NEW GOSPEL VOICES SING PRAISES AT THE THEATRE

by
Minda Painter

A glorious night of gospel singing at the Cotton Pickin’ Theatre in Point, Texas was full of energy, on and off stage, last Saturday night. Joe Ben Cason’s rendition of, “Winning Side”, gave the audience a hint that the show would be superb. And it was. Two newcomers to the Point theater provided the fire on stage that seemed to ignite the Shindig Band. New talent is always a challenge and a joy.

A young lad from Commerce, Jeff Rich, impressed the audience with his deep country sounding voice. He sang a selection of songs that included “Three Wooden Crosses” and “Long Black Train”. His shyness in the beginning blossomed into enthusiasm during the second half of the show as he felt the warmth of audience members and their acceptance of his music.

Equally nervous was another newcomer, Melissa Dunham from Mesquite. She started her act singing “How Great Thou Art” acapella. The band joined in as she started the 3rd verse to put a great finish to a popular gospel classic. The audience welcomed the newcomer with lavish applause. Her vocal range was expertly displayed when she sang Carrie Underwood’s, “Jesus Take the Wheel” and Martina McBride’s, “Anyway”.

The momentum was kept alive by Ann Cason when she and hubby, Kenneth, joyfully sang a declaration, “God is Good” and “When God Dips His Love”.

With such a very responsive crowd, Freddie York stepped up to the plate and earned a share of the crowd’s enthusiastic appreciation. His selection of “Just Any Day Now” is always an audience pleaser. His prayerful rendition of a new song, “Remind Me, Dear Lord”, was utterly heart warming.

The warm summer night spurred the audience into spreading the joy throughout the theatre and throughout the evening. The show closed late, leaving the crowd wanting more, as the Cason Family Quartet did the final curtain number.

Next week, the combined top performance of C.B. Luce and Chuck Jennings will definitely please country and rock’n roll music enthusiasts. Showtime starts at 7:30 p.m.