This was a Billy Hudson’s annual McKameys concert in Thomasville.
I say this every time we visit Morningside, but this is the friendliness church we have ever been in. There were greeters outside in the parking lot, in the vestibule, and again inside the sanctuary. As we sat there (we always get there early to make sure we get the ‘right’ seat) church members went up and down the aisles shaking hands and welcoming us. We felt very welcome. The Pastor, Brother Wayne Robertson may not remember our name, but he remembers we’re from Tallahassee. It is great to feel a part of the family of God! If you are ever in Valdosta on a Sunday and want a blessing and hear the Word of God preached, visit Morningside.
It is always a powerful night to listen to and worship with Greater Vision! My favorite song is still ‘My Name is Lazarus!’
My long time friend Donna joined us for the concert and hamburgers and onion rings at Slap Daddy’s after the concert. Heather and I have a lot of traditions and eating at Slap Daddy’s if we’re in Valdosta is one. If you haven’t tried Slap Daddy’s I highly recommend it.
Once again, compliments to Kingsmen’s sound man Brandon Reese who did a great job of balancing the sound in a small church sanctuary.
We don’t get to see The Kingsmen Quartet often, but they are one of our favorites. They were as enthusiastic singing to a small group as they would be to a thousand. On a couple of songs they brought the mics out into audience and involved the congregation in the singing. Chris Jenkins, their tenor, impressed us with his piano playing on a couple of numbers.
This was the first time we had seen Ivan Parker. He did all the songs he’s known for including “Midnight Cry”. We would go back.
First off, the concert was advertised on local media and on Brian Free’s website as starting at 6pm. It actually was at 7 and even then started late, so by the time it started we, and about 25 other people, had been sitting there almost 2 hours and were ready to leave.
That being said, they were very good. They have a more modern, fast paced sound than most traditional (I like traditional) Southern Gospel quartets and featured individual group members on almost every song instead of focusing on 4 part harmony. The bass singer, Jeremy Lile, had a great voice, but his talent was under utilized and was more of a ‘background’ member. We would go see them again, but would call the church, especially if their website hadn’t been updated in a year, like Newark’s, to double check the starting time.
They do h
ave the coolest bus I’ve ever seen.
This was the first time we saw this group. They are a typical Southern Gospel quartet with good harmony. The baritone and bass singers are both new to the group, but you would not have known if they had not said something. The bass singer has only been with them a month. He has a good voice although he’s no Burman Porter or Tim Riley. They sang a combination of hymn standards and newer songs. We would certainly go see them again if they’re in the area.
This was a lot longer drive than Heather and I usually make, but with 4 great groups we made it. We got back home about 1:30am and 27 degrees. It was well worth it.
This was a Bill Bailey Concert Production.
Clayton Inman & Heather
The night was led off by 30 long minutes of a local group of older women named Glory Bound. They were different, certainly not a group we would have gone to see on purpose. The leader was not nearly as witty as she thought she was; and told, what I thought, was an inappropriate joke for church about a dead mule (or donkey or something). She also kept pointing to people in the audience and saying “Hey xxxx, I remember you from the Legion Hall”. Imagine that with a ‘hick‘ accent.
We hadn’t heard the Gann Brothers in many years. They were just as good as were remembered.
The church was a small, very friendly church on the outskirts of Nashville. We almost didn’t go because I couldn’t find an address. It turns out they don’t have a phone at the church.
Don’t misunderstand, these guys are still one of our favorites, we just miss the days ‘before the band’.