I'll be the first to admit that I'm a traditionalist when it comes to Southern Gospel music - probably a moderate traditionalist if I had to be pigeon-holed into a category.
For example, when it comes to singing, I like to hear just "regular ole" singing. Singers don't have to do vocal acrobatics to get my attention - just sing the note straight and on pitch. Likewise, I don't have to see a group wearing matching clothes - just be neat in appearance. You get the picture.
By now you've rightly assumed that I'm not too fond of change. Yes, I like staying in my comfort zone. But at the same time, I'm realistic enough to know that vanilla is not everyone's favorite flavor and that change is often necessary, welcomed and sometimes better.
Such is the case with this past weekend's annual Bonifay All-Night Sing. For the first time, the event was held inside and all I can say is...WHAT TOOK SO LONG TO MOVE?!?!
OK, that's a bit of overkill there when I ask that question. But unless you were there, there is really no way to describe to you just how great it was to be inside, away from the high Bonifay humidity and heat - not to mention the heavy thunderstorm that raged for several hours during the concert. (If the event had been outside, it would have been over before the first note ever rang out.)
The true benefit from the move inside is this: Excitement. Unless you have several thousand people crammed together in tight quarters on a football field (as in Bonifay's glory years), it's just hard for anyone to get excited about what's happening on stage. It's too easy to be distracted by the kids playing on the side, the bugs dive bombing for fresh flesh, the sweat pooling in the small of your back or the smoke that's drifted over from the grill at the concession stand.
But inside, attention is more focused. Plus the sound is (usually) better. And artists are not worried about losing several thousand dollars in sound equipment if the skies open up - not to mention the fact that they like the idea of not having a heat stroke while on stage. The audience is more comfortable because of the air conditioning...and the list goes on.
While I'm not an expert on concert promoting, I'd be willing to venture that the move inside marks the beginning of new life for the Bonifay sing. Even while the event was going on, people were making comments like "this is the best one yet" and "I can't wait for next year's concert."
When people get excited about an event, they talk. They talk to their friends, their family, their co-workers. The next thing you know, those people they've talked to are showing up at the event, too.
There's an old saying that goes, "It takes 10 good reasons to get people to do something...it only takes one bad reason for people not to do something." Bonifay has moved into the "10 good reasons" category.
So as a rule, I don't like change.
But I loved this one.
(PS: This year's line-up featured the Dixie Echoes, the Freemans, the Talley Trio, Michael Combs, the Triumphant Quartet and Jeff & Sheri Easter. Here's a quick thought about Sheri: Even though there is much concern about her current health issues - she was diagnosed with breast cancer last week - she never missed a beat on stage and didn't call attention to her situation until the very end. She's a genuine trooper. Keep her and her family in your prayers.)
