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UPDATED!! NQC Spring Break To Be Held April 23 & 24, 2020

NQC – The National Quartet Convention

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (March 24, 2020) – NQC (the National Quartet Convention) has announced that NQC’s Spring Break festival will now be held on April 23 & 24, 2020. The fourth annual event will once again be held at First Baptist Church in Sevierville, TN. Produced by NQC – Gospel Music’s Largest annual event drawing nearly 40,000 from 40 states and half dozen foreign countries to its annual fall festival at the end of September – NQC Spring Break is designed to give gospel music fans a taste of the big fall convention and give gospel music fans an opportunity to enjoy the Smoky Mountains in the Spring as well as the fall.

Featured on the event this year will be last year’s biggest winners at the annual Singing New Fan Awards, the Triumphant Quartet as well as Dollywood’s host group, the Kingdom Heirs, both of whom reside in Sevier County. Also featured will be many artists often featured on the popular Gaither Homecoming series such as the Hoppers, Greater Vision, Mark Trammell Quartet, Jim & Melissa Brady along with the very popular Primitive Quartet and Singing News Fan Awards two-time Soloist of the Year, Joseph Habedank.

In addition to these popular Gospel Music artists, the event will also feature an appearance by the East Tennessee Mass Choir featuring the choir members of First Baptist Sevierville, and several other area choirs. Being lead by First Baptist Sevierville Worship Pastor, Scott Andrews, the choirs will be performing a special to open the second half as well as singing with several of the featured artists.

A packed house at 2019’s NQC Spring Break in Sevierville, TN. Photo by Chip Woods

NQC organizers are set to make an exciting announcement about the future of the Spring event during both the Thursday night and Friday night performances.

The event takes place April 23 & 24, 2020 at First Baptist Sevierville.  Door open at 4:00 and the concerts start at 6:00 p.m. each night.  Additional information can be found at www.nqconline.com

Les Butler and Friends: Jeff Tolbert of the Primitive Quartet

Primitive Quartet

Les Butler and Friends: Jeff Tolbert of the Primitive Quartet

I’ve known Jeff Tolbert for many years, and I like him a lot. He’s a great husband, father, musician and one of the all-time greatest singers I’ve ever heard. I thought I knew most everything about Jeff, but even I was surprised at some of his answers to my questions. For example, did you know that over the years he played for Jeff and Troy Tolbert, the Stanleys, the Easter Brothers, Jeff and Sheri Easter, and he filled in with the Lewis Family, Karen Peck and New River, the Isaacs and Ricky Skaggs. Of course, it feels like he’s been a member of the Primitive Quartet forever. You’ll enjoy getting to know my friend, Jeff Tolbert.                                                                                                                        

Les Butler: What is your earliest musical memory?                                                              

Jeff Tolbert: My earliest memories (for me) were singing with my dad. We sang everywhere; in our community, churches, outdoor festivals and at many radio stations. We were featured a lot on the Saturday Morning Merry Go Round at WPAQ in Mt. Airy, N.C.                                                                                                                                                                                        

Jeff Tolbert

Butler: What was the first instrument you tried to play?                                                               

Tolbert: I started playing the guitar and bass guitar about the same time, around the age of seven. After that, I started picking up other instruments. I remember my dad telling me when to change chords on the guitar. I couldn’t wait for him to get home from work so we could pick.

Butler: What instruments do you play now?                                                                                   

Tolbert: I play the bass guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, harmonica, autoharp and a little on the dobro.

Butler: Who are your top three musician mentors?                                                                         

Tolbert: I would definitely say my dad is my first musical mentor. He taught me so much about music as well as life. His spiritual influence and walk with the Lord started me on my journey many years ago, playing music and living for my Savior. I miss him dearly, but I know we will sing together again.  

The Easter Brothers would be my second mentors as well as much of their family. The Easter Brothers were from my home town of Mt.Airy, N.C. Their music has always been a part of my life. I still say, no one can sing three-part harmony like Russell, James and Edd.  My third musical mentor would be Ricky Skaggs. From Ralph Stanley and JD Crowe until now, he’s always been my favorite singer and musician. I grew up learning how to sing harmony with Ricky’s records. After reading Ricky’s autobiography that he published, I realized our upbringing was so much alike, as we were both raised in a godly home with a love for music. I cherish his friendship and appreciate his music.

Butler:  If you could only do one thing; sing or play, which would you choose?                         

Tolbert:  As much as I love to play, I would have to choose singing. Dad always told me, (when)  you sing a song, listen to the words. If the song helps you, it will help others. I want to be a help and encouragement to someone. I want to be able to tell folks there’s hope in a lost and dying world, and there’s joy in knowing Jesus.

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NQC RECAP: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2018

Gaither Vocal Band at NQC. Photo by Chip Woods

Bill Gaither at NQC. Photo by Chip Woods

Next up was Bill Gaither and his Homecoming Friends, filling the LeConte Center with classic songs made popular on the Gaither videos.

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

NQC – the National Quartet Convention – continues until Saturday, September 29, 2018, at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge, TN. Over 40,000 people are expected to enjoy the concerts and festivities planned.

