Pipestone Flyer
The men's quartet, Potters Clay, sang songs old and new with a professional touch.
The 15th annual Concert in the Country in Millet was once again very well attended and very much enjoyed. It is wonderful how Country Gospel Music can encompass such a range of music from traditional classics such as “Amazing Grace” and the “Hallelujah Chorus” to brand new songs such as the deeply touching “Excuse Me, Are You Jesus?” Every performer, every group was excellent and unique, providing a great experience for everyone there.
The weekend breaks down into three main concert sessions with a supper between the afternoon and evening sessions on Saturday, and a pancake breakfast and a church service preceding the afternoon session on Sunday. In each session, six individuals or groups perform. Tim Lovelace was both the skilled Master of Ceremonies and one of the performers in all three sessions. The Fehrs, Potter's Clay, and the Nelons were also there for all three sessions. Visions Country Gospel and Revive Gospel Singers were part of only the Saturday sessions, while Ben Kellert, and Harry and Gladys Rusk came for Sunday.
Around the sides and back of the arena there were market tables. Of course, every performer or group had a table for selling their CDs and/or videos, but there was also an author/poet, and tables of home canned pickles, jewelry, scarves, make-up, etc. It sounded as though some of the regular concert-goers planned to purchase specific items, such as pickled carrots, every year.
Each performer or group stands out in different ways, and I'm sure that what most impressed me may not have caught your attention, and your favourite moments may not have stood out for me. Although music has never been a big thing in my life, Country Gospel is the music I enjoy most. Potter's Clay stood out for their professional quality, and for the highly evident joy of their young keyboard player. They are an excellent quartet. The Nelons have magnificent voices, and their acappella renditions of the “Hallelujah Chorus” and “What a Difference Since Jesus Passed By” were outstanding. The story behind “Excuse Me, Are You Jesus?” as told by Jason, was so touching, as is the song. Harry Rusk is a specialist at getting the audience involved and participating. Tim Lovelace is both very competent, and very humorous, an excellent musician, story teller, and speaker.
This is also a time when Concert in the Country advertizes its November Pig Roast and Gospel Concert, which will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2013, with supper at 5:30 pm and the concert at 7:30 pm. Tickets for supper are $27 for adults and $15 for children 4 to 11, with younger ones free.
Concert in the Country provides an opportunity to enjoy quality music, some good clean humour; entertainment that is both enjoyable and honouring to God. Thank you.