| Upcoming Events | 
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We're working now on finalizing details for the "Harvest of Thanks" concert this fall. We'll let you know the information as soon as everything is confirmed!  The "Christmastime GospelFest" will be held Saturday, December 1st at Five Points in Washington, IL. Sunday evening, December 2nd, we'll present a shorter version of the concert at Calvary Baptist Church in Normal, IL. This is our 8th year for what is quickly becoming a holiday tradition in central Illinois. This year will also feature the debut of a brand new song written by Stephen Hill and Shawn, "We're Coming Home for Christmas!" Plans are also being made for a return trip to Branson, MO with Peoria Charter for "PraiseFest!" This event will take place in March 2013. There's always a lot going on!
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Greetings!
It's hard to believe that we're almost halfway through 2012! In addition to planning for our GospeFest concert this summer, work has already begun on this year's Christmastime GospelFest! But let's not get ahead of ourselves... :-)
We've had a busy spring at the Degenhart household. Clara had her piano recital a couple weeks ago (and played beautifully!) and just started softball practice. Eliza just finished her first year of pre-school! My brother and his wife just had their third child this past week, beautiful little Stella Ray Degenhart.
The "GospelFest Shed" is almost complete... Since building our rather large set pieces for the Christmastime GospelFest, we've been unable to get even 1 car in our 2 car garage! This shed, once done, will provide us some much needed storage! If you're friends with me on Facebook, you've been able to follow the construction with photo updates.
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GospelFest Jubilee: a 1940s Radio Broadcast
 Our Summer GospelFest concert this year will be themed after a 1940s southern gospel radio program! In addition to the GospelFest Singers and Choir, we'll be joined this year by the brand new "GospelFonics Orchestra!" This live seven-piece band is made up of some of central Illinois' best musicians and will give us a classic big band sound. There will also be several humorous commercials from our "sponsors."
We'll also have our sound effects operator, and serving as our announcer will be central Illinois radio and TV personality, Mr. Lee Ranson! Long before he was our favorite weatherman, Mr. Ranson could be heard on the airwaves all over central Illinois.
This program will be held one night only, on Saturday, June 16th at Grace Church in Morton, IL. Doors open at 6:15 and concert begins at 7:00pm. Tickets are available at Hoerr's Berean Bookstores in Peoria & Bloomington, at the Grace Church offices in Morton, and through our website. They are $15 advance and $18 at the door. Children high school and under are free. Special group rates are as follows: 10-24 tickets are $12 each; 25+ tickets are only $10 each.
It's going to be a great night, so plan on joining us! As a special treat, one lucky winner will receive a vintage Crosley arch-top radio, courtesy of the Crosley Radio company! |
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Summer Gospel Music Opportunities
There are many opportunities for those interested in a career in southern gospel to learn from industry professionals in a one-on-one setting and grow their ministry to its fullest potential! Here are two that I would recommend:
Elijah School of Performance, June 20-23 Allison Durham Speer and a host of professionals from the southern gospel world will help hone all aspects of your ministry, including public performance, booking dates, communicating with an audience, and becoming all that God has intended for you to be in your ministry. This four-day workshop is held at Grace Church of the Nazarene in Nashville. For more information, visit www.elijahconference.com.
Ben Speer's Stamps-Baxter School of Music, July 8-20
This two-week singing school continues the education started in singing schools back in the late 1800s and early 1900s from folks like James D. Vaughan and V. O. Stamps. Throughout the two weeks, you'll find yourself learning all about music theory, harmony, sight singing and shape notes, as well as opportunities for performance training, conducting and instrumental workshops, and special concerts! The school is held on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, TN. To register, visit www.stampsbaxterschool.com. |
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Gospel Echoes album
 The "Gospel Echoes" album from the Heritage Harmony Quartet has been doing quite well this past year. As I mentioned in earlier newsletters, it's currently available in the Gaither Spring 2012 product catalog, and has just been added to the Springside music catalog (affiliated with Paul Heil's "The Gospel Greats" program). It's available through our website and on iTunes and Amazon.com.
If you don't have your copy yet, order one today! It's full of great songs from the Stamps Quartet Music Company... songs that have been largely forgotten until now! |
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We can't thank you enough for praying for GospelFest Ministries! As always, we appreciate your prayers as we seek to discover God's will for us as well as this ministry. We're so thankful to all our ministry partners!
Later this year, Anne and I will be stepping down from our church music position to devote more time to GospelFest Ministries, including our concerts, radio programs and other future endeavors. Very soon, a search committee will be put in place to begin looking for my replacement. I'm committed to the church through the end of the year, but will step down if a replacement is found sooner.
We are trusting in the Lord for His provision for us during this transition time as well as once we make the move. He has always proven faithful, and will continue to do so!
In addition to your prayers, would you pray about and consider partnering with us financially in this ministry? Because of our non-profit, 501(c)(3) status, all gifts are tax-deductible. If just 3 people from each of the listening areas where the GospelFest Hour airs pledged $10/month, all of our ministry needs would be met! Would you pray and see if the Lord would have you join us in this journey of sharing the gospel through music? Your gifts, and especially your prayers, are very much appreciated! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call me at 309.472.0027 or send me an e-mail.
Sincerely, 
Shawn Degenhart
GospelFest Ministries |
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