-9060.

Participating partner links:

WOTGRadionetwork.com

SimonisProductions.com

ClassicArtistsRecordsllc.net

Classic Artists Records releases Pine Ridge Boys “Creekside Live!”

Charlotte, N.C. (April 13, 2020) –  Classic Artists Records releases a milestone DVD-CD recording from the Pine Ridge Boys this spring. This recording celebrates the group’s 57 continuous years of singing quartet gospel music.

“Creekside Live!” was recorded in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, during the kickoff concert for the annual Creekside Gospel Music Convention. The intimate concert welcomed Creekside VIP fans, Pine Ridge family and fans from the southeast, with gospel music D.J.’s and promoters in the mix. 

Jean Grady of Gospel Music Today

Classic Artists Music Group’s Charlie Griffin states, “Creekside LIVE is incredible. The music, emotion and worship shared between the Pine Ridge Boys and the concertgoers is contagious. The response has been exciting from young and old alike. And you would expect nothing less from this heritage quartet.”

PRB manager Larry Stewart exclaims, “Over the years, my Dad (Jim Stewart) and Charles Burke recorded many studio projects, but the quartet had never recorded a project like this. This recording captures that special energy and spirit that only happens with friends when sharing the love of gospel music and its message. It was a great night and a concert to remember.”

Creekside promoter Rob Patz shares, “Larry and the guys have stood with us since the first Creekside convention in 2012, and we were thrilled to be their venue for this historic event. From the very beginning I have looked forward to this recording. The Pine Ridge Boys are some of my favorite people. I cannot wait to re-live the evening.”

The recording team from Gospel Music Today captured the Creekside LIVE concert.

Ken Grady of Gospel Music Today

Ken Grady says, “We are big fans of the traditional quartet sound and we love working with the Pine Ridge Boys. In Rhode Island, there is a blind fan that receives an audio cd of the GMT syndicated television program. After featuring the live version of the Pine Ridge Boys’ “Wine Into Water,” on the program, he called. The first thing he wanted to talk about was the Pine Ridge Boys. His excitement confirms;  the Pine Ridge Boys concert that night is exceptional.”

The audio-video recording features a live version of the group’s current studio radio release “Wine Into Water.”  A total of fifteen songs filled with worship, quartet convention singing and just pure fun with special Creekside friends makes this concert recording a treasure for years to come.

The DVD and CD are separate units and are available at any Pine Ridge Boys appearance, through Springside Marketing, or from PineRidgeBoys.com.  

For more information on the DVD – CD release contact at ClassicArtistsRecordsllc.net. For artist interactions with personal management by Larry Stewart, call 864-473-8849 or visit PIneRidgeBoys.com.  

Happy Thanksgiving from Classic Artists Music Group

Happy Thanksgiving from the Pine Ridge Boys

2019 Thanksgiving Thoughts from the Classic Artists Music Group family.

THE PINE RIDGE BOYS:

The Pine Ridge Boys are thankful for the many blessings that God has given us. We saw tragedy turn into a newer bus. We have seen lives changed through a song. We are blessed over and over again, too much to mention.

Notice that in Psalms 118 it starts with this verse and ends with the same thing:

Psalms 118: 1 O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: because his mercy endures forever.

Psalms 118: 24 This is the day which the Lord hath made; we rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalms 118: 28 Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee.

Psalms 118: 29 O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endures forever.

We don’t say this lightly, but we are grateful for what God has done in our own lives.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Sheltons

THE SHELTONS:

This year has been a joyous and blessed year for the Sheltons. We are blessed with family and friends that have been with us every step of the way. We have met so many wonderful people in our travels and concerts. This year we count every mile a blessing as we have seen God touch people through our songs. Since 1959 that has been our mission; to be a blessing with our songs. But today through our songs you bless us with your prayers, support, encouragement and friendship. Thank you!

