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WSGMA Labor Day Celebration Despite triple-digit temperatures, an estimated 600 people turned out for the Western States Gospel Music Association (WSGMA) Labor Day celebration held at the historic Turlock community theater. Eight of the 11 groups in the WSGMA performed, providing a full afternoon of gospel music enjoyed by all in attendance. The Reverend Dick Hilleary performed his usual role as master of ceremonies, and kept the program moving with his wonderful folksy humor. Some new touches this year were a hymn sing-along mid-way through the program, and a special guest appearance by the Richland Trio, who was joined by Ralph Dean, long-time west coast gospel music artist and promoter. Another delightful moment (a reprise from the May concert) was when the young Ben Johnson joined the trio Chosen Vision on stage. He somehow had sprouted a pencil moustache ala Gene McDonald (which looked suspiciously as if it came courtesy of mom Beth Johnson’s mascara brush), and accompanied the group “singing” the previously recorded bass part. This year’s concert was a tribute to gospel music pioneer and 2006 hall of fame inductee Bob Jones, Sr. who passed on this past July. Bob was instrumental in bringing gospel music to the West Coast having founded the California Singing Convention in 1936. His group the Songfellows was founding members of the WSGMA, and continues to be honorary members. After the last group performed, all the artists took the stage at once and as a tribute accompanied a recording of Bob Jones, Sr. singing “Mansion Over the Hilltop” – the song he sang at the hall of fame induction ceremony. The day ended with the traditional homecoming style group sing, with all the artists joining together on well-known gospel favorites. WSGMA President Herb Henry deserves credit and praise for organizing another excellent event.
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