April 5, 2004

Camden, South Carolina

On Sunday, April 4, 2004, the Gospel Hi-Lites of Lugoff celebrated their 10th anniversary at the Kershaw Recreation Center in Camden.  On program were Charlie Watson & The Silver Stars of Gastonia, South Carolina, Singing Crusaders of Camden, Clouds of Joy of Bishopville, Heavenly Aires of Tookedo, Sister Mitchell & The Gospeletts of Camden, The Cavaliers of Lugoff, Rev. George R. Johnson and The Johnsonaires, The Six Voices of Zion, The Voices of New Faith, The Community Brothers of Elgin, and the anniversary group.

The emcees were Sister Blanche V. S. Goodson and Brother Henry Mitchell.  Brother Mitchell is a radio angel with WCAM.  Overall, this was a good anniversary program.  The crowd certainly showed their appreciation by staying until the end of the program.

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April 15, 2004

April 15 is generally referred to as "tax" day.  However, after tonight, it will also be remembered for the concert that took place at Lively Stone Temple.  What a way to forget about "tax" day and leave the troubles of the world behind for two hours.  Lively Stone Temple hosted a gospel quartet concert featuring Women of Strength, The Ballard Sisters, and Rev. Matthew Mickens and The New Highway Travelers.

Sister Blanche Goodson, who also was the emcee, and District Elder James Mack started the concert with a spirited devotion.  It fact the devotion itself was a mini service.  Women of Strength, a relatively new group, was the first group to sing.  The members of the group are Lyn Taylor, Atonia Jacobs, Theresa Jacobs, Shonda Johnson and Dana Robinson.  It is our prayer that these young ladies stay together. Because, they are a great group. The potentials of the group are unlimited. They have all of the qualities (smooth vocals, harmony, great music, original songs, songs with scripture based words, great stage presence, and excellent musicians), to be the next chart toppers in gospel music.  You can hear one of the songs from their new CD by visiting The Music page.

Next to sing was The Ballard Sisters.  As expected they were great.  We have told you before about eight year old Eddie Cabbagestalk, Jr., the keyboard player for The Ballard Sisters.  The Ballard Sisters allowed Eddie to showcase his talents.  This young man has a great future in gospel music. 

Rev. Matthew Mickens and The New Highway Travelers closed the program.  And what a way to close a program.  This has got to be one of the most polished groups in South Carolina that has not yet become national recording artists.  However, they are on their way. They had the crowd on their feet from the time they took the stage until the concert ended.  We understand that they will be appearing Sunday, April 18, 2004, at the Three River Music Festival in Columbia.  Don't miss them on Sunday.

This concert dispelled the notion that you cannot have a successful gospel quartet concert on a Thursday night in Columbia.  There was a good crowd, the groups had plenty of time to sing, and the concert was over by 9:15 P.M.

After the singing, Elder Mack, the Pastor of Lively Stone Temple, did an alter call and the benediction.  We commend Lively Stone Temple for opening their doors and allowing gospel quartet concerts.

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April 19, 2004

Not to long ago someone asked the question "what's up with the Swanees?"  Well, after the concert on last night, we can say that The Swanee Quintet is going strong.  Their performance gave you a "glimpse" of days gone by.  The Swanees were the special guests of the Six Voices of Zion, who celebrated their 42nd anniversary on yesterday.

The concert took place at The Bethlehem Center, North Main and Eastman Street, Columbia.  The program began with a very spirited devotional service led by Minters Jessie Gilmore and Tryon Eichelberger.  The emcees for the program were Sister Blanche V. S. Goodson, Minister Isaac Heyward and Nero "Mr. Gospel" Tindal.

Along with the Swanees and the anniversary group, the following groups ministered at the concert - The Gospel Originals, Lloyd Cannady and The Flying Clouds of Plumbranch, The Gospel All-Stars, Revelation, Big Mack & The Harmonettes, The Singing Crusaders of Camden, T. D. Brown and The Gloryaires, The National Juniors and Pelham Myers and The Five Singing Stars. 

All of the groups were good.  However, The Swanee Quintet was really good.  Not only did Percy and Big Red sing for the crowd, the Swanees had young Master Eddie Cabbagestalk, Jr. playing the keyboard.  This young man is just awesome.  We cannot say enough about this 8 year old musical wonder.  The Swanees, along with Eddie, kept the crowd on their feet.  What a way to end a concert.

We do not believe anyone would have been disappointed had there been fewer groups on the program.  However, a good time was still had by all in attendance.