4Hyms to "Open" for No Better Cause December 12th

FOX CHRISTMAS CONCERT TO FEATURE
MUSIC OF NO BETTER CAUSE, 4HYMS

By GENE O. MORRIS
Executive Director
Fox Theatre-McCook

Music lovers throughout Southwest Nebraska and Northwest Kansas are invited to join in a celebration of the Christmas season Saturday night, Dec. 12, at the historic Fox Theatre in McCook.

"We are so proud," said Kay Flaska, a member of the Fox Operations & Events Committee. "The theatre is honored to present No Better Cause, a wonderful vocal group from Lincoln, and The 4Hyms, McCook's very own quartet of Christian singers."

The 4Hyms will open the show at 7 p.m., revving up the crowd for the return of the popular No Better Cause singers to the McCook area. "No Better Cause is a delightful group which has won many fans in previous appearances in this area," Flaska said. "Many will remember them from their programs at the McCook Christian Church and the McCook Memorial United Methodist Church."

Tickets for the Fox Christmas show are now on sale at Hershberger Music Co. in McCook. Tickets cost $10 each, or they may be purchased as family groups for $25. The family ticket will admit parents and children.

What sets No Better Cause apart is the beauty of their tenor and bass voices and the vocal percussion accompaniment of Michael Evans. "He's amazing," said Nate Kellison, the group's co-founder and manager. "When you hear him you will swear you're hearing a drum set, not a human voice."

Evans' instrumental-sounding voice, and the sweetness of the other voices, is the reason that No Better Cause has won a national following, with appearances in Washington, D.C., Virginia, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Texas as well as the midwestern states.

"They're fabulous," Flaska said. "I first heard them in Lincoln and after coming back to McCook I knew we had to have them here."

The five members of No Better Cause are Nate Kellison, Lucas Kellison and T.J. Saddler, all tenors; Bill Catlett, bass; and Michael Evans, vocal percussion. Their musical repertoire ranges from pop to rhythm and blues to gospel. In the Fox show, they will be presenting a number of Christmas season favorites, including "Oh, Holy Night," "The First Noel," ""God Rest Ye Merry Gentlmen" and "Carol of the Bells" In addition, they will be doing a medley of fun-filled Christmas songs, including snippets from "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town," "Silver Bells," and "The Chipmunk Song."

The 4Hyms, noted regionally for their melodious voices, also are a versatile musical group. The quartet includes Jesse Stevens, bass; Dan Stevens baritone; Jim Ladd, tenor; and Bruce Lester, lead. The singers, all members of the Evangelical Free Church of McCook, do a variety of music, mixing gospel classics with popular favorites.

The Nebraska Arts Council, a state agency, provided support for the event through its matching grant program. The program is funded by the Nebraska Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts, which is a federal agency. For more information, those interested are encouraged to visit www.nebraskaartscouncil.org.

Concert Day!

Church Dedication

On October 12th in North Platte, the 4Hyms presented a concert as part of the dedication celebration for the Parkview Community Church of the Nazarene. The congregation invited the community to share in their celebration as an outreach ministry with the concert. The official dedication was during the morning worship service with special guests of the District Superintendent Dr. Larry White and General Superintendent Dr J.K. Warrick. With a lunch provided by the congregation, the 4Hyms concluded the celebration day with a concert.

OPEN BOOKING NOW!

308-345-5331 or email: the4hyms@gmail.com
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Dundy Co Fair - July 31st, 2008

Nothing like the Dundy County Fair in late July. What a great opportunity... to see how we sing in 100 degree heat! Thankfully we didn't sing until the sun went down and it cooled a bit for us. We had a great evening with an even greater crowd. (They acutally laughed at some of our jokes!)
Some of us in the group got to see some old friends and we all got to meet some new ones. Thank you Dundy County for inviitng us to be a part of your great event you provide for southwest Nebraska.

