Terry’s Picks: August 2016
West Michigan Christian web writer Terry DeBoer surveys the landscape for the area's faith-based arts and entertainment events over the coming month. Here are three highlights for August: *Gospel Bluegrass Festival – The seventh annual festival is set for Fri.-Sat. Aug 19-20 at the Gospel Music Barn & Chapel, 6881 64th Ave. Hudsonville. The music starts at 6 p.m. Friday featuring the Fleegers Bluegrass Group followed by Calabogie Road. Beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday: Bluegrass Gospel Echoes, Grass of a Different Color, Mike & Jan McIntyre, Master's Messengers, and the Wasepi Bluegrass Gospel Singers. Closing the evening is the Kentucky-based Narrow Road. Their most recent CD is titled "Simple Truth." Food available on site. Advance tickets not necessary (schedule subject to change). Contact www.gospelmusicbarn.org.
*Ginny Owens – The inspirational singer-songwriter performs at 7 p.m. Sat. Aug. 20 at Maranatha Bible'Conference, 4759 Lake Harbor Rd. Muskegon. Owens' career took off in 2000 when she won a Gospel Music Association Dove Award as New Artist of the Year. Her national debut album yielded a humble ballad that is still her signature song: "If You Want Me To." Her most recent release is last year's "I Know A Secret" and includes the song "No Borders."
No tickets are necessary for the concert; a free-will offering is received. Visit www.vacationwithpurpose.org or call 888-982-LAKE.
*Blythefield Hills Baptist Church Praise Team – The church ensemble leads the music at "Praise in the Park" at 6 p.m. Sun. Aug. 21 at Garden Club Park in downtown Rockford. The event is part of the summer-long series featuring area church music groups. Garden Club Park is just off W. Bridge St. east of the dam along the Rouge River. There is no admission charge; bringing your own seating is encouraged. Performing in the concluding weeks of the series are Frontline Church Praise Team (Aug. 28) and the Christian band Perfect Shelter (Sept. 4). For more information visit www.rpmoll.com/praise.
