I've spent the last two days looking at the ceiling in my bedroom. Long story short, I've been attacked by the flu and it's winning the war.
But I do want to share something with you that I personally think is a good sign for Southern Gospel Music. This past weekend, I was in Cullman, AL, for the annual Thanksgiving concert promoted by Frank Arnold. On the night I attended (Friday), the line-up consisted of the McKameys, the Primitive Quartet, the Jody Brown Indian Family, the Mark Trammell Trio and Aaron Wilburn. The building, which would hold around 1300 people, was full, with just a few scattered empty seats.
Just up the road, 65 miles from Cullman, Jerry Edgil was hosting his annual Thanksgiving concert with such groups as the Perrys, the Kingsmen and Gold City (I believe there was another group, but the name escapes me at the moment). Based on what I've been told by members of those groups I've just named, Jerry had the biggest crowd he's had in many years.
Now, we've all heard the groaning and complaining when concerts are "too" close to each other, and frankly, most of it is definite food for thought. However, I think there is something that we should all relish in this Cullman/Florence example.
Many people think that Southern Gospel Music is dying and the undertaker is standing outside in the driveway. Yet, here we have a situation that features two relatively close concerts, featuring different styles of Southern Gospel Music and both having ticket prices above the beloved $10.00 mark. And each concert was successful.
Is it possible Southern Gospel Music is healthier than some people think?