I started attending the National Quartet Convention when it was still in Nashville and plans for a move to Louisville had not been even considered. Suffice it to say, I've been to more than half of the NQC's 50 events.

One of the great things about attending the NQC back then was there was an informal competition among the groups and companies to have bigger and better booths than their friends. As a result, the fans who attended were always treated to an elaborate display of "out-do-them" on the exhibit floor.

The invention of the portable backdrop, simply put, ruined that fun.

Nowadays, many of the booths you see at the NQC are nothing more than what you'd find at a typical concert: two CD tables and a backdrop with a photo of that week's version of the group. Throw in a sofa, a lamp, table, and a couple of plastic trees and you've seen the average booth at this year's NQC.

Granted, I understand the economics of this. And, to be honest, the primary goal of a display at the NQC is to sell product to help overcome the costs of being in Louisville for a week. So, a big booth is not really necessary.

But just like I mentioned about the demise of the record album liner notes, a fun part of Gospel music is gone.

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Speaking of fun, I spent some time last evening talking with Kevin McManus, the man who created an empire with his Oak Valley recording studios in Nashville. Kevin was the engineer for many of Gospel music's biggest hits, including "Midnight Cry."

Which leads us to this...long-time readers of Singing News may remember the album review our beloved Jerry Kirksey gave Gold City's "Movin' Up" recording (the one that contained the mega-monster hit). Jerry, according to Kevin, said that all the strings, brass and highbrow production would not be accepted by fans and could even possibly spell the beginning of the end for Gold City.

With this in mind, you might not want to take stock market advice from Jerry. Where to eat while you're in Louisville is a different story, however.

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Only at the NQC: Not long after the opening of the exhibit hall doors, an announcement blared throughout the building's PA system..."No one will be allowed in the exhibit hall between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Tuesday as the maintenance staff will be spraying for flies."

Read that again.

Yep.

Spraying for flies.

OK, I give. I realize that the Kentucky Fair & Expo Center hosts several events each year that feature horses and other livestock. I also realize that most of the loading dock doors for this year's NQC face some of the horse barns that are on the facility's grounds.

But spraying for flies? During an event?

I know my eyesight is not what it used to be and I understand the health implications, but I don't recall seeing many of the pests flying around. So, shouldn't someone somewhere put a little more brain power into their timing decision?

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One fairly good addition to this year's NQC is the steady stream of nostaglic videos that are being played at various portions of each evening's program. I'lll admit that those appeal to the "way it used to be" side of me, but it also a constant reminder that despite what some people may want to think, we've come a long way since Mr. Vaughan put his songbook-selling quartet on the road.

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Finally, those of you who are here in Louisville and will attend the Fan Awards Thursday, we've tried to truly upgrade the program. One of those upgrades involves the use of telepromoters for the presenters and hosts. I've spent a few hours trying to coach Michael Booth on the use of the device and all I will say is...

...I'm not responsible for what you may see and hear from Michael on Thursday. Just pray.

I'll have more later.