Happy Thanksgiving from Charlie Griffin

CHARLIE GRIFFIN:

This year I am more aware of how fluid life can be. Our family and traditions are different with the passing of Mom and others in our family. Today, I hold family and friends a bit closer and relish the moments we share. We laugh and play harder; we truly make memories to cherish. In my music and shared word events, I appreciate those who take time to come visit with me. I appreciate their love, friendship, support and encouragement. In my daily journey, I find more blessings than I deserve from God’s saving grace, forgiveness and mercies to having my needs and even desires met in real time. Jeremiah 29:11 holds true on this journey. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Happy Thanksgiving from The Chordsmen Quartet

THE CHORDSMEN QUARTET:

We are so thankful for the grace, love and mercy that God has bestowed upon The Chordsmen Quartet in 2019. We have seen folks saved and blessed through our ministry. He has touched us all in our families,  our health and given us the opportunity each day to proclaim the good news of Jesus in song. Our prayer is: “God, hide us behind the cross, so that you can be seen in everything we do.”

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

Please help the Pine Ridge Boys

Pine Ridge Boys

The Pine Ridge Boys need your help. They wrecked their bus on May 18, 2019, and have been making do, while working with insurance and different types of transportation.

Anne and Larry Stewart of the Pine Ridge Boys

Today, bass singer and group manager, Larry Stewart, is celebrating the birthday of his wife, Anne. This lovely lady isn’t asking for anything for herself, rather, she is asking for help for the Pine Ridge Boys.

“Yes, today (June 11th) is my birthday. I’m thankful for all the calls and texts but what I would really love is for you to make a donation to the Pine Ridge Boys Quartet Bus Fund.”

Pine Ridge Boys bus

A Go Fund Me account has been set up to help the group obtain transportation. The site itself, set up by Mark Cash, says, “As many of you may already know we wrecked our bus several weeks ago. Over the years many have said, ‘If there is anything we can do to help you, please let us know.’ Well, we are letting you know. We are going to have to replace our bus. The damage was enough for the insurance company to total it. We did have insurance on the bus, but with it being a 1979 model, the insurance money that we are going to receive is not enough to buy another bus. We are asking for help. The Bible tells us in Matthew 7:7 ‘Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.’ We are asking you to help us pray about our needs. To help us get another bus would you also be willing to make a donation to bus fund?…”

For the rest of the story, as well as to donate and/or share the link, go to this link HERE

Thank you for helping our friends, the Pine Ridge Boys. You will enjoy their music at the 2019 Creekside Gospel Music Convention, Oct. 28 – 31, at Pigeon Forge, Tenn. For more information about Creekside, the 2019 Diamond Awards, VIP tickets and accomodations, call Rob Patz at 360-933- 0741.

Pine Ridge Boys Will Recording First Live DVD At Creekside 2019

Pine Ridge Boys

The 2019 Creekside Gospel Music Convention is now in its eighth year at Pigeon Forge, Tenn., held Oct. 27 – 31.  On Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, the Pine Ridge Boys and Chordsmen Quartet will be kicking it off in style, as the Pine Ridge Boys will be recording their first live CD and DVD during the Sunday night concert.

Mark Cash with Larry Stewart

“Recording a live project is something my Dad wanted to do, but never did,” said Larry Stewart of the Pine Ridge Boys, which were founded in 1963. “The group never recorded a concert (to be released) to the public all these many years. So, when Classic Artists Records began discussing the possibility of a live recording, everything just seemed right. The project will honor Jim Stewart (my Dad), Wayne Shuford, Miles Cooper, Charles Burke, Darius Shuford and all Pine Ridge Boys members over the years.”

Charlie Griffin

Classic Artists Records’ Charlie Griffin stated, “The interaction between concert goers and the Pine Ridge Boys is personal. Their concerts are filled with positive songs and energy, touched with laughter and words of encouragement. That relationship can only be captured on a live recording. We feel the Pine Ridge Boys are able to share that excitement every time they take the stage, whether church or a concert venue.”

