Bonifay Southern Gospel Sing

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Date: Jun 04 2014 7:24 AM

The Bonifay Southern Gospel Sing will be held on Saturday July 5, 2014 at the Holmes County High School located at 825 West Highway 90 in Bonifay beginning at 5:00 PM.

Bonifay is known for the “Biggest All Night Sing in the World.” Dating back to the early 50’s with promoter J.G. Whitfield, the Southern Gospel Sing has a long of history of success and popularity over its 62 years. During its most popular run in the 1970’s and 80’s, the sing would draw as many as 14,000 – 15,000 fans. The sing has experienced many changes over the years, but there are several things that have remained constant, the music, the message, and deep history. Everyone that attends the sing is sure to have a great time.

This year’s lineup will include Kevin Williams (Guitarist for Bill Gaither and the Gaither Vocal Band), Wes Hampton (Tenor for the Gaither Vocal Band), The Nelons, Four Calvary, and One Heart.

Kevin Williams is an accomplished musician who is no stranger to southern gospel music. While growing up in Russell Springs, Kentucky, Kevin first picked up a guitar at age 12 and began playing at churches and community events just two years later. His natural ability and hunger to grow as an artist led to countless opportunities to produce, perform and record professionally.

“As a kid, I would sit on the front row at concerts of many of the artists that are now featured on the Gaither Homecoming videos. It has been my honor to play for them and get to know them. I will never forget men like George Younce and Joel Hemphill who offered an encouraging word to a then-hopeful 14-year-old guitar player.” Kevin began touring with the legendary Wendy Bagwell & The Sunliters until 1995, when he produced the group’s last project, “I Feel Like Singing.”

Since then, he has become an integral part of the Gaither Homecoming Tour, and as a studio session player has played on countless recordings. Known and loved around the world not only for his guitar savvy but also his quick wit, Kevin now celebrates more than 2 decades in gospel music, more than 600 recordings and hundreds of live appearances. This guitar player, band director and “resident smart-alec” for the Gaither Homecoming Tour continues to light up arenas all over the world with his warm spirit, musical expertise and passion for blessing audiences with the gift of laughter.

Kevin and his wife, Kathy, reside in Nashville, Tennessee, with their two daughters Carolina and Olivia.

Wes Hampton grew up with an admiration for music, especially the music of Steve Green, Larnelle Harris, Michael English and the iconic Gaither Vocal Band. Wes attended Trevecca Nazarene University from 1996 until 1998. He moved to Birmingham, Alabama and married his wife, Andrea, in 1998. Wes finished his B.A. in psychology and minor in music in August of 2000 from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Wes was part of the worship staff at a local church in Birmingham for seven years, until he accepted the tenor position for the Gaither Vocal Band in June of 2005.

Wes won the 2006 Singing News Horizon Individual Fan Award for best new artist and was nominated with the Gaither Vocal Band for a Grammy in 2007 (“Give it Away”) and in 2008 (“Lovin’ Life”). Wes’s first project with the Gaither Vocal Band, “Give it Away,” won three Dove Awards from the GMA in 2007 for best southern gospel song of the year, best southern gospel record of the year and best long form video of the year. Wes’s third album with the Gaither Vocal Band, “Lovin’ Life,” won a Grammy in 2009 for best southern gospel or country bluegrass album as well as a Dove Award. The GVB’s project, “Reunited,” received a Dove Award in 2010 for best southern gospel record of the year. Wes has also released two solo albums.

Wes and Andrea reside in the Birmingham area and have four little boys: Barrett, Hudson, Carden, and Sutton.

With numerable awards and accolades including three GRAMMY Nominations, Six Gospel Music Association DOVE Awards and many songs that have soared to the top of national radio charts, The Nelons continue to produce innovative music that embraces their traditional roots, while simultaneously reaching beyond various musical boundaries with an emphasis on introducing songs for the church.

The Nelons’ have a heavy touring schedule consisting of more than 150 concerts annually that takes their brand of Christian music around the world. They are regulars on the Bill Gaither Homecoming Tour and the famed Gaither Homecoming Video Series.

For (original group member) Kelly Nelon Clark, singing alongside her husband (song-writer and group arranger) Jason Clark, and daughter (vocal power-house), Amber Nelon Thompson this is a full-circle moment as she reflects on the countless nights she shared the stage with her Hall of Fame Father, Rex Nelon.

Tickets are $15 advance and $18 at the door, ages 6 – 12 are $5 advance and $8 at the door, and

ages 5 and younger free. Tickets can be purchased at the following locations:

Bonifay: Piggly Wiggly, Crestview: Libby and Friends Gospel Concerts - Gospel Lighthouse Christian Store, Dothan & Enterprise: Dove Christian Supply, Chipley: One South Bank

For more information, purchase or reserve tickets call (850) 547 – 1356, email [email protected], or Facebook: fourcalvary OR Bonifay Southern Gospel Sing.

Thank you for supporting 62 years of Southern Gospel Music in Bonifay, Florida.

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