Fans of gospel music can get more than their weekly fast-food fare at larger events this weekend. Some 25 acts will showcase their talents at three concerts, including two that last all day Saturday.
Tunnel Hill, Ga.
A barbecue dinner at 6 p.m. and a gospel concert at 7 p.m. will raise money for the American Cancer Society. According to organizer Jeff Hullender, this is the second year for the benefit singing. The concert will be held at Tiger Creek Elementary School, 134 Rhea McClanahan Drive, Tunnel Hill, Ga. Featured acts are The Greesons of Chickamauga, Ga., The Jeff Hullender Family of Ringgold, Ga.; and the Park City Boys of Rossville, Ga.
Harrison
The Friends of Harrison Bay State Park will present a gospel concert Saturday at the park, 8411 Harrison Bay Road off Highway 58.
The day opens with a prayer at 10:45 a.m., then more than a dozen acts will follow: 11 a.m., Sustaining Grace; 11:30 a.m., Randy Kincannon; 11:45 a.m., TBA; noon, John Hamilton; 12:15 p.m. Ron Sample; 12:30 p.m., Rhett Ouzts/Ron Sample; 12:45 p.m., Lake Side; 1:15 p.m., The Hicks Family; 1:45 p.m., Calvary's Blend; 2:15 p.m., 2 Deep Within; 2:45 p.m., Appointed Quartet; 3:15 p.m., Ron Sample/Rhett Ouzts; 3:30 p.m., Heartstrings; 4 p.m., Willow Creek; 4:30 p.m., Pure Heart; 5 p.m., Son Life (schedule is subject to change). A silent auction will follow at 5:30 p.m.
Admission is free. Those attending are invited to bring a comfortable chair and stay all day. For more information, call 702-5730 or visit www.friendsofharrisonbay.org or www.ronsample.com.
East Brainerd
A benefit for Children's Hospital at Erlanger and the Children's Miracle Network starting at 10 a.m. Saturday will feature country music in addition to gospel. Featured are award-winning artists Pat Cole, Clay Boatwright, JaeLynn, Dave Pace, Wayne Sinard, Ken and Janet Johnson, Marcellous Scott and Bill Champagne, among others.
Autograph signings, face painting and a blood drive are among the day's other activities, which take place at the East Brainerd Walmart, 2020 Gunbarrel Road. "All money [raised] will stay in the local area to help families with children with illnesses," said organizer Brenda Sinard in a news release.