Gospel music fans will soon be streaming to the Centrium to hear some of the finest artists in the genre today. The Gospel Music Celebration runs July 10-12th.
Events will be held at the Centrium, kicking off Thursday. The box office opens at 4 p.m. as does the exhibit hall, with celebration concerts running from 6 to 11 p.m.
Featured performers this year include Young St. Vocal Band, Roset, Double Portion, The Browns, Potters Clay, Southern Quartet. The Banksons, the Watchman Four Quartet, the Singing Hills, The Mark Trammell Quartet, Booth Brothers and Legacy V.
Other groups set to hit the stage include the Old Paths Quartet, the Southmen Quartet and Greater Vision.
Concerts on Friday and Saturday evenings begin at 6 p.m. as well.
Other highlights include Showcase Spectacular with Jubilee III – Christmas in July on July 11th at 1 p.m. in the Centrium. This special event will feature Greater Vision, Booth Brothers and Legacy V. The guys have all joined forces with a Christmas CD as well, and audiences will get a sampling of what that particular project holds.
Another Showcase Spectacular runs July 12th at 1 p.m. with The Triumphant Quartet in the Centrium as well. Tickets are required for both Showcase Spectaculars in particular as well.
Morning chapel runs Friday and Saturday mornings at 9:30 a.m. with Leon Throness in the Parkland Pavilion.
With their warm, easy voices, the Booth Brothers have been sharing their faith and their music fulltime since 1998. These men get their influences from a range of performers – from the Eagles to the Gatlin Brothers to gospel greats such as Bill Gaither and Mosie Lister.
Ronnie and Michael Booth grew up with the sound of music in their home. Raised in Tampa, Florida, their father, Ron Sr., sang in gospel groups, including the Rebels Quartet. Ronnie and Michael began traveling with their father as the Booth Brothers in 1990.
In 1998, Ron Sr. retired from the stage so Ronnie and Michael began looking for a new singing partner. They had several singers come through the group, but most recently teamed up with Jim Brady, formerly of The Schulers.
The newest ‘Booth Brother’ actually had his first gig with the brothers at a Gaither event. “We didn’t even have a chance to really practice,” Ronnie says with a laugh. “We just met him at the event. We ran through a couple of things and then we went on stage!”
But the combination worked and Brady has become an integral part of the trio.
The Booth Brothers’ dedication to the music they love has rewarded them with multiple awards and recognitions. Included among these are Trio of the Year, Male Group of the Year, Best Live Performer of the Year, Song of the Year and various other honors.
Known for their heartfelt sincerity, family harmonies, original songs and great sense of humor, the Singing Hills inspire their audiences through their personal, up-close presentation. They have recorded over a dozen albums and made numerous television appearances.
Each year thousands of people attend the Singing Hills’ concerts and appreciate their ability to communicate the gospel message to all ages.
The group consists of Roger and Patti Hill, three of their four daughters, Kari, Kelli, and Kim and Kim’s husband Kevin Elias.
Another audience favourite is the well-known group Legacy V. When the Legendary Cathedral Quartet retired in December of 1999, Scott Fowler and Roger Bennett decided to continue the musical tradition of Southern Gospel Quartet singing.
Legacy Five was organized and had their official debut in 2000 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Today, Matt Fouch sings the bass, Scott Howard sings the baritone, Fowler sings the lead, Gus Gaches sings the tenor and Trey Ivey is the group’s pianist.
Immediately audiences responded to their four-part harmony and their ability to communicate the message of Christ.
Since the quartet’s formation, they have established and maintained a firm place at the top of Christian music.
Legacy Five has also been featured on video tapings of the Gaither and friends Homecoming Video series, which has sold millions of copies worldwide.
They have also appeared on In Touch, with Dr. Charles Stanley, as well as In Touch Ministries’ sponsored cruises. Legacy Five is also regulars at Dr. David Jeremiah’s Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon, California.
Tickets for all performances are available at www.ticketmaster.ca or by calling 1-855-985-5000.
For more information about Canada’s Gospel Music Celebration, visit www.gospelmusic.ca, email info@gospelmusic.ca or call 1-800-410-0188.
-Weber
