For all you Collingsworth fans...

There will be another Collingsworth *wonder* added come the end of November!  William and Brooklyn announced their news today... Just in time for Mother's Day! :)

Notice...

I'm not sure how the blog is appearing for you, but if it looks like a regular e-mail, you need to do the following in order to view it on the actual blog site:
~Click on the title that's towards the upper left (it says ~*~Concert~*~).  That should take you to the blog site itself and there you'll be able to see it in it's original form and be able to click through the pictures...
:)

~*~Concert~*~

Where to begin?? Perhaps I can start by saying that I really hope it will not be another four years before the Homecoming crew rolls through town! There was a rather good turn out at the venue where the concert was held, so I am hoping they took good notice of the loyal fans they have in California! 

The concert was held at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, CA, with the doors opening at 5 and the concert beginning at 6.  As can be expected, Kevin Williams got the crowd warmed up before the start of the show by playing the guitar and doing his usual light banter.  After a few minutes, Bill Gaither came on stage, said a few welcoming words, then started bringing the artists up one at a time: Charlotte Ritchie, The Martins, Angie Primm, Gene McDonald, and The Isaacs. Here are some shots of them performing.  (The photos with a grainy texture are 'screen shots'.) Remember, if you click on the first photo, it will enlarge and you will be able to click through and view the other photos, as well!

Charlotte Ritchie

The Martins

The Martins backing Angie Primm

Gene McDonald

The Isaacs with Bill Gaither

Now, I love The Isaacs~ they are hands down at the very top of my list.  However, I have to say that in my personal opinion, I didn't feel they sang some of their better songs that night... But, they are phenomenal and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing them again. 

After the artists performed a few songs each, the stage cleared, the lights dimmed, and the introduction to Alpha and Omega filled the venue.  Gaither Vocal Band time!  

Will it ever get old seeing these people perform live?!  I think not.  It's so incredible to see the artists actually standing directly in front of you... As in, right there.  It's really something. 

They sang a series of songs, some of which were older and some new.  There were also old classics with a new twist, including The Old Rugged Cross, which they recorded on the newest GVB CD, Hymns.  Beautifully done!

                 Left to right: David Phelps, Wes Hampton, 

                    Adam Crabb, Todd Suttles, Bill Gaither

This was the first time I've heard Adam and Todd live with the GVB.  I have several of the Crabb albums and am familiar with Adam's singing, but I must say that I was quite surprised at how much Adam's vocals and delivery reminded me of Jason's (his brother)!  Perhaps it is because Adam is no longer in his brother's 'shadow' that he is therefore able to really come into his own.  

I am also impressed with how well he fits in with the rest of the group.  When I first heard of him joining the GVB, I was a bit surprised.  But being able to actually hear and see him perform with them in person, I can see his potential in possibly becoming one of the 'seasoned' members. 

Todd seems like a very friendly guy who is certainly 'game'.  He had a couple of humorous moments, so it'll be interesting to watch and see how (if?) that side unfolds.  He has a nice voice and, boy, can he go low!  He never really had any 'soaring' moments while singing, but perhaps that was for a variety of reasons.  At any rate, both he and Adam seem like troupers and I really hope that they have been warmly welcomed by audiences everywhere!

~*~ Intermission~*~

After intermission, all of the artists came onto the stage and sat around in chairs.  Bill brought Gene McDonald up to help him do Heaven's Joy Awaits, and then gradually added the different parts by calling up various singers.  

Yes, that is a white cord tangled up around Bill's ear. Don't ask. :)  If I remember correctly, he started talking about technology and how everybody has things connected to them in one way or another, then proceeded to pull out this cord and put it on.  I don't know why, but that whole scene made me giddy.  I think part of it was that he was going about business as usual with this 'thing' hanging from his ear!  It was well done and lots of fun. :)

As the evening wore on, Bill would motion for different artists to take the stage. 

For me, one of the highlights of the second half was when the GVB sang That Sounds Like Home To Me.  There's just something about that song...  They did a nice job, and David certainly did the last chorus a considerable amount of justice. Wowzer!

As I mentioned before, the artists all took turns performing during the second half.  It was neat because while the first half was a little more structured, the second half was a touch more impromptu and, well, it just worked.  

At the end of the concert, all of the artists lined up and sang together, with a few solos thrown in here and there.

A beautiful ending to an incredible night!  

By the way, if any of the others who attended this concert have anything else they'd like to add, please send an e-mail and I'll gladly post it!! :)

Until next time...

Mizz Babs

For those who didn't catch the latest GVB news...

A little over two weeks ago, Gaither.com announced that a fifth member has been added to the Gaither Vocal Band: Todd Suttles! He sure seems like an interesting and fun fit. :) That is all I'm going to say because I came across this video that just may be of interest to you...

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JwzDRAFnQUU

I have been searching on Youtube for a clip of Mr. Suttles performing with the GVB.  While I've found a few, none seem to really showcase his voice... I'll keep an eye out, however, and will do some serious posting when I happen across just the right material! (Or if any of you have found some adequate samples, send 'em my way!) 

While this blog is rather short, you must stay tuned because the next blog or two will involve pictures... and more. :)

Until next time...
Mizz Babs

Correction

On April 6th, it will not only be the Isaacs performing, but the Homecoming artists, as well! :)

The beat goes on...

Breaking music news: Adam Crabb is the newest addition to the Gaither Vocal Band!  I had an inkling that this announcement would take place, given the way he has been 'filling in' since Michael English and Mark Lowry said their goodbyes.  As for the 5th spot, Bill Gaither said that they are going to take their time finding just the right person...

Speaking of the Gaither Vocal Band, just a reminder that they (along with several other Homecoming artists!) will be hitting Ontario, CA on April the 5th.  And for those who are interested in driving even farther south, The Isaacs will be in El Cajun, CA on April the 6th!  Also, The Collingsworth Family will be in Riverdale, CA on February the 14th, and in La Mesa, CA on February the 16th.

On a rather different note, as much as we need the rain, I must say that today is one beautiful day!  Talk about blue skies and singing birds!  I walked outside and had to pause for a minute to simply take it all in...  Until Bruiser, our Doberman, took advantage of the situation and managed to arrange a forced 'ear scratching' session.  If he feels you aren't giving him enough attention, he will literally slide his nose under your hand, flip it up into the air, and move his head into place so that when your hand comes back down, it happens to fall into the perfect 'pet me' position.  It is for the good of oneself to do as requested.  

In closing, I am hoping to attend a concert or two... If that is indeed what happens, then I'll really have some 'Gospel Gab' for the next post! :)

Until then...
Mizz Babs