Rob Patz

“I’m so excited that the Pine Ridge Boys have chosen to shoot a live video at our Creekside Kick-off concert,” says Rob Patz, owner of Creekside Gospel Music Convention. “It’s their very first live DVD and an event not to be missed. Larry and the guys have stood with us since the first Creekside convention in 2012, and we are thrilled to be their venue for this historic event.”

Ken and Jean Grady

Classic Artists Records and the Pine Ridge Boys are collaborating with Gospel Music Today for the recording. “We are looking forward to working with one of our favorite quartets at one of our favorite gospel music events: Creekside Gospel Music Convention,” Gospel Music Today’s Ken Grady stated. “Opening night always draws a great and enthusiastic crowd and we are looking forward to this night and project.” Wise Choice Promotions, led by president Lori Wise, will be handling all audio interactions with conventional radio, satellite, internet, podcasts and pay on demand medium.

The Chordsmen

Creekside Live! will be recorded at the Mill Creek Conference Center, located at 3785 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863-3813. The Creekside Gospel Music Convention offers Bluegrass, Country and Southern gospel afternoon music showcases, evening concerts, and the Diamond Award presentations. For more information on the Creekside Gospel Music Convention and the 2019 Diamond Awards ceremony, as well as accommodations and VIP tickets, contact Rob Patz at 360-933-0741.

Reference links:

Creekside Gospel Music Convention- www.CreeksideGospelMusicConvention.com

Pine Ridge Boys- www.PineRidgeBoys.com

Classic Artists Records- www.ClassicArtistsRecordsllc.net

Wise Choice Promotions- www.WiseChoicePromotions.com

Gospel Music Today- www.GospelMusicToday.com

Only days away: Creekside Gospel Music Convention 2018

Creekside 2018

The 2018 Creekside Gospel Music Convention is going to be an exciting event with great music, preaching and showcases for all who enjoy good gospel music. Creekside runs from Oct. 28 through Nov. 1 at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Tickets are free but must be reserved at creeksidegospelmusicconvention.com.

The Nelons at Creekside 2017

The festivities begin with the Creekside Kickoff Concert, presented by SGMRadio and WPIL 91.7. Featuring the Pine Ridge Boys, this year’s event will host all quartets, with the Chordsmen Quartet and Common Bond Quartet.

Creekside 2018

This evening’s free event begins Sunday, Oct. 28 at 6:00 p.m., at Mill Creek, located at 2772 Florence Drive, Pigeon Forge, Tenn., 37863.

2nd Annual Smoky Mountain Gospel Showcase

On Monday, the day begins with the Second Annual Smoky Mountain Gospel Showcase, held on Oct. 29, 2018, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., featuring local east Tennessee artists.

Angela Marie of Sevierville, Tenn. is the host for this showcase. The Smoky Mountain Gospel Showcase will be held at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon Forge and tickets are free.

This year’s showcase artists will include: Angela Marie, Bishop Curtis Manning, Leonard and Joyce Repass, Faithful Promise, Rescued, The Cokers, and Glory Bound. Be sure to arrive early for a good seat to enjoy the authentic sounds of the Smoky Mountains.

Beginning Monday and continuing through Thursday, the free Creekside evening concerts will begin at 5:00 p.m., with Scott Roberts and the Five O’clock Band.

C.T. Townsend at NQC. Photo by Chip Woods. C.T. Townsend will also be appearing at Creekside Gospel Music Convention Oct. 28-Nov.1

Creekside has announced the addition of special guests to their roster. C.T. Townsend will be preaching at various times throughout the week. This young, vibrant preacher will be ministering from the main stage as well as during the day.

Dr. Jerry and Jan Goff will also be at Creekside all week and will host many of the events.

Dr. Jerry and Jan Goff

Dr. Goff has announced that Arthur Rice, lead singer of the Kingdom Heirs, will be honored with a special award on Monday, Oct. 29, during the evening concert. The SGNScoops Jerry Goff Lifetime Achievement Award presentation ceremony will feature stories, songs and people from Arthur Rice’s journey in gospel music. Family and friends are invited to join the Creekside audience as Rice is saluted by Dr. Goff and other gospel music personalities.

