For the 18th consecutive year, Christians of all denominations will join in songs of praise tonight in Memorial Auditorium to observe the importance of Good Friday and Easter Sunday Resurrection.
Tonight’s Southern gospel singing will feature Gold City, The McKameys and The Kingsmen. A special feature of the program will be the reunion of The Hymnsmen, who are returning to honor the retirement of Terry McGuire.
“The Hymnsmen, from Cleveland, are coming back together for the first time in 15 years because I’m retiring from gospel music,” said McGuire. “I asked them to do it, and they are doing this for me.”
McGuire said that even though he’s retiring after 38 years as a promoter and support of gospel music, he will still be “around gospel music until I die.” He and Jerry Foster of Foster Promotions have booked this Good Friday Gospel Singing since its inception 18 years ago.
McGuire said a unique finale has been planned for the audience.
“The Kingsmen and Gold City will each perform their own sets. Then they’ll get together onstage and sing ‘King’s Gold’ together.”
If You Go
* What: Good Friday Gospel Sing.
* When: 7 o’clock tonight.
* Where: Memorial Auditorium, 399 McCallie Ave.
* Admission: $18.50 reserved floor seats, $22.50 Artist Circle seats, $10 balcony general admission.
* Phone: 642-TIXS
ABOUT THE ACTS
GOLD CITY
Based in: Gadsden, Ala., formed 1971.
Known for: “No Other Word for Grace but Amazing” and “Midnight Cry.”
THE KINGSMEN
Based in: Asheville, N.C., formed in 1956.
Known for: “I’ll Live Again” and “I Stand Upon The Rock.” It was one of the first gospel groups to perform at the White House.
THE MCKAMEYS
Based in: Clinton, Tenn., organized in 1954.
Known for: “Arise,” “Who Put the Tears” and “Right on Time.” They’ve had 16 No. 1 singles; in 1999 the group was honored by its record label, Horizon, for having the most No. 1 hits in the history of Southern gospel music.