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Even with technical
difficulties,
Gaither Homecoming show is a success
by Daniel Hines
Publisher
America's Seniors/TodaysSeniorsNetwork.com
St.
Louis, February 9, 2004--In an era in which aging rock stars bare their
breasts on national television, an era in which performers merely
lip-sync the words, an era of raunchiness and crassness, it is always
wonderful when The Gaither Homecoming Series comes into a town.
And, even with some technical
difficulties with the sound system, Bill Gaither showed the graciousness
and charm that is the touchstone of his personality and had endeared him
to millions of fans.
Continued interruptions gave the
chance for a 'stall' with some adlibs by Bill with the musicians, and
it was hilarious. And, fortunately, they stalled long enough to
allow the show to pick up with a new mission, described by Bill as 'a
reason for the problems...a chance to make the evening even more
special'.
Did they ever!!! This was my third
concert in St. Louis, and perhaps it was because we had the winner of
the St . Louis tickets (click here to read winning
entry), our own music
director from St. John's Lutheran Church and some dear friends and
family members with us that it was so special...but that's only because
of the sincerity and faith of Bill, Gloria and all the show members.
 He never disappoints. His
energy, his wonderful voice and his ability to connect with the crowd of
more than 12,000, left us all breathless. He was to score again
later during the wrapup with some old-fashioned renditions of Gospel
Tent Revival songs.
The Isaacs once again showed why they
have become such favorites. Great voices and some almost unbelievable
instrum ental skills that has endeared them to their fans with a Blue
Grass touch that captures the magic of an earlier time and a special
type of Gospel music.
Janet Paschal made a welcomed return
to the production after being absent following her marriage. Ms.
Paschal is an absolutely beautiful woman whose inner beauty shows
through. Add to that a n absolutely marvelous voice that just
envelopes one with peace and a feeling of warmth and security in our
faith, and it is apparent that she represents a unique talent that
offers a welcomed softness to the Homecoming Series.
A special tribute must go to Gloria
Gaither...her comments and reassuring messages seemed to be especially
poignant in light of the absence on stage, but not in everyone's hearts,
of Jake and Vestal. The show concluded with a special video
tribute to the two beloved legends.
And, Bill was right. It was a
special evening. I watched the audience throughout the show.
It consisted of old people, youth, black and white...and I could only
sit amazed at the talent that we had just seen during a four-hour
show...and thank God for Bill Gaither, whose closing comments reminded
us of the rich tradition of praising God through Gospel singing,
including a charge to the younger singers to 'carry on this rich
tradition.' A special evening made possible by a special talent who has
dedicated his life to praising God in song--Bill Gaither. |