Jordan Family Band

Creekside 2018 will feature a great variety of gospel music artists to satisfy every musical taste. Musical guests will include the Jordan Family Band, Mark209, the Williamsons, the Pine Ridge Boys Quartet, Hope’s Journey, Eagles Wings, the Connells, and many other great artists during the week.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, midnight prayer will be happening at 12:00 a.m. in the lobby of the Smoky Mountain Convention Center. This event is open to artists and all attendees.

On Tuesday, the daytime showcases begin at 9:00 a.m. Many of the artists appearing in the evening will also be on stage in the morning,  giving listeners the opportunity to hear their favorites more than once this week.

Jason Crabb at Creekside accepting Diamond Award

In the evening, celebrate the 2018 Diamond Award winners, as the top five nominees find out who has been chosen as the best in each category. The Diamond Awards are known for hosting special guest artists and presenters, along with surprise industry personalities.

Alabama Quartet Convention

This year the Alabama Quartet Convention (ALQC) Road Revival is coming to the Creekside Gospel Music Convention, on Wed., Oct. 31, from 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. The event will be headlined by Barry Rowland and Deliverance and will also showcase other ministries. Admission is free.  

The Browders

Wednesday night, Creekside favorites, the Browders, will be the special guests. Many of your favorites will also perform that evening. Don’t miss the last midnight prayer, occurring in the hotel lobby.

Eagle’s Wings

Thursday, Nov. 1 will begin with the daily showcase at 9:00 a.m. The afternoon will feature the Eagle’s Wings No. 1 Party, 3:00 p.m. at the showcase hall.

On Thursday, the Dunaways will be a special part of an evening filled with more great music.

If fans are making plans to travel to Pigeon Forge for the first time, they should take note of this comment by Rick Brock of Mercy Rain: “2017 was my first Creekside appearance.  It was at the start of the day and artists and people were just starting to come into the booth and concert area. The gentlemen who was behind the curtain separating the two aisles was playing his guitar and singing a song to pass the time.  I started to join singing harmony with him with the curtain still closed. Soon I pulled back the curtain so that we could see each other and introduce ourselves. I had never really got to meet him before this time.

Mercy Rain

Truthfully, our harmony was sounding really good. We would ask each other, do you know this song or do you know that song? If he did, he would play it on his guitar and we would both start to sing. Later, we had other artists from other nearby booths come over and join in. We were so enjoying ourselves that we failed to notice that several people had stopped by our booth to listen. They were so enjoying that mini impromptu concert where we were just enjoying singing and fellowshipping with one another. That set the tone for me for Creekside and I look forward to this coming year. That is what makes Creekside family – with a little front porch singing.”

Sheila Blackwell says, “Looking back to attending the first year of Creekside (2012) , I was so impressed with everyone involved that I too wanted to help it be an ongoing and successful event.  I talked with Rob Patz and the next year I became a volunteer. Every year since, the event has grown. So has the need for volunteers, thus I have coordinated a team to help annually. Blessings abound at this event; groups and people come and go, and the singing gets better and better. It is a blessing to know that  people are getting saved during the services. That’s why we do what we do. Hope to see everyone again this year.”

Creekside is offering a VIP bracelet for only $25 for the week. This will provide entry into the preferred seating at each event, includes a Creekside gift bag each night, as well as other select surprise events. VIP bracelet can be ordered by calling Rob Patz at 360-933-0741.

Convention headquarters Creekside 2018

Convention headquarters is in the Ramada Inn which is adjacent to the Smoky Mountain Convention Center. However, accommodations are disappearing quickly, so those planning to attend should make their reservations now. Call and reserve your hotel room at 360-933-0741.

