The Inspirations are, in front, from left, David Ragan (lead) and Jon Epley (baritone); middle row, Luke Vaught (rhythm, steel and lead guitarist, part-time pianist), Myron Cook (upright bass guitarist) and Martin Cook (manager, pianist and emcee); back row, Mike Holcomb (bass) and Jodi Hosterman (tenor).
The core of The McKameys are vocalists Sheryl Farris (alto), Ruben Bean (bass), Peg McKamey Bean (alto and lead) and Connie Fortner (soprano). In back are Roger Fortner (guitar) and Eli Fortner (guitar, vocals).Five acts who, according to their websites, have logged a combined 182 years in gospel music will entertain Saturday, March 2, at Memorial Auditorium. Taking the stage are The Inspirations (49 years), The McKameys (59 years), Heirline (27 years), The Greesons (23 years) and Michael Combs (24 years).
The show marks promoter Paul Belcher’s 40th year in the business. In 1973, at age 16, he says, he booked The Hopper Brothers and Connie and the Hymnals from LaFollette, Tenn., to perform in his hometown of Detroit. He moved to Texas in 1982 to promote music and relocated to Tellico Plains, Tenn., in 1990.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for the 6:30 p.m. show. Tickets are $21 for reserved seating on the main floor and lower balcony. Upper-balcony seating is general admission and priced at $16 for adults, free for children 12 and younger.
Tickets are available multiple ways.
• From the promoter: Call 423-253-7900 or email paulbelcher@tds.net. Group rates are available only through the promoter.