Special Feature

Nov

2008

MAGMA’S Ninth Annual Convention Tops All Others

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“Best Convention Ever”. Those words and sentiments were echoed again and again at the close of the Mid-America Gospel Music Association’s Ninth Annual Convention held November 7 and 8 in Farmington, Missouri. The Centene Center played host to a packed house and proved once again to be an excellent venue for MAGMA’s yearly event.

MAGMA is an organization dedicated to the preservation of southern, country and bluegrass gospel music and currently boasts artists from Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa and Tennessee, with inquiry and membership growing steadily each year.

This year MAGMA was proud to add to their roster of great artists the “Wanda Mountain Boys” of Wood River, Illinois, “New Reason” of New Edinburg, Arkansas, “Full Circle” of Risco, Missouri, “Jericho” of DeSoto, Missouri and “One Voice” of Marion, Illinois. What tremendous additions to an organization already swelling with talent!

It was an excited and anxious crowd that lined up at the ticket window on Friday evening and their excitement carried over into the concert hall as they welcomed Marty Moreland, the evening’s first emcee. Marty wasted no time introducing The Wanda Mountain Boys who took us down memory lane with Squire Parson’s “I’ll Have a New Song” and brought the crowd to its feet with “Long As I Got King Jesus”.

It was a bittersweet evening for country gospel group Heartfelt as they said goodbye to road warriors Randy Barron and Gary Dean. At the close of their performance MAGMA presented them with plaques for 30 years of dedicated service to Heartfelt’s ministry and they will be sorely missed.

The male quartet, Jericho, made their first appearance as MAGMA artists and did themselves proud. Singer/songwriter Janice Crow delighted the audience with three brand new songs. The crowd came alive as she gave them a taste of what an all Janice quartet would sound like, singing all four parts on “Thank the Lord”. After hearing the reaction, MAGMA President, Gary O’Neal teased Janice that she should consider reapplying next year in the group category!

Ralph Green, one of 2007’s Lifetime Achievement Award winners, and his trio Southern Tradition introduced their new tenor, Terry Reynolds as they sang their mellow, laid back harmonies as only they can and it was beautiful as always.

Friday night’s Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to long-time media personalities Slim and Zella Mae Cox of St. Louis for their 60 years in gospel music. They were joined on stage by their children and grandchildren as the award was presented by MAGMA Board member Martha Warren and her son, Roy. Martha and Roy Warren are veterans of St. Louis’ own Gene Warren and The Glorylanders. Bro. Gene passed away last year and would have been thrilled to present the award to his friends and colleagues. It took only a little coaxing to get Slim and Zella Mae to sing a few bars of their old radio theme and the crowd loved it.

MAGMA again provided a Green Room coordinated by Redemptions alto Robyn Mackey, soloist Karen Carr and a steadfast crew where they served up roast beef and all the trimmings, hot dogs, chili, and an assortment of pies, cakes, and cobblers for weary artists in need of a nutrition break or just a hot cup of coffee. Thanks, ladies, for a wonderful job!

Then it was back to the auditorium where Justin Hoagland took over the emcee work, introducing One Voice, who made the most of their MAGMA debut showcasing their smooth, tight harmony on the song, “I Will Go On”. Kathy Atkins is always a favorite and her version of “Hello in Heaven” would make anyone look forward to what awaits for the Christian. MAGMA was proud to welcome once again the Southern Brothers, singing their Top 40 song “God Knows.”

Singer/songwriter Karen Carr inspired the audience with her spiritual anthem, “It’s Time We Pray”, and The Redemptions, although last on the evening’s program, proved they were well worth sticking around for as they took the stage to sing Kevin Womble’s charting song, “This Time”, cut by the Mark Trammel Trio landing Kevin a #20 spot on the January, 2006 Singing News chart. The Redemptions’ appearance at the MAGMA Convention marked baritone Justin Hoagland’s final weekend as a single man. Congratulations Justin and Sara!

