Southern Gospel Concerts

Jeff Steele of Ridgecrest Baptist in Springfield welcomed us. Ridgecrest bought Remingtons, which was Missouri’s largest nightclub at one time.

Gary Longstaff, general manager of KWFC Radio here in town, was MC of the concert. KWFC helped advertise the concert.

– Clayton Watson

Clayton was the first artist to preform, and the one who got this entire concert together. He has a great talent in piano playing.. which is what he blessed us with! He did a great job and all songs he chose to play were easily recognized, I couldn’t help but hum along.Clayton plays in nearby Branson, at the Branson Landing.

• Keep On The Firing Line
• When The Saints Go Marching In/I’ll Fly Away
• Just A Closer Walk With Thee
• Amazing Grace
• How Great Thou Art

– The Revelators

From Cassville, MO. This trio is consists of John and Wilma Hile, with their 19 year-old daughter Tiffany. I believe I’ve heard them several times before at other local venues, but I’m not sure.. They have a good sound and blend, and you can tell they enjoy singing. I like seeing a group perform that seems to enjoy what their doing. They sang several songs written by John.

On a side note, I might be wrong, but I think I now how the got their name of the Revelators… ever heard of John the Revelator? I found the idea quite interesting. Here’s the list of the songs they sang.

• One Way Ticket
• I Wanna Know How It Feels (Tiffany had the feature of this one and did a great job)
• On This Side Of The Blood
• Lord I’ve Never Been This Homesick Before
• Shepherd’s Eyes (This is one written by John, and I really liked this number)
• How Could I Say Goodbye
• The Lighthouse (They did a great rendition of this old classic… I can never get tired of hearing this song!)

After the Revelators, we were pleasantly surprised with a live video feed with Chris Barnes who is still in the hospital in Nashville. He was able to see the concert as well from his hospital bed. We then got to hear a letter written by Larry Ferguson thanking all for coming to the concert, and thanking everyone for their prayers as he recovers.

– Terry Dorsey

This is Lulu Roman’s manager. He has a wonderful voice. I could see him as a lead singer in a quartet, but then again, I think everyone sounds better in a quartet!

• I came to get my blessing
• This World Is Not My Home
• After Calvary
• One Day

– Lulu Roman

I’ve never seen Lulu in person, but I was looking forward to it. I’m too young to have seen Hee Haw when it was originally broadcast, but have seen re-runs on public television. My first introduction of her gospel singing was on KingsGold 1.

She came out and gave us great dose of Gospel Music with comedy interwoven between songs. If there is one thing, she can capture your attention, either in song or joke. She definitely made the night. Her faces and stories were fantastic, but of course, the songs she sang were great as well. Lulu knows how to work the crowd, and I believe everyone was at home with her performance.

• Orphan Girl (this song really touches the heart)
• That’s The Man I’m Looking For
• Buildin’ Up The Wall (my favorite out the entire night – I could see a bass singer singing this song as a solo)
• Amazing Grace (in my mind, her signature song)
• Heaven’s Watching Me
• Hiding Place
• All My Life
• I Will Glory In The Cross

Afterwards Clayton came back on stage to share a word of thanks, take up the offering, and he talked to Chris some more.

All the artists then joined Clayton on stage to do some songs in memory of Dottie Rambo, and of course… they were songs she wrote.

• Sheltered In The Arms Of God (Featured Terry on vocals)
• Holy Spirit, Thou art welcome in this place (Featured Clayton on the piano with the band helping him out)
• We Shall Behold Him (featured Tiffany Hile on most vocals)
• I Go to The Rock (this was everyone, with Tiffany leading them)

I was disappointed on the turnout… our big February concert here in town attracts 1,000-2,000 people. Clayton told me that the attendance was 150, and the money raised was $1200. I praise God that there was a decent offering given by such a few number of people!

You can view all the concert photos here.