THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, February 29, 1996 TAG: 9602280147
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY FRANK ROBERTS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 64 lines
IF THE praises of God are music to your ears, you may want to spend at least part of this weekend at Nansemond River High School.
The Tidewater Gospel Music Association will present its second annual Singing Convention, featuring 25 groups. Some are association members, some are guests, others are vying for trophies.
``I started the TGMA in 1974 because I love gospel music and wanted to be involved,'' said president Cliff Branch of Suffolk. ``If I started singing, everyone would go home. I love it, but I can't sing.''
Those who can will begin performing Saturday at 10 a.m. That will be the talent competition. First-place winner gets a trophy and eight hours of recording time at Randy Warren Studios in Greenville, N.C. Other top winners also will get trophies.
The rest of the day, and all Sunday afternoon will spotlight TGMA groups and special guests.
One of the 15 association member groups is from Suffolk - Hearts of Praise.
Quinton Goodwin, 47, is manager, lead singer and bass, of Hearts of Praise. The group has been singing traditional Southern gospel for three years.
Like Branch, its members hail from Hillcrest Baptist Church.
``We're in it as a ministry,'' Goodwin said. ``We're living in hard times. People need to be witnessed to. God gave us the opportunity to witness through our music . . .''
Hearts of Praise members are Goodwin, a construction supervisor at Allied Colloids; Michael Newton, co-owner of Newton's TV Sales and Service; Judy Turner, an accountant; and teachers Sherri Lilley, Kilby Shores Elementary; Sandy Hightower, Churchland Academy in Portsmouth; Faye Goodwin, Quinton's wife, John Yeates Middle School.
``We want to reach more people than ever before,'' Goodwin said.
Other Southern gospel groups scheduled to appear at the concert, represent various Hampton Roads areas. They include The Searchers, The Alliance Trio, The Cavaliers, The Coburn Family, ReNewed, The Joys and Rejoice. Most will appear both days.
Some will have booths featuring their music, T-shirts and other souvenirs. Food concessions will be available.
While there is no charge for the event, a love offering will be received.
The Tidewater Gospel Music Association was organized in 1979, with five members. Now there are 15 groups that spend most of their weekends performing at campgrounds, indoor concerts, churches - wherever and whenever they can.
The TGMA dream is to strengthen its ministry which Branch calls ``vital. We appreciate the support given us through the years. It's our prayer that, by continuing to lift up the name of Jesus in song, souls will be saved, hearts will be revived and blessed through our efforts.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Hearts of Praise, a Gospel group from Hillcrest Baptist Church, will
perform at the Gospel Singing Convention scheduled this weekend.
Map
VP
by CNB