At the close of Friday night’s concert singers and fans alike headed on over to a local all-night restaurant to share a good meal and swap road stories into the wee hours of the morning. It was a great opportunity to get reacquainted with old friends and get to know some of this year’s new MAGMA groups.

Saturday evening The Rivermen took the stage with their old-time convention songs “I’m Living in Canaan” and “The Dearest Friend I Ever Had”, always classic. They were followed by N’Praise and Dave Davis’ emotional ballad “Prodigal’s Dad” and “Wall of Prayer”, which featured the buttery rich alto voice of Norma Beatty.

Saturday’s emcee work was shared by Marty Moreland and Carol Sanguinette-How. Carol did an excellent job, despite feeling a bit under the weather, and the crowd rose to their feet on her patriotic gem, “God Bless the USA”. Crown of Joy brought a little bluegrass flavor to the evening and then just before intermission, The Heritage Boys from Rolla, MO brought their sweet harmony once again to the MAGMA stage.

Bob Davis and Marty Moreland, Lifetime Achievement Award

After a touching video tribute, emcee Marty Moreland was presented with Saturday’s Lifetime Achievement Award and there was perhaps no one more surprised than Marty himself. It was no easy task keeping the secret from someone so involved with the convention. Marty Moreland has been a mentor to many young, aspiring gospel singers through the years and one such young artist, Bob Davis of The Heritage Boys, had the distinct honor and privilege of presenting the award. There were tearful greetings as Marty’s old group, “The Singing Disciples”, marched across the stage and took their places before the microphones just like in the old days, favoring the cheering audience with several Singing Disciples favorites such as, “I’m on My Way”. What a reunion!

The Lifetime Achievement Award presentation was a tough act to follow, but newcomers New Reason had no problem rising to the occasion. This Arkansas-based mixed trio with their Hinson style excited the crowd with an old favorite, “Ain’t That What It’s All About” and proved to be a great addition to the MAGMA roster. “As newcomers to MAGMA, we are so excited about being a part of such a great group of Christians. Not only do we have the opportunity to sing the Gospel Truth, which is our purpose, but we gain new friendships with fellow ministers and go out in greater force to spread the Word of God in song. We really enjoyed the MAGMA Convention and are excited about coming back next year”, remarked Captain Smead, the group’s front man.

The Berry Brothers did a great job again this year and even brought a hint of Christmas with the Gold City cover “That Little Baby”. But sorry, guys, the family stole the spotlight when Boone played his heart out on his little guitar. Soloist Andy Russell also gave us a Christmas preview with his song “Give the Gift”, before he turned the stage over to MAGMA freshmen, Full Circle. They proved to be anything but freshmen, rather a fresh sound for the MAGMA audience. Crimson River did a great job on their set with their latest radio release, “He is the Life” and then finally, Golden Street Quartet stepped out on the stage and reminded gospel music fans how old-time quartets used to sound…tenor so high, bass so low, and the crowd loved it all.

Special thanks to Danny Rhoades and his sound crew for a terrific job, “Video Man” Dave Luebbers, Larry Huber and his crew who headed up the concessions this year and all those “background” folks who worked so hard to make the MAGMA Convention a tremendous success. Sunday Edition of http://www.sogospelnews.com, The Wallens, Crimson Gold and soloist Kevin Kappler were unable to attend this year due to scheduling conflicts, but we hope to see them again for the 2009 Convention. Dates for next year’s convention will be announced soon so make your plans to be with us for MAGMA’s Tenth Anniversary! It’s sure to be the Best Convention Ever.

Visit MAGMA online at
http://www.midamericagma.com

Reader Comments

I couldn't agree more. This convention was the best ever. It seemed that all the groups brought their A game this year. Our new members all were great and the fellowship among the groups was at an all time high.

It has been a labor of love to serve as president of MAGMA this year and our board has worked hard to make this thing happen. I would like to congratulate the entire membership for a job well done.

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 11/18/2008

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