Welfleet Ice Cream Social

What a neat event! Church seats about 100 right in the heart of Welfleet, Nebraska. You should have seen some of the looks when about 30 bikers paraded their "Hogs" into town for the event. Some church members from North Platte caught info on the socail and thought what a great drive for a beautiful day. These same bikers are in charge of the statewide motorcycle ministry gathering in early 2009. Be looking for an apperance from the 4HYMS if we can line everything up.

Happy Birthday Eileen Miller!

Wow 75 Years! What a celebration! It was a suprise visit from the 4Hyms (that is why the website concert schedule only showed "North Platte TBA" for so long. Just a short 30 minute performance but as Eileen put it "Just a few minutes in Heaven" Happy Birthday from all of us at The 4Hyms Ministry:)

Fox "Golden Plains Gospel Show"

The event was Wonderful!!!! Sound was Great and I think we might have actually put together a great start on a "Live Multi-Track Recording". After doing a little editing on it, we might have to re-track the bass guitar and drums due to some recording difficulties but looks to have a great start. Photo's didn't turn out all that great due to the low lighting but what an EVENT! Huge thanks to Gene Morris who put everything together.

Photo's include:
a)Turbo the Sound Guy
b)A fuzzy "live shot" of the 4Hyms (Derek joinen for the final song)
c)After show Photo (Again sorry it's fuzzy)

Golden Plains Gospel Music Show @ The FOX

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

By GENE O. MORRIS

McCOOK — A wide spectrum of regional talent will share the stage at the first Golden Plains Gospel Music Show.

The show, featuring performers from ages 9 to 88, will be at the historic Fox Theatre in McCook Friday, May 9, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Free will donations will be accepted as the cost of admission.

Combining to present the inspirational program of religious music are The 4Hyms, Kindred Flame, Capella Nova, the McCook String Quintet and Derek Beck, who will serve as master of ceremonies.

The featured groups will be joined on stage by 9-year-old Shelby Stevens, who will sing "He's Still Working on Me," and 88-year-old Veldron Hall, who will play introductory piano selections.

"We are fortunate to have a talented array of gospel groups in the Golden Plains region," said Gene O.
Morris, executive director of the Fox Theatre. "We invite people from throughout the area to come enjoy what we hope is the first of many gospel music presentations at the Fox."

The McCook String Quintet, composed of the Christner and Miller families, will open the show. Creating a beautiful assortment of string sounds will be Craig Christner, string bass; Cheryl Christner, viola; Jonathan Christner, cello; Leanne Miller, first violin; and Tim Miller, second violin.

Next to perform will be Capella Nova, a newly named brass quartet. The members come from three communiites. They are Lonnie Weyeneth, Danbury; Joanne Wendelin, Oberlin; and Paul Wood and Donnie McCorkle, McCook. Weyeneth and Wendelin play flugelhorn and trumpet; Wood plays tuba and McCorkle plays altohorn.

A family gospel singing tradition will be showcased at the Golden Plains show by Angela Fortin and Amy Carman, sisters from Oberlin who perform together as Kindred Flame. After changing their name from Sweet Prairie Fire, the singing sisters have released their first CD under their new name. (see their website at http://kindredflame.com)

One of this region's most accomplished gospel quartets, The 4Hyms, will round out the program of religious music. The 4Hyms, who have been featured in gospel shows throughout the Golden Plains, are a blend of the voices of Bruce Lester, lead; Jim Ladd, tenor; Dan Stevens, baritone; and Jesse Stevens, bass.

As a special number, The 4Hyms will feature Jesse's daughter, Shelby Stevens, with the "He's Still Working on Me" number. Following in her family's singing tradition, Shelby's vocal talents became apparent at an early age.

At the other end of the age spectrum is Veldron Hall.
A life-long pianist, the 88-year-old McCook resident plays by ear and especially enjoys presenting religious numbers.

The emcee, Derek Beck, is also a devoted religious music performer, having been involved with gospel music since his school days in Benkelman. Derek, who was a radio announcer in McCook for several years, now serves as operations manager for Hometown Radio stations Wild Country 93-5 and Rock 100.7 in North Platte.

