Musical guests for the event will include Gospel Music Hall of Fame member Archie Watkins, who began singing professionally in the mid 1960s with one of gospel music’s biggest groups, The Inspirations. While with The Inspirations, Watkins’ voice was heard on more than 60 hit songs in 40 years.
Watkins was also chosen as Favorite Male Singer three times and Favorite Tenor on four occasions by subscribers of Singing News in its annual fan awards balloting. In 1999, Watkins was the recipient of the coveted Singing News Marvin Norcross award, the most prestigious award in all of gospel music. In October 2007, Watkins was inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
Meanwhile, bluegrass gospel favorite The Green River Boys from Saluda will make their fourth appearance at the event, bringing fast-paced traditional bluegrass gospel music to the mix.
A newcomer to this year’s event will be the dynamic Soul Vision quartet. This group will sing regional and favorite standard southern gospel music. Soul Vision has quickly become one of the local gospel music scene’s fastest moving groups. They will soon release their first national single.
Beginning at 5 p.m., food will be sold to benefit the care packages effort for the troops. Hot dogs, roasted corn, desserts, cold drinks and nachos will be sold.
For admission, attendees are asked to bring some of the following items to send to troops: personal size toiletries, snacks, lotions, sunglasses, DVDs, lip balm, white socks, stationary, candy that won’t melt easily, etc. Monetary donations will also be accepted with all proceeds going to purchase more care package items and to cover shipping costs.
In case of rain the event will be held at the Columbus Fire Department. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs. If you are unable to attend, you can drop items off for donation at the WJFJ radio station on Court Street in Columbus.
For more information, call 828-894-5858.