• Chapel with Jim Brady Trio and the First Baptist Church Indian Trail Choir and message by Dr. Mike Whitson
• Blazing Pianos
• Dr. David Jeremiah
• Matinee Extravaganza
• Evening Concerts featuring: Erwins, Dixie Echoes, Nelons, LeFevre Quartet, Taylors, Mark Trammell Quartet, McKameys, Lynda Randle, Perrys, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Isaacs, Joseph Habedank, Hoppers, Triumphant, Karen Peck & New River and Ernie Haase & Signature Sound

Bill Gaither and Homecoming Friends at NQC. Photo by Chip Woods

For more information, visit www.NQConline.com.

Sneed Family Homecoming Announced for June 17, 2016

Sneed Family

Glasgow, KY (March 17, 2016) – The Sneed Family is pleased to announce the lineup for their 2016 Sneed Family Homecoming. The event on Friday, June 17, 2016 will host, The Primitive Quartet, Archie Watkins & Smoky Mountain Reunion, Wade Spencer and The Singing Cookes.

Primitive Quartet

Jeff Sneed, Sneed Family spokesman said, “We are thrilled to bring these groups to our hometown friends! This event is intentionally designed for any family who loves music and loves Kentucky. Most important to us, is that our guests hear the Gospel of Jesus.”

Tickets will be available April 1, 2016. Full price tickets will be $25.00 for artist circle seating and $20.00 general admission. Purchasers who buy tickets in April will enjoy a $5.00 discount per ticket. “You will want to take advantage of this special pricing, we expect a full house! It is not often that Kentucky can enjoy a lineup like this”, stated Caleb Cowan, of the Sneed Family who is married to the group’s lead singer, Amanda Sneed Cowan.

The event will be held at 7:00 PM at the Plaza Theatre in Glasgow, KY. For convenience, tickets may be purchased beginning April 1, 2016 at plaza.org or by phone at 270-361-2101.

Primitive Quartet has been singing together over forty years. What began as a fishing trip became a Gospel Music phenomenon. Their brand of “mountain shape note” harmony is accompanied by their gift of playing the fiddle, banjo, mandolin and guitars.

An opportunity to see Archie Watkins & Smoky Mountain Reunion is rare indeed. The group makes limited appearances where they perform their classics by performing together.

Performing at the Sneed Homecoming is Wade Spencer, an unusual artist. Spencer does not perform the traditional circuit. Sometimes he can be found performing in European prisons, in orphanages or playing ball with children in Africa. Mission trips are just a part of Spencer’s ministry. “Life’s Highway” is a weekly television program that airs throughout the US and Canada.

Singing Cookes

The Singing Cookes are a family group that shares a unique blend of harmony. Together, they make music on stage as each contributes with instruments and vocals. They have been ministering to audiences for over 50 years.

The Sneed Family is a favorite to their southern Kentucky fans. They provide an honest worship experience while providing encouragement.

Watch for them on stage as well as on television with their production of “Sneed Family Music”. The program is seen in over one million homes each week. The Sneed Family brings music, and interviews from the best in Southern Gospel Music. The show is now available online.

For more information on The Sneed Family, visit sneedfamily.com
Tickets for Sneed Family Homecoming can be purchased beginning April 1, 2016, at plaza.org or by calling 270-361-2101.

More news

SGN Scoops attends the Gatlinburg Gathering of Abraham Productions

Photographs by Erin Stevens, Photos For Keeps

Hoppers

Booth Brothers and the Collingsworth Family

The Gatlinburg Gathering was held at the Gatlinburg Convention Center in downtown Gatlinburg on the weekend of August 19-22. Erin Stevens was there to photograph the event and she shared these pictures with us! Some of the artists that Erin captured on stage included: The Hoppers, Booth Brothers, Greater Vision, Triumphant, Tribute, Talleys, Brian Free and Assurance, The Collingsworth Family, Jason Crabb,

Karen and Rickey Gooch

Erwins, Ivan Parker, Karen Peck and New River, Mark Trammell Quartet, and the Primitive Quartet.

Booth Brothers

Be sure to make your plans to attend the Gatlinburg Gathering next year.

For more information on Abraham Productions various events throughout the year, visit them online. 

Brian Free and Assurance

Collingsworth Family

Erwins

For all the news, scoops and artist features, keep your browser on SGN Scoops mainpage. 

For more pictures from the Gatlinburg Gathering by Erin Stevens of Photos For Keeps, click below.

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Gospel Music Today For June 30th On SGNScoops.com

Gospel Music Today

Zane and Donna King are the guests on Gospel Music Today for the week of June 29. Ken and Jean Grady host southern gospel news and concert updates, the Feature Group is The Full Quiver Band, and Jean reviews a new recording by Adam’s Call. An article about The Dixie Echoes is the subject of this week’s Singing News Notes. The show includes exclusive video of The Primitive Quartet, recorded by Gospel Music Today’s cameras at Gospel Singing Time in Oklahoma, and a visit to the Gospel Music Today Archives for an exclusive concert video of The McKameys at First Assembly of God, in Owasso, OK.

The show is on KWHB TV47 in Oklahoma every Sunday at 4:30 PM, and on Roku on FFE TV Monday at 8:00 PM and AllNations TV Tuesday and Wednesday at 6:30 PM. Check local TV schedule for Beaumont, TX, Tyler, TX. Atlanta, TX, and Morrilton, AR.
The current edition of Gospel Music Today is online now at the Gospel Music Today website, www.gospelmusictoday.com.