Thursday, March 14, 2013

Creekside Gospel Music Convention 2012


By Rhonda Frye

The 2012 Creekside Gospel Music Convention came to a close, Wednesday, October 31, but great
memories are etched in hearts and minds forever! Friendships were made; achievements were
celebrated as well as awards were presented. We experienced an incredible three days and are already
looking forward to next year’s Creekside Gospel Music Convention! Dates for next year’s event are
October 28, 29, 30. We will gather again in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee at the Smoky Mountain Convention
Center.

The Creekside Gospel Music Convention got started off right with prayer and then announcements.
Paul Danis of LIVE-IT spoke briefly about their work in Sevier County and expressed gratefulness for the
raised awareness of the ministry and for the items donated. Channing Eleton then set the tone for the
evening with a beautiful piano prelude.

Phil Cross, Chariot, Promise, Kingston Drive and Channing Eleton blessed the crowd before the
Celebration for Ms. Lou Hildreth began. At 7:00, Channing started the Celebration with “Joyful, Joyful”
and then the evening’s host, Tim Lovelace was introduced. J.P.Miller, coordinator of the night’s
program shared a few comments regarding Lou Hildreth, and then Ms. Lou thanked everyone for
attending.

Many friends and family gathered to honor Lou Hildreth for 75 years of outstanding service in the
Gospel Music Industry. Many industry dignitaries were present including representatives from the
Singing News, Christian Voice, Homecoming Magazine and Southern Gospel Times. There was great
music including performances by Phil Cross, Ann Downing, The Blackwoods, Clayton Inman, David
Sutton, Jeff Stice, the Southmen and Ava Kasich as well as memorable video clip messages from Larry
Gatlin, Larry Ford and Bill Gaither. There were special presentations from Dr. Jim Moss, a founder of
PTL, Rick Francis of Singing News Magazine and John Lanier of Christian Voice Magazine.

Smiling continuously, it was obvious Ms. Lou enjoyed every performance, every kind word spoken
and each presentation given! Ms. Lou shares, “My heart is overflowing with THANKS to Rob Patz,
President Coastal Media, and Rhonda Frye, Editor-In-Chief of SGNScoops, for honoring me with
the "Celebration Of 75 Years In Gospel Music.” JP Miller, my TV co-host, helped coordinate the
event, and I basked in the fabulous artists, their music, and their tributes. Pat Mathis and her crew
from Atlanta's TV 57, WATC, taped this memorable evening for a TV special to be shown later. Howard
and I joined our son David, daughter Kathryn, and many family members who were there, in gratitude to
all who joined us in celebrating. May the Glory go to our Heavenly Father who blesses beyond anything
we can ask or imagine!”

There couldn’t been a more fitting closure to the celebration than reading of scripture followed by
worship. Ellen Moss, wife of Dr. Jim Moss held the crowd captivated as she read God’s Word. Many
artists and family members squeezed onto the stage for a finale of “Bless The Lord, Oh My Soul/ How
Great Thou Art” medley.

Reflecting on the special celebration, J.P. Miller shares, “What a great time we had honoring Lou
Hildreth. Artists, fans, and Industry professionals piled into Pigeon Forge to pay tribute to a founder of
the industry we have today. Lou's life is a life lived to bless the Lord.”

Great Gospel Music followed Ms. Lou’s Celebration with performances by Declaration Trio and more.
It was truly an incredible first day at Creekside!

Early Tuesday morning, a few brave souls braved the chilly weather and enjoyed a chapel service.
John Mathis Jr. challenged participants with a message of “Being Faithful In The Small Things.” By noon,
Gospel Music filled the Convention Center once again with performances by Faith’s Journey, Lindsay
Huggins, Jim Sheldon, Logan Smith, Chariot, Shannon Knight and many more wonderful artists! Music
continued throughout the afternoon, right up until time for the Diamond Awards Show.

Excitement filled the room as special guest performers arrived. It was truly a great time of fellowship
and posing for pictures! Special Performances by Watts, Rowsey and Bean, Phil Stacey, the Griffins plus
more kept the audience blessed and entertained leading up to the Diamond Awards Show.

After a few opening words from the owner of Creekside Gospel Music Convention, Rob Patz, the
hosts for the evening, Christy Sutherland and Daniel Ball took the reins of the program. The night
included humor along with great performances from Christy Sutherland, The Ball Brothers, Promise, Phil
Stacey, Declaration, Ann Downing, Watts, Rowsey & Bean, The Williamsons, Logan Smith, David Bryan,
The Porter Family, and Faith’s Journey.

Monday, March 4, 2013

Showcase Sponsored By Patterson Music Group

We hope you have already marked your calendars for October 28, 29 and 30 th! We are excited
about Creekside Gospel Music Convention 2013! The Smoky Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon
Forge is the location again this year. We’ve had a great response from artists who plan on participating
in this year’s event. If you or your group would like booth information, please contact Rob Patz at
rob@sgnscoops.com.

We are looking forward to a showcase sponsored by Patterson Music Group to take during the
Convention. Pauline Patterson has served the Southern Gospel Music Industry for many years. She has
promoted Southern Gospel music into the airwaves and charts for over seven years and has recently
broadened her company services by adding a new song publishing company. The services of Patterson
Music Group include radio promotions, song publishing under Patterson Publishing, the Southern Gospel
Times ezine, and publicity for artists on the radio promotions roster.

Patterson Music Group’s artists will take the stage from 10:00 AM until 2:00 on Tuesday, October 29.
Special guests will include Phil Cross, the Hoskins Family and many more! Remember, this event as well
as all other events are free to the public.

The Diamond Awards Show will take place during the Creekside Gospel Music Convention too! We’re
working diligently to put together an outstanding program. Remember, the fans choose the winners,
so make sure you start voting with Round One. Round One nominations open on Monday, February
18. Please vote and then encourage your friends, family and fans to as well. We encourage all artists to
send the link in newsletters and post it on websites and all social media outlets.

Sharing the gospel is truly at the core of the Creekside Gospel Music Convention! Now is the time to
organize special church groups to attend! And please know, Creekside Gospel Music Convention will
serve again as a collection location for a local ministry called, “Live-It!” Live-It is a non-profit ministry
serving the less fortunate in Sevier and surrounding counties. We had a great response from last year’s
guests and participants and we’re asking everyone to not come to Creekside empty handed. Live-It
will provide a truck to receive donations of items including used clothing, jewelry, books, toys, shoes,
fashion accessories and music CDS! All items collected will be used for re-sale in LIVE-IT’S thrift store,
profits earned purchases needed products and supplies to those in desperate need.

Plan to stay at the onsite hotel and enjoy Creekside Guest rates! http://www.ramadapigeonforge.com/
convention.php

We’re looking forward to a great time of fun and fellowship as we share the good news of Jesus Christ
and help the less fortunate in Sevier County. If you have any questions regarding the Creekside Gospel
Music Convention, please email me at Rhonda@sgnscoops.com or Rob Patz at rob@sgnscoops.com.