June 6, 2004

THE DIXIE HUMMINGBIRDS

On Saturday, June 5, 2004, The Glory Gospel Singers of Camden, South Carolina, celebrated the first part of their first anniversary of singing praises to our Lord and Savior.  The second part of the anniversary celebration is scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 12, 2004, at I. DeQuincey Newman Methodist Church, Columbia.

The June 5, 2004 program was initially scheduled for the Unity United Methodist Church, Lugoff, South Carolina.  Without notice to the public at large, the program was changed to the Family Life Center of The Unity United Methodist Church.  The Family Life Center is about 5 miles from the Church.  Unfortunately, this writer, and several other persons, waited and waited at the church for the program.  It is a good bet that many gave up, returned home and did not try to find the program. 

However, once finding the program, we were glad to be in the number - if for no other reason than to witness the legendary Dixie Hummingbirds in concert.  The program began with devotion.  Brother Henry Jones of The Jones Brothers of Lancaster, South Carolina, was the emcee.

There were many, many, many groups on the program.  We will not list them, but suffice it to say, there were to many groups on the program.  It would have been a good service with just the Dixie Hummingbirds. 

Another guest group was The Doe Family of Jacksonville, Florida.  This is a family group that can really sing.  All they need is some original songs.  We certainly encourage them to continue their song ministry.  They really blessed the house. 

Although Brother Jones kept the program flowing with very little, if any, down time, because of the number of groups on the program the Dixie Hummingbirds did not take the state until about 10:00 P.M.  At that time, Brother Jones called upon Attorney Joseph Smalls to call the Birds to the stage. 

On this night the Birds met “slim.” (For those of you who are fans of the Birds you know what “slim” means.  If you are not a fan, listen to their song (“Who Are We”).  That would not, and did not, dampen the ministry of the Birds.  As expected, they were superb.  Mr. Tucker and the guys really sang.  They gave “slim” an hour of pure traditional gospel quartet music. 

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June 14, 2004

What a program.  On yesterday, Bill Pinkney presented a gospel explosion at the American Legion in Sumter, South Carolina.  There were only five (5) groups on the program.  Just enough groups for a great concert.  Everyone had plenty of time to sing.  And sing they did.

After a spirited devotion, the first group to perform was the Abrams Singers.  They really did a wonder praise and worship service.  Then Deacon Burgess and The Mighty Soul Searchers took the stage.  Deacon Burgess and the guys sand, and sang, and sang.  Yes, they did their signature song – Don’t Wonder About Him.

Rev. Matthew Mickens and The New Highway Travelers were next.  This group gets better each time they minister.  Their new song, Time is Short, is sure to climb the charts and be a regular on many radio play list.

Bill Pinkney and The Gospel Drifters continued what The New Highway Travelers started.  Mr. Bill and the fellows took you on a trip down memory lane.  Their new song, Babylon, is a must for your collection.

The guest group, Darrell McFadden and The Fantastic Disciples, closed out what was an awesome program.  Darrell always hit the stage with energy and leaves the audience wanting more.  This night would be no different.  Perry Taft, formerly of the Gospel Keynotes, and commonly known as Baby, sang with The Drifters and Darrell McFadden.

The emcees for the program was Ms. Blanche Goodson, Eugene Daughty of WQMC, Sumter,  and Willette Stocker-Simon of WQMC, Sumter.