Creekside Gospel Music Convention 2018 tickets can be reserved by visiting creeksidegospelmusicconvention.com. Group accommodation specials may still be available. For more information on tickets, lodging and special VIP tickets, contact Patz at 360-933-0741.

Meet the Pine Ridge Boys Again For the First Time

Meet the Pine Ridge Boys Again For the First Time

Change is inevitable. Some say, if you are not changing or evolving you are dying. Others say change is good for the energy. One thing for sure, change does not quench the mission or desire to sing gospel music.

Since 1963, the Pine Ridge Boys have been sharing heritage quartet music in gospel music circles. The group is one of the few to have an original member singing in each configuration over the last fifty-five years. When Big Jim Stewart retired, he turned the quartet reigns over to his son, Larry Stewart.

Larry was in the quartet as a child, even when he knew nothing about gospel music. But the old saying is true, “Like father, like son!” He has developed into one of gospel music’s most acclaimed bass singers.

In June of 2018, original member Wayne Shuford decided that it was time to stay home with his Rosielee. Shuford says, “After 55 years of singing gospel music, it was the right time for me to retire from the group. With Ivory Luke’s departure, the group had the chance to add two new members who would energize performances and allow the group to continue the legacy started by me, Big Jim, Charles Burke, Miles Cooper and Charles Abee.  It has been a wonderful fifty-five years in gospel music and I think Larry will carry on the heritage for years to come. The Pine Ridge Boys will always be special to me! We are family.”

Pine Ridge Boys 2018

Larry began the task of auditioning tenor and baritone singers. After countless applications, demo tapes, impromptu auditions, phone calls and video tapes, the Pine Ridge Boys have found two exciting new members to sing tenor and baritone.

Michael Maggard, who is known for his time with the Lordsmen and most recently the Faith Harmony Boys, is now singing tenor for the Pine Ridge Boys. He and his wife Ellen have been married since 1981 and have two children (Michelle and Emily) and two grandchildren, Jayden and Ava.  Mike and his wife make their home in Hansford, W.V.

“The power and finesse Michael brings to the group is exciting. He is able to communicate any song in such a way that just blesses people on concert stages or in any church service. I know he is going to fit right in with the Pine Ridge Boys. His testimony and talent are top notch,” says Stewart.

Chip McCaa comes to the Pine Ridge Boys singing baritone and is truly making his mark with Pine Ridge Boys’ friends and family. His musical history includes singing for New Life Trio, Holy City and the Glorymen. Living in Lugoff, S.C., he is married to April McCaa since December, 2003. His warm, bubbly personality and infectious smile have made him a fan favorite.

Stewart states, “Chip is truly one of a kind. He is a man of conviction and principle and it shows when you meet him. Singing…well, he is able to blend on those pretty songs, while giving energy on those traditional up-tempo quartet numbers. He is fun to travel with, and on the bus – well, there’s never a dull moment.”

Stewart continues, “Each member of the Pine Ridge Boys (Michael, Chip, Steven, Ray and I) are renewed and committed in our mission and desire to sing gospel quartet music with a message. We love the response the group receives when people hear the new members. But it is more exciting to see how good God has been in our church services. We have been having some great times of renewal in so many places. It seems in today’s world, there are so many people who are in need and are going through a rough patch in life. All the Pine Ridge Boys are thankful for being able to sing songs that encourage, uplift and provide comfort, joy and peace to those who come to our singings.”

The Pine Ridge Boys are excited to announce that their Homecoming Sing for 2019 will be May 11. The 56th Year Anniversary features the Mylon Hayes Family, the Sheltons, Hearts Afire, Pine Ridge Boys and emcee Charlie Griffin on Saturday evening. The concert will be at First Baptist Church Inman, S.C., with host pastor, Dr. Paul Moore. Starting at 5:30 p.m., the concert is free admission with free parking. A love offering will be received.

The Pine Ridge Boys are working on a new CD with a 2019 first quarter release date. The group is now listening to new material. Currently the CD release is slated to be on SonSound Records of Gastonia, N.C.

