The Share America Foundation will host Southern gospel trio Omega, of Dahlonega, Ga. on Friday, March 8, at 7:30 p.m. at the Ringgold Depot, corner of Depot Street and U.S. 41 in Ringgold. Jim Ricketts and Crystle Elam will also perform. Randall Franks from TV's "In the Heat of the Night” will emcee.
Omega is a contemporary Southern gospel music trio featuring Dustin Simmons, Doug Pittman and Cody McCreary.
“The group found its beginning at a small Baptist college in South Georgia,” Mr. Simmons said. “Three young music students gathered together one night in the recital hall and began harmonizing.”
He said they initially did not realize what God had begun that night, but eventually they decided to form a group and began searching for a name.
“The inspiration came at first from the name of a piece of recording equipment, but slowly, God began to reveal the name's true nature,” he said. “Omega is the Greek word for ‘the end’ or ‘last.’ The young men realized that in order to be used by God and to see Him move in their ministry they would have to put themselves last, and put God first.”
Baritone Cody McCreary joined the group in 2012 replacing the original baritone.
Also performing is Jim Ricketts and Crystle Elam. The two singers share Jesus through song combining years of performing experience.
“This allows us so many wonderful opportunities to meet folks and share the goodness of the Lord,” Mr. Ricketts said.
The group won the North America Country Music Association International 2012 Traditional Gospel Duet of the Year and Crystle won the Horizon award for traditional female vocalist. They also won Traditional Gospel Duet of the Year from the Tennessee Country Gospel Music Association in 2011.
The event is a fundraiser for the Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship Fund. The Share America Foundation, Inc., a Georgia non-profit, presents scholarships to talented musicians who excel in the Appalachian musical arts.
Donations for tickets are adults: $5, children 5 and under free with adult. Tickets may be purchased locally in advance during business hours at SonShine Christian Books 706.861-7675 in Fort Oglethorpe. For more information, www.shareamericafoundation.org.
Jim Ricketts and Crystle Elam will also perform