Published: April 24, 2008 07:54 pm         

Festival to feature gospel sing

The Mullens Dogwood Festival will host an evening of gospel music Friday, May 9, beginning at 6 p.m. with Judah’s Lion, along with The Joe Stewart Family, The Gospel Harmony Boys, First Pentecostal Holiness Church Heavenly Hands, and Ivan Parker, who is most readily recognized for his appearances with Bill Gaither.

Those attending should bring lawn chairs for the concert, according to officials.

Highlighting the evening will be Ivan Parker, who has been part of the Gaither Homecoming videos and performs in nearly 80 Gaither concerts a year in addition to his own solo schedule.

Parker has recorded a total of 30 projects and 10 videos – 15 with the Gold City Quartet, three with The Trio, and the remainder solo projects, including such hits as “It’s True,” “It Is Well With My Soul,” and “Midnight Cry.”

Parker was voted Favorite Lead Vocalist by the readers of The Singing News Magazine six times and Favorite Male Vocalist nine times, as both the Southern Gospel Music Association’s and The Singing News’ Soloist of the Year, along with the Department of Music Ministries of the Church of God’s Distinguished Soloist.

Respected as one of America’s most distinctive and celebrated gospel groups, West Virginia’s own Gospel Harmony Boys will be also be performing.

This group has enjoyed national recognition for many years for their diverse musical styles, their intricate harmonies, and their up-to-date renditions of the old gospel favorites. They were the first Gospel quartet ever featured on national network television and they will have the honor of being inducted into the in Christian Music Hall of Fame in June.

As one of the nation’s premier gospel quartets, this acclaimed group has direct ties to Wyoming County. The group’s newest member is baritone, Scott Brooks of Oceana. He recently joined Allen Junction native Calvin Thompson and GHB veterans Greg Tingler and Clacy Williams to continue the traditions of service and professionalism that were established with the group in 1952. Since that time, they have presented concerts in churches, civic auditoriums, fairs, festivals and hundreds of other venues all across the United States and Canada.

No matter how you know them, whether it be The Stewarts, The Joe Stewart Family, or just Joe and Sharon and the kids, their name is synonymous with music. And to them, music is a family affair. Joe and Sharon Stewart, along with their children — Russell, Devon, Misty and her husband, Robert Lyons — have been wowing audiences throughout West Virginia, as well as many areas east of the Mississippi, with their musical performances for years.

Music is the way he, along with his wife, Sharon, and children, relax. Their recording studio, located next to their home in Clear Fork, is also nationally known.

Judah’s Lion is a Christian band with a very unique sound. Much of the material performed by the band is written and/or arranged by the members. Each member has come from various musical backgrounds. The music combines influences of southern gospel, bluegrass, contemporary Christian, and more.

Also appearing will be the First Pentecostal Holiness Church Heavenly Hands. This group of young people will perform using sign language to interpret gospel music.

Ronnie McDowell will headline this year’s festival. The free concert is scheduled Saturday, May 10, at 8 p.m.

Local entertainers are also needed for this year’s festival. Those who would like to showcase their musical talents should contact Chad Cox at mfd214@yahoo.com or Susan England-Lord at 732-8000, extension 213 to schedule a time on stage.

The Mullens Dogwood Festival is planned for May 7-11, using the theme “All Roads Lead Home.”

Many new events are being planned as well as keeping those that have been enjoyed for years, according to England-Lord.

New to the festival will be a corn hole tournament as well as more old fashioned games, she said.

The festival art contest, sweets and eats contest, and sidewalk chalk contest will once again be a part of the festival.

Carnival rides by Myers Amusement will begin Wednesday, May 7, and continue through Saturday, May 10.

Once again, a giant fireworks display will close the festival.

Educational programs are planned to include History Hitting the Road, ATV Safety, Nutrition Education, Germ City, as well as many new educational exhibits.