To wrap up this month's entries into Danny's Diary, there's more good news to report. Even more concerts enjoyed either sell-out status or bigger crowds over recent years.
According to several artists who were there, Frank Arnold's event in Monroe, La., (January 18-19) saw a good rise in attendance figures. Tony Greene sold out two nights in Lenoir, N.C., January 25-26. Alvin Currington had no vacant seats for his event in Talladega, Ala., January 26.
So, you may be asking has 2008 begun on such positive notes? That's a good question and while we all could theorize for hours, there's no better source than the people who were there - the fans. What made them want to attend these events? Talent? Better economic reasons? A New Year's resolution to be more involved in Christian activities? My experience tells me that the number of reasons could reach as high as the number of people who respond, so let's don't leave any thing to chance.
That's what I want all of you to do: Respond. If you attended one of the events shown below, drop me a note and let me know what was the major deciding factor that convinced you to go to the concert. This information could prove to be very valuable to those that promote Southern Gospel music, so let us hear from you.
The Events List
12/29: Gainesville, GA (Inspirations, McKameys, Primitive Quartet, Singing Cookes)
12/31: Villa Rica, GA (Dixie Echoes, Kingsmen, Mark Trammell Trio, Diplomats, Hope's Journey, Les Beasley)
01/03: Vidalia, GA (Kingsmen, Perrys, Brian Free & Assurance, Mike & Kelly Bowling)
01/04: Jacksonville, FL (Kingsmen, Perrys, Brian Free & Assurance, Mike & Kelly Bowling)
01/04: Abilene, TX (Booth Brothers, Dove Brothers, Talley Trio, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Aaron Wilburn, Arnolds)
01/05: Spartanburg, SC (Inspirations, Gold City, Primitive Quartet, McKameys)
01/05: Yukon, OK (Booth Brothers, Talley Trio, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Dove Brothers, Aaron WIlburn, Arnolds)
01/10: Mobile, AL (Perrys, Hoppers, Ivan Parker, Dixie Echoes, Aaron Wilburn)
01/11: Mobile, AL (Booth Brothers, Talley Trio, Dove Brothers, Jason Crabb, Crossway, Aaron Wilburn)
01/12: Mobile, AL (Karen Peck & New River, Brian Free & Assurance, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Arnolds, Gold City, Aaron Wilburn)
01/17: Villa Rica, GA (Booth Brothers, Diplomats)
01/18: Monroe, LA (Gold City, Hoppers, Booth Brothers, McKameys, Aaron Wilburn, Arnolds)
01/18: Fitzgerald, GA (Perrys, Brian Free & Assurance, Mike & Kelly Bowling)
01/19: Fitzgerald, GA (Karen Peck & New River, Freemans, Michael Combs, Crossway)
01/19: Gainesville, GA (Gold City, Kingsmen, Kingdom Heirs
01/19: Monroe, LA (Jeff & Sheri Easters, Dove Brothers, Perrys, Brian Free & Assurance, Arnolds, Aaron Wilburn)
01/25: Lenoir, NC (Greenes, McKameys, Primitive Quartet, Brian Free & Assurance)
01/26: Lenoir, NC (Greenes, McKameys, Hoppers, Triumphant Quartet)
01/26: Talladega, GA (Perrys, Geraldine & Ricky, New Ground)
(* I realize that there were many more events than these taking place on the dates that are indicated. However, all of these events had strong crowds that have been verified by several sources. Thus, we'll use them as our "testing ground.")
I'll be posting some of your responses, so if you have any comments that you'd like to pass along to the people who promoted these events, be sure to include them. They all love feedback and it may be YOUR comment that helps to make their next event even better.
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The next few weeks are going to be very hectic. First up are two days of the Booth Brothers' homecoming in Lakeland, Florida. Two days of Michael Booth...pray. Ronnie's already said that he needs all the help he can get to get through this!
Then, after a break of one day, Bill Bailey's gigantic Winter Gospel Music Convention in Palmetto, Fla., gets underway. It's a super event that draws fans from literally all over the country (and other nations, too), so get your tickets now if you haven't already. Look for me at both events.
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Finally, I close this post on a sad note as many of us in gospel music have lost a dear friend, Donald Watkins of the bluegrass-gospel group, the Watkins Family. Donald passed away Saturday, January 26 after suffering an apparent heart attack while his family was performing in North Carolina. Donald had not been feeling well earlier that day and had elected not to join his family on stage that night. He was resting in the family's vehicle when he was stricken and despite heroic efforts by EMTs and people at the church where the group was appearing, he did not survive.
Donald was much more than a musician or singer, though. For example, he was a "key" person to go to when bus troubles overtook a group. Needed help or information regarding instruments? He knew the answer. He was well-loved and respected by many who make Gospel or Bluegrass music their occupation.
More than that, he was a genuine Christian and his daily walk well-represented that. His hometown of Toccoa, Ga., bears witness to that as he was known as one you could trust with your life, one who could guide you through difficult times and could be a friend in a time of need. A quiet, unselfish man, Don was one who would literally give you the shirt off his back.
He leaves behind a loving family who are going to need all of your prayers and well-wishes in the coming months. His wife, Judy, daughters Lorie and Shanon, and son Todd (and daughter-in-law Regina) will certainly appreciate it.
But there's a little more to this story...and I can't help but feel that Don is smiling about this in his corner of heaven: Eleven people were saved during that church service.
Ain't that what it's all about?
