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I am so excited to
bring to you my next two articles and let me tell you why. As I’ve said in
the past, I grew up the coast of California and quite frankly, there are
not a lot of southern gospel events happening in my neck of the woods.
However back in 1997, the National Quartet Convention decided to create
addition conventions, on of which was the Great Western Quartet Convention
held annually in Fresno, CA. I and my family were thrilled to have this
event to attend and would make it an annual tradition.
But not long after
its inception, a decision was made to relocate the convention to
Sacramento, CA for the ease of travelers coming in for the event. Even
though my family still attended, in general the change proved to be
unsuccessful in achieving a large turn out for the event. So in 2004, Les
Beasley and Claude Hopper took over the Great Western Quartet Convention
and teamed up to create the Great Western Southern Gospel Fan Festival. In
addition, they also relocated the event back to its roots in Fresno, CA at
the newly built Savemart Center near Fresno State University. Since its
return, it has flourished and is bringing some great groups from the south
to the west.
I’m excited to say
that this year is no different! The Fan Fest will be hosting several
prominate southern gospel groups such as The Hoppers, Legacy 5, Liberty
Quartet, Dixie Melody Boys, The Booth Brothers, Palmetto State Quartet,
Greater Vision. But the other thing I love about this event is it also
showcases many groups based or got their start in the west including, RSV
(Revised Standard Version), The Herb Henry Family, The Watchmen,
California Melody Boys, The Beene Family, who originated in Fresno, CA but
relocated to Tennessee, and others.
It is a three day
event beginning Thursday evening, May 1st and ending Saturday
May 3rd. The website for this event is
www.thefanfest.com and has a lot of great information regarding the
evening concerts and other activities happening during the day, like an
ice cream social and a pizza “panic” social. They also have devotionals on
Friday and Saturday with special music at no additional cost. The Great
Western Southern Gospel Fan Festival has really done well and grown every
year in its popularity and notoriety. They have strived to provide great
music and activities for all to enjoy.
The great
thing about Fresno is it is centrally located in the state, so for
southern gospel music lovers, it’s not a long way to go to get a great
weekend of fantastic music and fellowship with the artists and other fans.
If you’re in or around the Fresno area, I strongly encourage you to
attend. I know you’ll enjoy it. And if you happen to see me there, please
feel free to stop me and say hello! I’d thoroughly enjoy meeting you. For
those of you who won’t be able to attend, keep an eye out for next month’s
article as it will be highlighting the event & groups performing at the
Fan Fest. I will do my best to also have pictures available as well. Until
next time, be blessed my friends!! |