For the final number of the evening, all the gospel show performers will join on stage to sing, Let's Fly Away. "It is a joy for us to join for this special presentation of religious music," Jesse Stevens said.
"We are honored to help spread the good news about Jesus."

Bruce Lester (Lead)

Bruce sings lead and 2nd tenor and is the Senior Pastor at the McCook Evangelical Free church. His wife Kathy and two daughters Alli and Amy moved to McCook from Colorado in 1998. Bruce’s second passion from being a pastor is Men’s Ministry. Talk to him about some of the campouts.

Jim Ladd (1st Tenor)

He's a retired Wyoming police officer sings 1st tenor. While in college he traveled with a quartet, so making harmony with the guys is not new to him. Jim and wife Lela moved recently to McCook to be close to their grandchild.

Jesse Stevens (Bass)

Jesse sings bass, however has been known to travel up to 1st tenor on occasion. Jesse has been involved in music and performances since he was 6 years old. He traveled with his family music ministry for several years. He is the Operations Manager of three radio stations (KIOD, KSWN & KZMC) in McCook. He and his wife Stephanie have two children.

Dan Stevens (Baritone)

Yes he is Jesse’s father. Dan has been in various singing groups since age 15. For 27 years, Dan has been a Hearing Specialists in McCook. His wife Christy accompanies the group. They have a daughter Amy in Minneapolis, and between Jesse and Amy they have 4 grandchildren.

Wallace Christian Womens Club - Feb 17th

What an Event! It was great to welcome Turbo back as our Sound Tech. With the exception of the Moose winking incident(haha)everything went very well. The Wallace Chirstian Womens Club also has a wonderful speaker for the event. Ward is truly an instrument of God.

Lenten Service Special Music

The 4Hyms provided the special music for the Lenten Service that was put on by the McCook Ministerial Association. (Photo courtesy of Dawn Cribbs from the McCook Daily Gazette)

Rehersals Continue

The 4Hyms continue to spend multiple hours each week in rehersal. Practices will extend into the evening hours and even over lunch breaks to hammer out the toughest songs of our 2008 set list. Expect more "Blended Hymns" like you've come to expect from the guys. They are also taking some of the great old "Stand-by's" and giving them a unique and refreshing twist.

Believe it or not... these are NOT rented tuxes. Wow!

In the time after Derek moved to North Platte and before Jim was up and going, we had a performance in McCook for a Missions Conference. Some quick thinking from Jesse and a bucket of nerves from Turbo (AKA Andy Durner) got the guys going for the night. Andy may be our sound guy but he's so much more. He also sings along all the way through each song... he's a strong Bass singer and he knows the part, sooooo Jesse volunteered to take the challenge of going clear up to Derek's part for the night. It Worked! (God IS AWSOME!!!) Jesse won't be (as Dan puts it) "Holding a Dime" permanently anytime soon but for one date it did go!

2007 A Growing and Challenging Year!

The 4Hyms had a total of 12 concerts in 2007, with the majority of the concerts being in the last 5 months of the year. Communities including: Gothenberg, NE; McCook, NE; Cozad, NE; North Platte, NE; Ogallala, NE; Hershey, NE; Farnham, NE; Holbrook, NE and More.

Here are the 4Hyms along with Guest Bass Guitar musician Neil Durner and a couple that often times travels great distances to see our shows!

4Hyms Gospel Quartet

2007 was another great year for the 4Hyms Gospel Quartet from rural Nebraska! God chose to use us in many ways. It was wonderful to share his word through song to so many people.

We did go through a few changes this year as one of our members chose to move to another community and left us looking for another Tenor. (Tough job) God Provided! Jim began singing with us just in time to learn some Christmas Music! He went along on our last few performances and it seemed to make a nice transition into the new year. We'll miss Derek very much, but never count out a reunion tour some day.

2008 4Hyms Roster
Bruce Lester (Lead) Christy Stevens (Piano)
Jim Ladd (Tenor) Joan Koch (Drums)
Dan Stevens (Baritone) Darrin Karr (Bass Guitar)
Jesse Stevens (Bass) Andy Durner (Sound Eng)