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."