Musicians prepare to take the stage at Soddy-Daisy’s Gospel Night at Burger King. From left are Jimmy Bice, Edwin Spence, Elmer Bramlett, Leon Green, Lowell Lewis and Roman Ferrell.
Photo by Katie WardTwo nights each week Soddy-Daisy businesses break out with gospel music, drawing regional artists and area fans for the perfromances.
Celebrating almost 12 years in Soddy-Daisy, Gospel Night is now being held Thursdays at Burger King at 10180 Dayton Pike.
Headlining performances coming up are Jim Ricketts June 10, Gospel Believers June 17 and Sonlife Quartet June 24.
“We were at Hardee’s in Soddy-Daisy for 11 years and five months,” said Mary Poe, chair of Soddy-Daisy Gospel Nights. Burger King has bent over backwards for us, so we hope to bring them business.”
Poe said approximately 75 to 100 people gather to listen to gospel tunes every Thursday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. The crowd comes one hour early in order to eat before the concerts commence with 10 singers and nine musicians performing weekly.
“Everyone enjoys it,” said Poe. “We have people from all over the Chattanooga area coming to watch.”
Each Monday night Kay’s Kastles, at 8804 Dayton Pike in Soddy-Daisy, offers gospel singing from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Heaven Seekers duet of Rex Curtis and Wanda Shirley headline Monday evenings.
“We’ve sung in church together for years,” said Shirley. “We have a good base of about 40 to 50 people that show up on Monday nights to watch the gospel singings at Kay’s Kastles.”
Shirley said on open mic nights held the last Monday of the month, musicians playing the mandolin, harmonica and guitar enhance the vocals.
“It is a lot of fun … we want the tradition of gospel music to carry on,” said Curtis. “Wanda and I pick at one another all the time to keep the audience laughing.”
Curtis said Heaven Seekers sing southern gospel and old hymns such as “Beulah Land,” “Peace in the Valley,” and “Look for Me.” They close out their gospel singing concerts with a military tribute, raising an American flag and honoring veterans.
“We love the Lord and we are grateful for singing opportunities,” said Shirley.