NATIONAL QUARTET CONVENTION - A LOT MORE THAN JUST MUSIC

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Louisville, KY - No one can argue that the National Quartet Convention is a Gospel Music lover’s paradise. Musical showcases and concerts fill six days and nights, where music rings from the rafters of the Kentucky Fair & Expo Center for at least 15 hours each day, making it Southern Gospel Music’s premier event; however, those who attend each year will attest to the fact that this prestigious happening is about a lot more than just music. For some it’s the one time of the year when business associates make deals face to face, rather than through emails, text messages, phone calls and other modern means afforded by advanced technology. Yet amidst the hustle and bustle that always takes place throughout the week, friendships are rekindled and the true message in the music rings loud and clear.

That message can be heard in one-on-one conversations, Award acceptance speeches, song introductions and through the music itself. That message is clearly conveyed in each Bible study, chapel service, showcase spectacular and evening concert. “It’s the message that makes this Convention unique,” states NQC Executive Vice President Clarke Beasley. In fact, as Beasley attests, one of the highlights of the week came in the form of a surprise guest, who never sang a note. “Jim Cymbala, Senior Pastor of the famed Brooklyn Tabernacle, and the Brooklyn Tab Singers were featured in one of the afternoon showcases today (Friday). Pastor Cymbala showed up with a surprise guest. This guest was a man who had been sentenced to life in prison 50 years ago. During his time in prison, back in 1964, he accepted Christ. His amazing Christian testimony earned him the name of ‘Bishop,’ which is the name that he continues to go by today. As a result of his testimony and the efforts of Pastor Cymbala and the Brooklyn Tabernacle, recently his life sentence was commuted by the governor of Louisiana, and he was released to the custody of Brooklyn Tabernacle. He is 73 years old and is enjoying freedom for the first time since the early 1950s. His testimony was tremendous, and may have been THE moment of the week thus far.”

Truly, the National Quartet Convention is about more than just the music. It’s all about the message - the message that continues to live on. This year marks 50 years for this one particular Convention and it is still going strong.

The final day of the 50th Annual National Quartet Convention takes place on Saturday at the Kentucky Fair & Expo Center in Louisville. Tickets are still available for all daily Showcases and evening concerts for Saturday. Tickets for Showcases may be purchased in the South Wing, and tickets for the evening concerts may be purchased at any Ticketmaster location or at the Freedom Hall Box Office.

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