The Mid America Gospel Music Association recently presented their Lifetime Achievement Awards at the 19th Annual Gospel Music Jubilee.  The association recognized both Fred Church and Stanley Jones for their many years of dedicated service to Southern Gospel Music.

Fred Church formed his group, the Spirituals in 1966 and they were a major force in the Gospel Music scene in the Midwest for many years.  The legendary Jake Hess traveled with Fred and the group for a year prior to the formation of the Masters V.  The group continues to do selected dates throughout Missouri and Illinois.

Stanley Jones began  his musical journey with his family group in the 1950s.  For over 60 years, he has been a leader in the Gospel Music community and has traveled throughout the United States with his group, the Stanley Jones Singers.  He currently sings with three of his brothers and continues to perform as the Brothers.

We are honored to recognize these two great men for all they have done and continue to do to  share the Gospel in song.

Friday, November 2

The Heritage Boys

Marilyn Berry

United  Voice

The Berry Brothers

The Chosen Ones

Wanda Mountain Boys

Lifetime Achievement Award

Fred Church and the Spirituals

The Tindall Family and Friends

Andy Russell

The Redemptions

Punches Family

Kevin Kappler 

The Rices

Saturday, November 3

Keystone Voices

Covenant Quartet

Crimson River

Karen Carr

The Lesters

Ascension Quartet

Lifetime Achievement Award

The Brothers

Becky Lercher

New Horizons

Gateway Sound

Carol Sanguinette-How

Heartfelt

Barry Jones Family

Gospel Messengers

Keystone Voices is delighted to share their first full-length album entitled Every Praise. In 2016 they released a 5 song EP which was a taste of what was to come. They enhanced the initial recording and added another 5 songs to complete the project. With everything being arranged, recorded, and produced by Micah in his home studio, the group was able to spend a lot of time together editing and perfecting each song while also sharing many laughs along the way. The group is partial to song number 7 which is an A cappella piece named “The Walls”, which is their updated version of the classic, “The Walls Came Tumbling Down”. 

The title track for the CD is “Every Praise” which talks about every aspect of our lives being used to praise the King. Each song reflects the mission of Keystone Voices and you will love their harmony and unique arrangements. Help support their ministry by purchasing your copy at an upcoming concert or by contacting them directly on their website at www.keystonevoices.com

Micah, Courtney, Rachel, and Daniel’s main goal through Keystone Voices is to invite others to worship Jesus along with them as they bring joy to audiences through their music; there is no better way of experiencing that joy than through this wonderful new album. Order your copy of “Every Praise” today and begin praising our King along with them. As 1 Corinthians 10:31 says “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God”.

"Heaven On Earth’", a brand new song penned by accomplished and nationally recognized writers Barbara Huffman and Dianne Wilkinson, is the title song of Gateway Sound’s new CD project released in late August. The group is truly grateful to Barbara Huffman for her encouragement in sharing this new song. This is the second CD release by Gateway Sound (GS) in just two years. 

The project presents a wide variety of gospel music. There are fresh, new sounds for GS like "God’s Gonna Move" and "Count Me In" as well as more traditional quartet numbers such as "I’m Free Again,", written in 1948, and "I’m Going There".  It also includes the familiar "Put Your Hand In the Hand".  The song "Little Is Much (if God Is in It)",  is recorded a capello in four-part quartet harmony. The CD also contains southern gospel classics "I Know A Man Who Can" and "What A Lovely Name". Finally, the 10-song project includes the popular Oak Ridge Boys tune "Thank God for Kids" arranged by Gateway Sound with additional lyrics by group member Vernon Bradley. 

To purchase the new CD simply send a note to Gateway Sound, P.O. Box 192, Eureka, MO 63025. Be sure to include the address where the CD should be mailed and a $15.00 check made payable to Gateway Sound. 

To learn more about Gateway Sound, schedule a booking and see the group’s itinerary visit the GS website – www.gatewaysoundquartet.com

Hampton Inn and Suites in Farmington is offering special discounted rates for the 2018 Gospel Music Jubilee.  The event will be Friday Nov. 2 and Sat. Nov. 3 at the Centene Center in Farmington, MO.

The discounted rates are for 2 queen beds for just $89 per night. You can get this rate by calling the direct line at 1 573- 760-8700 and requesting the special MAGMA rate.

The Wanda Mountain Boys are pleased to announce the release  of their latest CD project, "It's Worth It All".  This is the first recording for the group featuring their new vocal lineup as a quartet.  It marks the return of founder and baritone singer, Claude Johnson, and their newest addition, singing bass, David Jenkins. .

The CD features 10 new songs from WMB, including two original songs written by group member, Gary O'Neal, "Scarlet River" and "Jesus Loves Us One and All".  

The CD is available on the group's website store at www.wandamountainboys.com.

Vocals for this project were produced at the Tune Room in Manchester, IL, by Brady Rueter and original music tracks were produced by Corey Pearson of the Diplomats Qt. in Bremen, GA.  Graphic work supplied by Scott and Mariah Lomelino at Beacon Hill Media in Manchester, IL.

Gospel Messengers are thrilled to announce the completion of their long awaited new project, “More Than You’ll Ever Know.” This is the fifth studio recording for the group and represents the fruition of a lifetime of work.Each facet of the project was completed with vigor and excellence. The songs were painstakingly selected while gathered around a record player over a 3-month period. Daily musical rehearsals were carried out over 6 months, with each note of the exquisite vocal arrangements written out by Daniel and Dennis to accomplish the greatest beauty and precision possible. Also, Daniel played a key role in instrumental arrangements and joined three Nashville veterans in the studio to round out the tracking ensemble, playing professional quality bass guitar. 

“More Than You’ll Ever Know” presents a refined musical direction for Gospel Messengers, while losing none of the in concert excitement the group has become known for. Equal parts upbeat encouragement, comfort, and challenge, this new project is sure to minister to whatever one’s spiritual need may be. Gospel Messengers ask you to grant the personal honor of lending an ear for this new material. Whether one purchases at a concert or via mail-order(send a private Facebook message or email to request), this project is of a caliber that every believer and music lover will be glad they listened to it. 

“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place 
 and gave him the name that is above every name…” Philippians 2:9 

Best Regards and God’s Blessings, 

Gospel Messengers- Bart, Gwen, Dennis, and Daniel

Holiday Inn Express and Suites in Farmington is offering special discounts for those attending the MAGMA Gospel Music Jubilee.  You can make reservations by calling 1-573-701-0505 and requesting the MAGMA rate.  

The 2018 Gospel Music Jubilee will be November 2 and 3 at the Centene Center in Farmington.

The Mid America Gospel Music Association Board of Directors are happy to announce the addition of Brad Chapman.  Brad  has been involved in Gospel Music for over 30 years.  For the last several years, he has been involved behind the scenes of the MAGMA Convention as part of the sound and stage crew.  

Brad is excited to serve in this capacity.  Brad loves what MAGMA stands for and looks forward to helping us take the association into the future.  His experience as a musician will be very helpful in planning  pre-program music and organizing the house band for the MAGMA luncheon.

Please join us as we welcome Brad to the board. 

The Chosen Ones, Wanda Mountain Boys and Redemptions will be appearing at the 1st Annual Litchfield Fall Gathering on Saturday evening, October 13 at 6:30 p.m.  The event will take place at the 1st Baptist Church of Litchfield, IL.  

Litchfield has been a great area for Southern Gospel through the years and the community has always supported concerts in the area. Please make  plans now to attend a fun evening of music and worship.