Find the Pine Ridge Boys on Facebook here and on the Web here

The Pine Ridge Boys will be returning to Creekside Gospel Music Convention in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee,  Oct. 28 – Nov.1.

Other gospel music artists appearing at Creekside Gospel Music Convention also include the Jordan Family Band, the Williamsons, Mark209, Sunday Drive, the Hyssongs, Eagle’s Wings, the Chandlers, the Dunaways, and many more.

Creekside 2018

For more ĺinformation on Creekside 2018, including the Diamond Awards and free ticket reservations, visit www.sgnscoops.com or www.facebook.com/Creeksidegospelmusicconvention. For a $25 VIP pass, tickets and accommodations, contact Rob Patz by calling 360-933-0741.

Read the full SGNScoops August  Magazine Here.
Download the PDF of SGNScoops Magazine HERE

Find SGNScoops On Facebook HERE
Listen To Today’s Gospel Music Online HERE

Pine Ridge Boys host trip to Creekside Gospel Music Convention

Pine Ridge Boys Quartet

Inman, South Carolina (August 9, 2018)– The popular Pine Ridge Boys Quartet from Inman, S.C., are hosting a tour to the 2018 Creekside Gospel Music Convention, Pigeon Forge, Tenn., on October 28 – November 1. The group will be taking part in the event and are also in the top five nominees for the prestigious Diamond Awards, taking place during the convention.

The Pine Ridge Boys have coordinated tours to other events, and the group is excited to be heading to Creekside. Spokesperson Anne Stewart says, “Creekside is an awesome event just by itself and since the Pine Ridge Boys Quartet have some awesome fans and supporters, we decided why not bring folks to this great event! Plus they also get to see and support their favorite quartet.” Anne is the wife of Larry Stewart, bass singer, owner and manager of the group. She has accompanied the quartet to the convention on prior occasions. The full brochure for the trip can be found here: Pine Ridge Boys Quartet host trip to Creekside 2018

“We are thrilled that the Pine Ridge Boys are bringing all of their friends, family and fans to Creekside this year,” says Rob Patz, owner and host of Creekside Gospel Music Convention. “Pine Ridge has become a mainstay at the convention and I’m looking forward to welcoming all of their supporters in October. As the Boys are nominated for 2018 Diamond Award Quartet of the Year, the excitement in the auditorium during the Diamond Awards should be at an even higher level than usual. I hope to see everyone there!” Voting for the Diamond Awards continues until Sept. 15 here.

The Pine Ridge Boys have created a tour that also includes visiting some of Pigeon Forge’s favorite attractions and eateries, as outlined on their brochure. For more information on their trip, please call Anne at (864) 473-8535 or email anne@pineridgeboys.com.

Creekside 2018

Creekside Gospel Music Convention began in 2012 and has enjoyed increasing prominence in the world of Christian music. Celebrating Gospel, Bluegrass and Christian Country music, the event provides free tickets to the evening concerts, including the kick-off Sunday night, Dr. Jerry Goff Honors Arthur Rice on Monday night, the Diamond Awards on Tues. 30th and other special guests for Wed. and Thurs., to be announced. For more information, including lodging at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center and Ramada hotel, please call Rob Patz at 360-933-0741 or visit the Creekside website or Facebook page.

Creekside features Gospel music Variety from Hyssongs to Jordan Family Band

Creekside 2018

Pigeon  Forge, Tenn. (July 24, 2018) Creekside Gospel Music Convention 2018 will feature a great variety of gospel music artists to satisfy every musical taste. From October 28th through November 1st at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center, musical guests will include family groups, classic quartets, bluegrass and country style bands. Plus, this family-friendly function is free.

You will hear chart-topping artists such as the Jordan Family Band, the Hyssongs, Mark209, the Williamsons, the Dunaways, the Pine Ridge Boys and other great artists.

