I wish all of you a very safe and Happy Thanksgiving weekend.? I pray that each of you will take some time to reflect on God’s goodness and blessings in your life and that you take the time to say “Thank You” to our God Almighty.

What a beautiful day this was.? The temperature was around 80 degrees at the end of October in the mountains.? The weather did nothing to curb the ongoing drought situation we are facing, but it was awesome weather for an outdoor concert.? CLICK HERE for a few photos from the day.

Each year the Primitive Quartet hosts concerts for a couple of weekends for tourists and fans to take in the beautiful surroundings of the mountains, valleys and many colors.? If you ever get the opportunity to visit the Primitive Quartet in Hominy Valley, do it!? Even if you’re not a fan of Bluegrass music, the ambiance of the grounds are enough to make even the worst musicians seem more than tolerable.? What a beautiful place!

I was so excited to go to this concert.? One of my all-time favorite groups, The Good Shepherd Quartet, were coming out of retirement to sing at Hominy Valley.? My Dad and I got there just before the concerts started and am I glad I did.? I had never really heard of the group that kicked? the day off.? Paul Williams and The Victory Trio began the day and were just good.? Sometimes a little too bluegrassy or twangy for my tastes, but the spirit that swept the place while they were singing made the group sound great.? I would rather hear a mediocre group with a little ‘Umphhh’ from the Spirit than the tightest, dead vocals anyday.? Don’t get me wrong, I think any group should strive to be as vocally tight and in tune as possible, but some groups can pull off a not-so-perfect performance and still be enjoyable.? Paul Williams’ group is one of those groups.

The Good Shepherd were next and what a disappointment their set? was to me.? The former bass player and bass vocalist, Michael Mooney, had joined another group and couldn’t make the trip.? Instead, James Hartsock (the former lead singer) sang the bass part and a new guy sang the lead.? I was so disappointed that I didn’t even catch his name.? Looking back, I should’ve listened to the group better, but it just wasn’t the same for me.? I have no desire to hear the group with a new member.? Maybe I shouldn’t feel that way, but I can’t help it.? After a group has been singing together for 20+ years, it’s really never the same with someone different in the group.

The Primitive Quartet finished the day and were awesome as usual.? Jeff Tolbert is one of the best additions the Primitive Quartet could have made.? He really raises their vocals to another level, not to mention all of the additional instruments he brings to the group.? I hope he sticks around for a long time to come.?

The Primitive are really popular in my area so they always draw a large crowd.? Their place in Hominy Valley is a perfect for the groups’ down home charm and style.? I’d go back in a heartbeat to Hominy Valley.?

The best part of the trip was getting some alone time with my Dad.? Since I’ve gotten married and started businesses, we rarely get any quality time together.? We? shared a couple of hours of driving time, not counting the time at the concert.? That was honestly the best part of the trip for me.

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Gerald, Rodney, Jason, Me &
My Youngest Daughter, Sarah

Yes, I’m late posting this, but what else do you do when you have no spare time.

The concert was on 10/19/07 at my alma mater, Mars Hill College in Mars Hill, NC.? My wife had a photo shoot that evening so my Dad & Mom accompanied me and my two daughters.? CLICK HERE to view a photo gallery of the evening.

The evening began with the 2005 Junior National Banjo Pickin’ Champ, Zane Petty.? The kid could flat play but must have been very shy.? There were few smiles to be seen, but the stage was dark and I imagine the banjo takes quite a bit of concentration.? ? He was only 14 years old, so this kid will have a long future in gospel music should that be the path he chooses.

Dumplin’ Valley was next and I was surprised by how good these guys (and gal) were.? Isn’t this the same group that Gerald Wolfe left to join the Cathedrals?? I think they were called the Dumplin’ Valley Boys then, but this may be an entirely different group.? I meant to ask, but I forgot.? Anyway, I left the concert with 6 different CDs by the group.? Yes, they were that good.

Greater Vision took the stage next.? They were excellent but to be honest, I was a bit embarrased by the crowd.? There were probably only around 250-300 people attending.? The area has strong roots in the Primitive Quartet and Bluegrass gospel, so Southern Gospel concerts aren’t usually as successful here.? I would imagine that if this concert wasn’t an annual fundraiser for a local Boarding School for youths, then there would be even less in attendance.

Gerald Wolfe and company treated the crowd as if they were singing at NQC.? I admire the way that Greater Vision treats fans, always taking the time for pictures and to talk.? Does anyone else think that Jason’s voice is sounding tired?? Something just sounds different with him.? Don’t get me wrong, he’s still good, but his voice almost sounds scratchy to me.? Maybe it’s just me.

Overall, it was a great evening, but I left after intermission when Dumplin’ Valley took the stage for the second time.? The kids were getting restless and my parents were ready to leave.? Dad’s not a big Southern Gospel fan, but he toughed it out for me.? Mom seemed to enjoy it, but she and I have similar tastes in music.

It’s hard to beat Greater Vision in a live setting.? Great performance, guys!!!

Aside from being a hotbed of Gospel music, the mountains of North Carolina are also known for extreme climate changes.?

Quick explanation:

Yesterday – temperatures were 70+
Today – SNOW!!!

Awesome, huh????

http://dvd.search.ebay.com/_VHS_W0QQcatrefZC12QQsacatZ309QQsassZming44

The seller from the above link is offering several old Southern Gospel videos for sale.? Definitely worth a look.