Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Creekside Gospel Music Convention 2019 Update

In its eighth year, Creekside Gospel Music Convention has come into its own at Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Hundreds of people who have attended all of the events will be returning to the Smoky Mountain Convention Center, to stay for the entire five nights and four days of music, laughter and family, on Oct. 27 - 31, 2019. Always seeing new faces because of the variety of music and the accessibility of the artists, the convention this year is developing into an even more delightful experience for all attendees.

Creekside 2019 is on the brink of surpassing past years’ attendance levels from the amount of interest already shown. VIP tickets are already being sought, many rooms at the Ramada Inn are booked and bus groups are planning their visit to this vacation town. Pigeon Forge, of course, offers plenty of activities for those who come early or stay after the event, from tourist attractions to dining to nature hikes in the Smoky Mountains. But for the hard-core Creekside fan, it’s all about the music.

One of the headliners already announced for this year is the Down East Boys. The Boys have been charting with great Southern gospel songs, and members Doug Pittman, Ricky Carden, Daryl Paschal and Zac Barham, are looking forward to their first time at the event. Carden, member of the Boys for over 30 years, says, “I am excited to be a part of Creekside 2019. I have watched this event grow over the past few years and am honored to be included in the great list of artists!”

Answered Prayer attended Creekside in 2018 and member Nikki Bernardo notes: “My first thought was ‘Wow!’ I felt like I was just visiting home if that makes sense. And I had never been there. The atmosphere resembles so much of like being with family. Anointed singing, lots of chatter among great friends we haven’t seen in a while, radio stations interviewing fellow artists in the back, and hey, I can get a whole new wardrobe in the corner from the Chandlers. Not only is it a beautiful event, just take a step outside and (see) how beautiful the location (is). Everyone was so gracious and polite. You could really tell that major preparation went into this event. We appreciate all you do to make this happen. I loved it and so did my family. Just let me know if I can ever do anything to help.”

Donnie Williamson, of the popular family group, the Williamsons, is thrilled to be a part of this function. “Creekside is the best of the convention type events,” he says. “The quality of the program and the family atmosphere is unsurpassed.”

“There is no way I can begin to thank God for this past week at Creekside,” said Mike McCrelles, solo artist, after Creekside 2018. “I can't begin to name the friends, both old and new, that I spent the week with. There have been many laughs, some tears, but most of all fellowship. Thank you, everyone!”

“Creekside to me is like going to my mamaw and pawpaw’s for Christmas,” Bobby Richards of New Journey Radio says with a smile. “Oh, I enjoy going to other family members’ houses, but going to my mamaw and pawpaw’s was special. That's how I feel about Creekside.”

The last Sunday of October usually sees the start of Creekside as the Kickoff Concert in the evening welcomes the early guests. Monday, the load-in begins for the groups, as well as the first daily showcase. The evening concert hosts the Life Achievement award for one special music industry leader. Thus begins the week of Southern gospel, Christian country and Bluegrass gospel music, as well as all notes that bridge the genres. Music day and night, midnight prayer and special preaching continue until Thursday night.

“This year will feature many new surprises,” says Rob Patz, owner of Creekside Gospel Music Convention. “If I gave them away now, where would the fun be in that? Just come. And bring a friend.”

Make your plans to attend Creekside Gospel Music Convention, taking place Oct. 27 - Oct. 31, 2019, at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center, in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. For more information or to book your hotel, contact rob@sgnscoops.com or call 1 (360) 933-0741‬.








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