The Williamsons with Jerry Goff and Jan Buckner Goff at the Diamond Awards 2016

Don’t miss the specialty events such as the 2018 Diamond Awards, Dr Jerry Goff Honors Arthur Rice, the Red Back Hymnal Choir, Midnight Prayer, Daytime Showcases, and so much more. C.T. Townsend will be speaking.

VIP tickets are available as well as special Group Rate accommodation. Log onto the Creekside Facebook page or website for more information, or call 360-933-0741.

Read the full SGNScoops Magazine July 2018 HERE

Carroll Cooke’s Lowesville Gospel Concerts Making an Impact

Lowesville Gospel Concerts stage

Charlie Griffin of SGNScoops’ Magazine tells the

story of one of the fastest growing gospel concert series

Carroll Cooke is a man on a mission, with a passion that is manifested by his actions and his love of gospel music. But when you get to know him, you will find out he just loves his family and everyone. He has never met a stranger. Gospel music is just one of his many interests.

His music is rooted in his faith. Cooke says, “I was saved when I was 10 years old. I don’t remember the church or the message. I do remember going to my dad and mom, telling them I had to go to the altar. The preacher led me in the sinner’s prayer and I accepted Jesus into my heart and he saved me forever. The preacher asked

Jordan’s Bridge at Lowesville

me to say something and all I could get out was, ‘I just want to thank him,’ ‘I just want to thank him,’ and to this day, I still just want to thank him.”

Over the years Cooke has been a singer, active church member, choir member, deacon, business owner, husband, father, and community leader. Each phase of his life has been fulfilled in so many ways. Yet in the last five years, his life has come into a richness that is being showcased in the small community of Lowesville, N.C.

His love of gospel music started at a young age. Cooke shares, “My dad (Roy A Cooke), mom (Lois Cooke), sister (now Hazel Sain), and I began singing as a quartet when I was six years old. We did this every weekend for about 15 years, then the next 40 years, I served as minister of music at different churches in and around the surrounding counties.

Carroll Cooke and his wife, Barbara

I have only been trying to promote our music since late 2012.

“My dad was the most influential person in my life,” confesses Cooke. “He lived and breathed music. He was the choir director at our local church, and he wanted so badly for everyone who had a desire to sing, to be able to sing, and sing well. He would have V. O. Fossett of the Stamps Baxter Music School from Dallas, Texas, come for two weeks and teach the old shaped notes, along with voice, piano, and harmony. He then would go beg other churches in the area to have Fossett come teach at their church, and he was successful in doing just that. This way, we would attend singing schools about all summer.”

Sometimes it was more than just the singing. Cooke loved the buses too. “The first concert I ever remember attending was promoted by Charlie Burke at a ballpark in Newton, N.C. I don’t even remember who sang, I just remembered the busses, and thinking what a life that would be. I was probably 10 or 12 at the time. At 75, I have no desire to crawl in one of them, I just love to see them

Crowns of Light at Lowesville Gospel Concerts

pull in and pull out.”

During those years, his family grew. He became a leader in the community and in the church while developing a successful business. Cooke operated the Lowesville Automotive Warehouse in the Lowesville community near Stanley, N.C. Upon his retirement in 2012, he sold the property to Living Word Ministries.

In that former parts warehouse and store, Living Word Ministries shares the gospel with regular worship services each week since August 2012. Pastor Derrick Dellinger leads a growing church that is on fire for God. Their Outreach ministries are impacting the surrounding communities by helping the needy, feeding the homeless, and loving people. They present the gospel in a way that the new Christian can understand and

The Sheltons at Lowesville

the mature disciple can continue to grow and be inspired, in a shame-free environment. No attitudes or judgment found at LWM, just a church family that is excited about what God is doing in the community.

As the church grew, Cooke found a desire to reach the community in a new outreach: Saturday night Southern gospel concerts. With the encouragement of Pastor Dellinger, Cooke started in January 2013 with concerts on the second and fourth Saturday nights of each month. That is 24 concert promotions each year.

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