Creekside Gospel Music Convention 2014 is in the books! What a great time to be a Gospel music fan at the Gospel music capital, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Hundreds gathered at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center from November 3^rd through 6^th to experience music, fellowship, fun…and doughnuts!

Monday night began with set-up in the Exhibit Hall of artist booths. It’s always fun to get together with the artists before the concerts. There had been snow in the area on the weekend but we were glad that Monday was sunny and mild. The evening concert began at 5:30pm to a crowd who were excited and enthusiastic. At 8:00pm, we welcomed our honored guest, Little Willie Wynn and all of his friends for a “Bash” like Creekside has never seen before. Laughter, fun and a whole lot of great music from Woody Wright, The Kramers, The Tennesseans and Sweetwater members. What a terrific evening!

Tuesday was the Chapel Valley Showcase, the evening concert and then the 2014 Diamond Awards. You will see the winners elsewhere in this edition. Wow! We had a great celebration with special guests Karen Peck and New River, Blue Highway, the Dixie Melody Boys, the Freemans, Danny Jones, and of course the impeccable Tim Lovelace as emcee.

Wednesday we had the Morris Music Group Showcase, the Red Back Hymn Book Choir and the special evening concert. On Thursday, we were privileged to have Ken and Jean Grady of Gospel Music Today do live tapings for their show. They had been with us all week and also worked with us in the producing of the Diamond Awards. What a precious couple! Our last evening concert was a special night with music from 20 groups and an audience who didn’t want to leave.

New this year was the Midnight Prayer service, from Monday night through Wednesday night. It was a memorable time of prayer and praise from artists and fans who joined together to pray for the singing and for any needs within the group. On Tuesday night, those who had listened to the Strictly Southern Show with Vonda Easley were treated with doughnuts before the prayer service. There was more than one set of sticky hands!

We want to thank all of the artists, fans and volunteers who joined together to make this a wonderful event. Be sure to check this space next month where we will begin to tell you about next year’s event! And don’t forget to check www.creeksidegospelmusicconvention.com/

“Creekside Gospel Music Convention 2014 was everything I expected and more. Great singing, great showcases, and what a blessing Midnight Prayer was each evening. I am making plans now to attend Creekside Gospel Music Convention 2015! Meet me there.” – Vonda Easley, Strictly Southern Show with Vonda Easley

“It is always a joy working with the artists at Creekside, the ones who have become close friends after three years together at this event, as well as the new artists experiencing Creekside for the first time this year. I look forward to the continued growth in this event and the introduction of new ministries to the Creekside family.”- Jonathan Edwards, Faith’s Journey

“Creekside was a great time of fellowship and getting together with all the artists and fans. It was wonderful to see the auditorium full each night and to feel the enthusiasm of the crowd. Midnight Prayer really caught on. The Diamond Awards were spectacular. All in all, the event was even better this year. I can’t wait until next year! Join me!”- Rob Patz, Publisher of SGN Scoops

For more pictures and information on Creekside 2014 please read the November issue of SGN Scoops found at www.sgnscoops.com

For information on Creekside 2015 to be held on November 2-5 2015 at Pigeon Forge TN , visit http://www.creeksidegospelmusicconvention.com/

Pictures courtesy of Robert York, Michelle Drummond, Meagan Pledger