LOGAN, WV – It's being called the hottest ticket in West Virginia for this weekend. It's a Southern Gospel music event that may seem similar to American Idol. The Coalfield Jamboree, a renovated MGM theatre located in the City of Logan, will be the site of the third annual Dignity Hospice Southern Gospel Music Talent Search.
Dignity Hospice, headquartered in Chapmanville, WV, will again host the annual gala and fundraiser that always attracts top-notch talent from across the nation. This year's show will feature a record 30 Gospel music contestants; the event is being held this Saturday, Apr. 26th, beginning at 7:00 p.m. According to Mike Collins, public relations coordinator for Dignity and emcee for the Saturday night event, the overall winner of the talent search will sign a Nashville Recording contract with the prestigious Eddie Crook Company at the end of the evening.
"Yet, I must say that it is our opinion that all the competitors are already winners," he said. "Each year we find ourselves amazed at the caliber of the talent and depth of commitment from these artists who participate in the talent show. Of course it is an exciting competition; but, perhaps most importantly, these artists are here for the right reasons: to sing God's praises and raise much-needed funding for patients of Dignity Hospice."
The decision of Dean Wilcox, senior vice president of the Eddie Crook Company, along with the audience’s participation, will decide the overall winner of the contest. The Eddie Crook Company, well-known in Gospel music circles, has launched the careers of many of the most popular Southern Gospel artists touring today. Wilcox, playing a role similar to that of Simon Cowell, will be on hand to gage and critique each performance. Judging criteria will including stage presence and vocal ability.
Collins stated that there will be soloists, trios, quartets and mixed groups performing live. "Not only will the audience be thoroughly blessed by an evening of exciting and inspiring music," he added, "but they will also know that they are making a direct, immediate difference in the lives of local hospice patients who most need medical care and our supportive services."
Collins said that because of the out-flowing of love and support from the community at events like this, no Dignity Hospice patient has ever been turned away due to a lack of money or health insurance.
Aracoma Drug, Steve Nichols Insurance, Woodland Press and Hurley Drug are corporate sponsors for this year's musical event. Call 304-831-4102, or visit www.DignityHospice.org, to find more information about the event. Dignity Hospice is a non-profit organization that serves patients and families in Logan, Mingo, Boone, Lincoln and Wyoming Counties, in the Mountain State. Dignity Hospice is a 501©(3) nonprofit organization.