THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, August 9, 1995 TAG: 9508080092
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 05 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ERIC FEBER, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 78 lines
It started out as a dream by the late Rex Clifton, a local promoter who loved gospel music. He wanted to start up some kind of showcase for local amateur gospel groups.
That first such showcase took place 29 years ago at the old Oscar Smith High School on Rodgers Street in the South Norfolk area of Chesapeake. It featured about 100 people in both the audience and stage.
Now Rex Clifton's dream has grown.
This year's Virginia Annual Gospel Singing Convention, taking place this weekend at Indian River High School in Chesapeake, will see the participation and attendance of about 7,000 people, said Ken Channell, manager of the event and leader of the Chesapeake based Galileans, one of the most popular gospel singing groups in Hampton Roads.
``When he started it, the convention was really local,'' Channell said. ``Now we draw groups and singers from all over the state, the Carolinas, D.C., Tennessee, Georgia, West Virginia, Ohio, Arkansas and other places. This thing just seems to get greater and greater. And every year we don't really know who will show up since we have no pre-registration. Groups and singers show up and they sing.
``We got a call from one group in Tennessee and he told us that he heard we have one of the best gospel conventions anywhere in the country. People love to come for the singing, the fellowship and the outreach.''
The convention is open to all types of amateur groups from duos to full-blown choirs, Channell said.
``Although they're all amateur groups,'' he said, ``most are as good or even better than many of the professional ones I've seen. A lot of professional gospel singers started out right here at the convention.''
Channell said he'll join his host group, The Galileans, to perform at all three days of the convention during the free-style singing sessions.
The convention has two aspects: the competition, pitting singing groups in either the junior category (up to age 14) or the senior category (15 and older) for trophies and recognition; and the free-style singing showcase where groups simply show off their talents on stage and network with audience members and other singers.
``Many, many of the groups and singers who show up come to renew old friendships, friendships made the year before at the last gospel convention or even 10 years ago,'' Channell said. ``When you go to this convention, you will always run into old friends.''
Opening ceremonies for the convention will take place Friday at 7 p.m. and feature a special patriotic hour.
This year the convention expects at least 45 different amateur gospel singing groups will participate.
``We'll have everything set up on stage for them,'' Channell said. ``We'll provide three different keyboards, a piano and a public address system. Some groups will use the equipment and bring their own backing musicians. And they have good bands, let me tell you. Some will use pre-recorded backing instrumental tapes and others will sing a cappella. It all depends on the group.''
Channell said the convention went from the old Oscar Smith High School to Lakeside Park on Bainbridge Boulevard, then to Norview High School in Norfolk, to Indian River Junior High School and finally to its present and permanent location at Indian River High.
``We've been there so long that the high school calls us each year about this time before they schedule anything else at their auditorium,'' Channell said. ``We love the location and so do our supporters. It's central for Tidewater, easy to get to and it's near so many shopping centers, stores, restaurants and hotels.''
Channell said the gospel convention is good for everyone who attends.
``This kind of music is not only uplifting to us but to the audience as well,'' he added. ``We all leave each day feeling just a little bit better.'' ILLUSTRATION: Graphic
WHEN AND WHERE
[For complete graphic, please see microfilm]
by CNB