Gospel music enthusiasts have two opportunities to hear a range of their favorites when Old Time Gospel Hour is presented Feb. 28 and March 1 at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith.
Dr. Rosilee Russell of Fort Smith, executive director of the Academy of the Arts, said the re-named event, formerly called Gospel Fest, is sure to please.
“We offered Gospel Fest for the past three years,” Russell said, “and it was very well received. Old Time Gospel Hour will feature many of the same people, and we’re looking forward to sharing the mix of Southern gospel, traditional hymns and black gospel. There will be a variety of solos, duets and choral arrangements of favorite timeless hymns.”
The event, part of the Academy’s On Stage series, will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, and again at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, in Breedlove Auditorium at AV¶¶Ňő. Admission is $15 or by On Stage series ticket.
Performers include a men’s Southern gospel quartet, made up of Donnie Crosswhite of Alma; Andy Anderson of Barling; and Steve Stewart and Brandon Willey of Fort Smith.
Soloists for the event are Dru Baker, Brian Gary, Barry Law and Lacey Thomas, all of Fort Smith. Special guests on the program presenting choral music will be members of the Oak Cliff Baptist Church Choir, led by Lyndel Hobbs.
Instrumentalists to be featured include Robert Wight of Alma, piano; Gini Law of Fort Smith and Dawayne Stamper of Lavaca, piano and keyboard; Charles Goff of Arkoma, guitar; and Friscoe Boyd of Fort Smith, drums.
Some of the pieces to be performed are “My God is Real,” “Never Gonna Steal My Joy,” “Because He Lives,” “I’ll Fly Away,” “My Tribute,” “Walking in Sunlight,” “How Great Thou Art” and “Midnight Cry.”
“We’ve had tremendous concerts the last three years,” said Russell. “The people of this area love this type of music, and we love presenting it. And besides an evening of good gospel music, those attending will know they have helped benefit children and the arts. Proceeds from the event go to provide Academy scholarships and underwrite activities of the Academy.”
The Academy, which has an enrollment of 475, provides a curriculum of activities geared to children and teens and currently offers private music lessons and music theory classes, as well as instrumental, choral and theatre programs and a Youth Honor Symphony Orchestra for ages 14-21, a preschool MusikGarten program and art classes for elementary-age children.
Old Time Gospel Hour tickets are available at the AV¶¶Ňő Box Office, 479-788-7300, or . For more information on the concert, contact the Academy at 479-788-7253.