Thirty years ago I got my start in southern gospel radio in the Chicago area. From 1978-1984 I promoted top southern gospel artists like the
Cathedrals,
Kingsmen,
Hinsons,
Inspirations,
Spencers and many others to the Chicago area.
A few months ago promoter Mike Wheeler invited me to attend his three night Southern Gospel extravaganza, held just south of Chicago in Kankakee, Illinois. I'm glad I got to go as it brought back many great memories.
He's continuing the tradition of bringing Southern Gospel music to the Chicago land area. Much like Chicago area promoters of the past like Paul Johnson and the Orrells, Mike is bringing top notch artists to the area. His line-up included
New Ground,
Lesters,
Mark Trammell Trio,
Webbs,
Palmetto State QT,
Whisnants,
Zane King,
Browns and
Hoppers.
Unlike myself, Paul Johnson and the Orrells, Mike doesn't have southern gospel radio to help him promote concerts. He had several hundred throughout the three day event. Most of those were notified via
Singing News Magazine and Mike's mailing list. You can tell by the artist line-up this wasn't an inexpensive weekend.
He's promoted this area for over 20 years and will continue to for years to come if the Lord tarries. I love Mike's attitude and his passion for bringing the best in Southern Gospel Music to the Chicago area.
So mark your calendars for Aug 6-8, 2009. I don't know who is scheduled to sing, but you can rest assured it's gonna be good.
For that matter, check out the back of each issue of
Singing News Magazine for the itineraries of groups and promoters bringing great Southern Gospel music all to the North and all across America.