Though we were seated far from the stage, the sight lines were good, the three huge screens allowed you to see faces and expressions close up, and the sound system was spectacular. The crowd participated often and vociferously, standing, cheering, joining in on songs, and waving the lights given out as we entered.
Bill began the show, singing a few songs and acting as emcee for the dozen or so soloists and groups. And after 3 hours and 15 minutes of non-stop Gospel favorites, interspersed with uproarious comedy, he declared it time for a 15 minute intermission! Another 1 hour and 15 minutes followed before the final number. Talk about getting your money's worth!
One of my favorite groups performed -- Ernie Haase and Signature Sound -- and their high-energy act had the house rocking and singing along...
Others included The Hoppers, The Collingsworths, Ivan Parker, Lynda Randle, The Gaither Vocal Band (which just won a Grammy Award for Best Southern, Country, Bluegrass Gospel Album, their eighth overall), Ben Speer, David Phelps, Russ Taff, Mark Lowry, Gordon Mote, Kevin Williams, and Janet Paschal seen below with Bill as she spoke of her bout with cancer...
During intermission and after the performance, the artists appeared at the tables where their CDs and DVDs were for sale, posing for photos and signing autographs. Here's Janet Paschal...
It was a delightful evening, one we will repeat when another chance arises to see a live Homecoming show. I have several DVDs of shows and watch the shows on TV every week, but nothing is as invigorating and stimulating as being at a concert. Each Gospel song is a concise, poignant sermonette conveying some important truth, and the music makes the words even more effective. Give it a try!
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