Southern Gospel Concerts

I was glad that instead of participating in the Parade of Pianos showcase this year, Dino had his own showcase.  I was happy for two reasons.  First, it is my personal opinion that Dino does not fit into the Southern Gospel “box,” and teaming him up on a program with “real” Southern Gospel pianists changes the atmosphere of the entire program.  Second, Dino is an extremely talented pianist and entertainer and taken in that way, I really enjoy watching and hearing him. 

After encouraging everyone to relax and just enjoy themselves, Dino started his showcase with a wonderful medley of songs including Goodbye World Goodbye, When the Saints Go Marching In, When We All Get to Heaven, and the Hallelujah Chorus. 

Then Dino welcomed Kim Collingsworth to the stage.  She played a great arrangement of “Jericho” that brought the house down.  Then she talked about what a great country we live in when a “country girl like me has the opportunity to play the piano on this great stage—in FREEDOM HALL—on Sept. 11^th.”  She then played God Bless America and had the entire audience on their feet.  She followed with A Mighty Fortress Is Our God and the Hallelujah Chorus.

Much to the enjoyment of all, Dino then joined Kim on stage and they played duets with a lot of shenanigans (pushing one another off the end of the bench, reaching over one another, etc.).  They played Onward Christian Soldiers, At Calvary, and Standing on the Promises.  Lots of fun!  Clearly Kim and Dino have a chemistry and both have a great love of playing!

Dino then led the audience in the Greek song, I Love You Very Much (ompaa)!  If you haven’t seen this before, the song continues to repeat over and over while it gets faster and faster.  Just a fun song.

Cheryl, Dino’s wife, came onto the stage and sang “I’m a New Christian in Jesus Christ.”  I had never heard Cheryl sing before and I was very pleasantly surprised.  She does have a beautiful voice, with crystal-clear diction.  She talked with the audience about having grandkids and how much fun that is, talked about being a PK (Preacher’s Kid) and told stories of how her brother, Gary McFadden, always used to misbehave in church!  Then she introduced her next song, “What a Wonderful World” by saying that this is GOD’s wonderful world.

Dino played a beautiful arrangement of Edelweiss that I enjoyed very much.  He ended the program with a very dramatic arrangement of The Battle Hymn of the Republic.

This was a very enjoyable showcase with plenty of opportunities to laugh and to enjoy excellently performed music.  I hope Dino has a showcase next year, too!

- - - - Contributed by Donna Hefner