Mark Lowry

Mark Lowry (49 … and going on 13!) is new to the festival this year! Mark joined the Bill Gaither Vocal Band in 1988 to sing baritone and provide comic relief during concerts. Mark's antics on stage with Bill Gaither were an instant hit with audiences and their comedy became the highlight of the evening when the Homecoming tour was born. Mark was featured on most of the Gaither Homecoming videos - often in the co-hosting role with Bill.

To the millions of fans of Bill Gaither's Homecoming series of videos, Mark Lowry is a gifted comedian and perpetual thorn in Bill Gaither's side. It often comes as a surprise when those same fans learn that Mark penned one of the most influential Christmas songs of the past half-century, "Mary, Did You Know?" which has become a staple on holiday collections with everyone from Kenny Rogers and Wynonna to Kathy Mattea. He has four videos that are certified Gold and two that have reached the Platinum level. Lowry’s tours in recent years are typically booked as “Be the Miracle” Tour and feature a select cast of performers such as Stan Whitmire and LordSong.

LordSong

LordSong is one of the most exciting vocal ensembles in Gospel music today. Their combination of rich harmonies and fresh personal style crosses the boundaries of age and unites listening audiences everywhere. This talented group from Spartanburg, South Carolina was co-founded by Michael and Kim Lord in January 2000. Heather Day and Valerie Ellenburg join with Michael and Kim to minister with a personal message from God, presented in a real and personal way. When you experience a LordSong concert, you’ll sing, laugh and maybe even cry, but most of all, you’ll be led into a spirit of worship.

 

Stan Whitmire

Stan Whitmire - award-winning pianist and keyboardist, featured soloist and accompanist with Bill and Gloria Gaither Homecoming video projects; and with Evangelist Billy Graham, Lee Greenwood, Dr. Charles Stanley, and Amy Lambert; traveling with them throughout the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. His most recent undertaking is being a part of Mark Lowry's "Be The Miracle " tour, which also features the vocal group LordSong.

“Many artists with a high degree of technical training often play mechanically...they can play the notes but they can't make music. Stan plays beautiful “music”, playing with deep emotion and a wonderful "touch" on the keyboard. His varied piano stylings will lift your spirits and nourish your soul”. Rich Melvin, Publisher and Friend

The Ball Brothers
www.theballbrothers.com

Back by popular demand! As seen with Bill Gaither and on INSP TV, the Ball Brothers showcase a creative confidence and intuitive grasp of harmony that is rare in artists twice their age. With their mix of new and old, they appeal to a broad audience. They attract young people with their exciting performances and older audiences enjoy their gospel harmony at its finest. They have a calling to see souls touched and people encouraged through their music.

The Ball Brothers bring their youthful energy into a strong tradition of family groups in gospel music, creating a unique style of close harmony, a spiritual message; and they add a dimension of joyful sounds of the Christmas season.

ALSO APPEARING

Mike Ball and the Madison Mountaintop Band

Mike Ball and the Madison Mountaintop Band began playing together in 2001 after working with one another in the Asbury Methodist Dinner Theater. Since then, they have performed at numerous events in the Tennessee Valley, sharing their unique mix of fellowship and bluegrass-oriented "shade-tree" music. The members are (L to R) Mike Shepard, Wendy Corron, Jimmy Fish, State Rep. Mike Ball and Patti Deshazo.

The Lamb Family

The Lamb Family Violin Ensemble, four young siblings who have captured national attention with their incredible musical talent as violinists, will be featured this year. Also called “Three Lambs and a Ram,” they began playing violin as preschoolers. Two are now students at the University of Alabama and two younger siblings play in student orchestras in the Tuscaloosa area.

They play a variety of musical styles including sacred, classical, pop and fiddle tunes. Wherever they perform, these four young musicians exude excitement and offer a life-changing experience to all who hear them. Their inspirational message and dynamic music engage audiences of all ages. PSALTERIUM is the Lamb’s third studio recording. Their previous releases are “Music with a Message” and “Christmas with the Lamb Family”.

"Angels with finely-tuned harps would find their match in the magical music of the Lamb family violinists”. Carolanne Roberts – Southern Living Magazine

Lauren Guthrie

Lauren Guthrie is a junior in Recording Industry Management at Middle Tennessee State University. She is the daughter of Andrea Guthrie of Huntsville and Col. & Mrs. Randall Guthrie of Hollywood, FL. Lauren's singing career began in 5th grade when a Music Teacher discovered her raw talent & encouraged her in the choral program. She was in choral programs throughout her years including high school winning individual awards as a solo vocalist in many choral competitions including festivals in Toronto, Canada, Hershey, Pennsylvania and Music Festivals at Sea in the Caribbean.

Violin/Viola Students of Nina Li

Nina Xiaolian Li is the adjunct professor of violin and viola at Alabama A&M University. Originally from Beijing China, she received her BA degree in violin performance from Beijing Central Conservatory of Music, and her Masters degree in violin performance from Syracuse University in New York. Nina comes from a musical family. Her father is a retired composition professor and her mother is a retired piano professor with a private teaching studio and a large number of private students in China. While in China, Nina performed as a violinist at the Opera House Orchestra in Beijing. Nina is a certified Suzuki teacher and she is a member of the Suzuki American Association. Her teaching career of 20 years combines both traditional and Suzuki styles. She also plays in the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra and teaches private students. She enjoys teaching and loves to work with kids. She thinks that every student is unique; and she devotes special attention to help each student develop his or her musical ability individually.

Bob Smith, Master of Ceremonies and Vocalist
www.bsmithministries.org

Bob Smith, Master of Ceremonies and Soloist, has been leading people to Christ through music for more than 30 years. Bob’s desire is to present music that is encouraging and uplifting, embracing the wonderful praise music that focuses our hearts and minds on worship with a commitment to the great hymns of the faith, especially during this Christmas season and the Nativity. You will feel the presence and power of God when Bob sings songs from his new Christmas album!

"He has tremendous ability in music, a great platform presence, and a heart for God along with a love for people" - Dr. Roy Fish, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Dallas, Texas

"Bob has a heart for God and a passion to share God's love with his world through his gifts and abilities. He is without a doubt one of the greatest vocalists I have ever heard" - Rev. Garry Jordan, Pastor, Jackson Way Baptist Church, Huntsville, Alabama

"You will feel the presence and power of God when Bob Smith sings. He is the most outstanding male vocalist I have ever heard! God's hand rests upon Bob in a unique way. He has great energy on the platform and will lead your people into a worship experience they will not soon forget" - Dr. Mark McClelland, Pastor, Willowbrook Baptist Church, Huntsville, Alabama