Over in the Bluegrass Music world, they have a wonderful publication called "Bluegrass Unlimited." Based in Warrenton, VA, the Kuykendalls have their hands full keeping the magazine going in a music genre that continues to grow by leaps and bounds. Every so often, I run into them at different events as they promote their magazine. (By the way, if you like Bluegrass Music, I encourage you to visit them at www.bluegrassmusic.com.) They're good people and they have every reason to be proud of their work.

Since Bluegrass and Southern Gospel are often thought of as cousins, it shouldn't be surprising that you see several artists who cross the performance lines, as far as venues go. For example, the Isaacs, Lewis Family, the Primitive Quartet, NewFound Road, the Good Shepherd Quartet and the Marksmen are just a few of the first ones that come to mind (most all of those groups sing strictly Gospel Music when at Bluegrass events). Likewise, you'll find Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Marty Raybon and several others appearing on Southern Gospel stages.

The other day, I was reading through the July issue of Bluegrass Unlimited and automatically started paying attention to the concert ads. The reason concerts were at the forefront of my mind was because I had received an e-mail that day from someone who complaining about the high cost of Southern Gospel concert tickets. The particular concert that she was referring to was held in a fairly new auditorium and featured FIVE of Southern Gospel's leading artists. I don't know exactly what the ticket cost was but she wrote that she paid "nearly $20 each for two tickets."

Nearly $20.00.

Hmmm...that's "nearly" $4.00 per group. Or "nearly" $5.00 per hour, provided she stayed at the event for four hours.

Anyway, as I thumbed through the Bluegrass Unlimited, I started paying attention to price of tickets for the events that were listed in the magazine. Since most bluegrass events (or at least the ones listed in this issue) are multi-day events, most programs had several ticket options - three-day passes, week-long passes, single day tickets, etc.

So, I couldn't resist. I started trying to find events that would come close to matching the five-artist event (and other events) I described above.

Here's what I found...

Gettsyburg Bluegrass Festival in Gettysburg, PA: The Saturday of this four-day event featured six of bluegrass biggest names. The ticket price for that day was $38.00 advance, $45.00 at the gate. From what I've been able to learn, this event (around since 1979) draws tremendous crowds, with several thousand in attendence each day.

Mineral Bluegrass Festival in Mineral, VA. Another multi-day event, but on the Saturday concert, it hosted seven leading bluegrass performers. $30.00 advance, $35.00 at the gate. Oh, by the way, the Friday concert of the same event featured six other headliners. Same price per day.

I found several other concerts, with most ticket prices ranging in the $25.00-$30.00 amounts. Typically, the number of performers was either exactly the same or within one of being the same for both Gospel and Bluegrass events. In fact, in some cases, some of the performers were exactly the same at a Gospel concert and a Bluegrass concert. Yet, the bluegrass ticket was averaging $5.00 higher.

A few weeks ago, I asked a performer in one of the groups who works both Gospel and Bluegrass events "do you hear much complaining about ticket prices in the Bluegrass world." They responded, "Well, hardly ever." I also asked, "Are the crowds up or down?" The response, "Most of them, from what I've witnessed, are up."

They also volunteered this bit of information that I found highly amusing: "I see a lot of the same people at both."

Okay, I guess they aren't the ones who are complaining about ticket prices. Or are they?

Folks, I realize that finances are tight for most. Costs for everything are escalating. But for some reason or another, there seems to be a "license" that says that if it's Gospel Music, it should cost less or be free.

Being a good steward doesn't just mean that you keep a close watch on your money and use it wisely. It also means that you pay a laborer accordingly. That goes for your pastor, your music minister, your youth counselor and so on.

It also applies to the people who minister - and yes, entertain you with wholesome family fun - to you on stage.

Some will not pay a car payment one month so they can attend a country concert, but those same people will put $1.00 in an offering plate. They must have one of those "licenses" I just mentioned.

As I wrap this up, I must share a true story with you that happened a few weeks ago at Bonifay. A lady came up to the table to renew her subscription. While she was filling out her card, she was complaining about the admission cost.

I asked her about where she had gotten the Kenny Chesney t-shirt she was wearing. She told me that she bought it at his concert not long before. "We drove over hundred miles to see him. Best $45.00 ticket I ever bought."

Yep. Makes you wonder, doesn't it?