As of this writing, it’s about 24 hours until I depart for my first National Quartet Convention. NQC 2012 is already in full swing, and I feel as if I’m arriving late. But Wednesday night will find me in Freedom Hall, enjoying the greatest music on earth. Here’s what I’m most looking forward to this week. What about you?
- Quartet Night (Wednesday night) – nothin’ but 4-part harmony, all night long, with the best quartets southern gospel has to offer
- Matt Fouch with Legacy Five (Wednesday night) – he’s already had a smash NQC debut last night, but this will be my first opportunity to hear the results of one of the biggest personnel changes of the year
- Mark Trammell Quartet (Wednesday/Friday night) – the best quartet on the planet right now will be showing off material from their thrilling new project; we’ll also be saying goodbye to Dustin Sweatman
- Gold City (Wednesday night) – My first time seeing the legendary quartet, and hearing the incomparable Tim Riley
- Gaither Vocal Band Reunion (Thursday afternoon) – one of the greatest assemblies of powerhouse gospel voices you will hear
- Collingsworth Family (Thursday night) – no one fills up an auditorium with sound like the Collingsworths
- Tribute Quartet (Thursday/Friday night) – specifically, I want to see the reaction to “Good News From Jerusalem”
- Bible Study/Chapel (Friday morning) – a time in the Word of God with Mark Trammell, and music by Greater Vision; what a great morning!
- NQC Music Awards (Friday afternoon) – it’s nice to see folks get recognized for their service
- Dianne Wilkinson book signing (Friday afternoon) – I’ve already got a signed copy, but I’ll be hanging around to finally meet this wonderful lady in person, and maybe even get an autograph from Daniel Mount himself
- Perrys (Friday night) – my favorite mixed group in southern gospel can bring down the house
- Jubilee concert (Saturday morning) – A late addition, Greater Vision, Legacy Five, and the Booth Brothers will put on a can’t-miss show
- Lari Goss showcase (Saturday afternoon) – some of gospel music’s greats will sing some powerful Goss-ified numbers
- First-timers – With the exception of MTQ, Greater Vision, and the Gaither Vocal Band, every single group I will be hearing live for the first time
- Meet and greet – I’ll also be face to face with some of my favorites, and some of my heroes. I can’t wait to shake their hand and tell them how much I appreciate what they do.
Now, on to Louisville!
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Oh my! So you’ve never seen L5 or the Booths or anybody other than the three you’ve named in concert before? And you such a long-time fan! I’m shocked. 😀
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I’ve only really been devoted fan for maybe five years. Not many groups come around my neck of the woods very often. And I can’t go on Sundays since I have my own church to attend. I’m always looking for opportunities!
How far are you willing to drive to catch a Friday or Saturday concert? That does factor into how many groups you have the opportunity to see in the course of a year. For me, ~90 minutes is pretty much my limit, since I’m not a great night owl / night driver. I’ve gone two hours before, though.
Author
I’ve driven as far as 75 minutes or so on a Friday night. I could be coaxed into driving farther, depending on the group. Saturday’s tougher unless it’s a 6:00 start. Can’t sleep in on Sunday.
Looking forward to hearing great things from you Brian. I pray that you and your precious wife have a glorious spiritual time. I know you’ll bring back lots of memories.