May 27
Southern Gospel Music Assoc. Day at Dollywood set for October 9, 2008
Attendees enjoy a fun-filled day of Southern Gospel concerts at Dollywood last year. SGMA Day at Dollywood including concerts, dinner and Hall of Fame inductions is Oct. 9. Advance tickets are now available by calling (865) 908-4040.Pigeon Forge, Tenn. — The Southern Gospel Music industry will come together to honor its legends Thursday, Oct. 9 at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
SGMA Day, sponsored by the non-profit Southern Gospel Music Association, features a fun-filled day of concerts, dinner and the induction of the 2008 Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame newest members.
“We are looking forward to a wonderful day,” said Charlie Waller, SGMA executive director. “I know the families, fans and friends of our inductees have anticipated this day for some time.”
The 2008 SGMA class of inductees includes: Fred E. Daniel, Polly Grimes, Herschel Lester, Squire Parsons, Luther G. Presley, and Ray Dean Reese.
Gates for the event will open at 10 a.m. at Dollywood.
Performers will include Crist Family, Dixie Echoes, Dove Brothers Quartet, Florida Boys, Kingdom Heirs, Kingsmen, The Lesters, and Triumphant.
The induction ceremony pre-show is at 3:45 p.m. in the Celebrity Theatre featuring vintage video clips from the collection of Charlie Waller. The ceremony begins at 4 p.m.
Tickets are $65, which includes the concerts, induction ceremony and dinner. Tickets may only be purchased by Sept. 30 in advance by calling (865) 908-4040.
Dinner includes pulled BBQ pork, chicken or ribs, baked beans, cole slaw, potato salad, corn on the cob, bread, desserts, and beverages.
“I encourage each of you to be in attendance for this milestone event in gospel music,” Waller said. “It will be a day of fun, food, music and reminiscing. Come visit us in the Great Smoky Mountains and be at Dollywood Oct. 9.”
Dollywood is closed that day from its normal amusement operations but graciously donates the use of the facilities for the concerts, dinner and induction ceremony to assist the organization with its annual fundraising event, according to Waller.
The Southern Gospel Music Association is a non-profit organization that maintains the Southern Gospel Museum and Hall of Fame, the only facility honoring this genre of music, for the historic preservation of the accomplishments of the music and its people. Museum hours match those of Dollywood. Donations are tax-deductible. For more information about the museum or its inductees, visit www.sgma.org.
Tidbits about this year’s honorees:
Fred E. Daniel
He performed with the Sunshine Boys, who did five shows a week on ABC radio network for 6 years, sponsored by Minute Rice. The Sunshine Boys performed at The Golden Nugget on the Las Vegas strip.
Polly Grimes
A gospel music promoter whose first concert production was presented at the Long Beach Municipal Auditorium in 1960 with the Blackwood Brothers and Statesmen.
Herschel Lester
From the Lesters, his early childhood life was spent with his parents playing and singing gospel music on the street corners and churches in the St. Louis, Mo. area.
Squire Parsons
In addition to being one of America’s best-loved soloists, Parsons is a prolific songwriter. In 1981, his song, “Sweet Beulah Land” was voted “Favorite Song Of The Year” by “The Singing News” magazine.
Luther G. Presley
This songwriter penned the words for “When the Saints Go Marching In” and V. O. Stamps composed the music in 1937. The New Orleans Saints adopted it as their theme song in the 1960s.
Ray Dean Reese
Reese attended monthly singing classes in his mid to late teens held in local churches with his friends Rex Nelon and London Parris. His solidified his career in gospel music as the bass singer with the legendary Kingsmen Quart
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...You might also like to read these related news items:
