The Watkins Family
Bluegrass gospel performers the Watkins Family will bring their distinct sound to Sacred Sounds Fridays, July 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the Ringgold Depot at Depot Street and U.S. 41 in Ringgold, Ga. in a special concert for the Share America Foundation, Inc. Also appearing will be teenage artists Mountain Cove Bluegrass. Randall Franks, “Officer Randy Goode” from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night” will emcee. Ticket donation is $5.
Organizers said that as one of America’s best loved acoustic music families – the Watkins Family – Judy, Lorie and Todd – have served as gospel music ambassadors from the state of Georgia to the world for more than three decades.
"We just thank the Lord for all He’s done for us and our work in music," Judy Watkins said.
The Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame members made a name for themselves in the fields of gospel, bluegrass and country music.
“Few can claim performance success in all three genres while never veering from their sincere dedication that their music should always reflect the love of Jesus,” Mr.
Franks said. “Whether the Watkins are performing on a grand stage with country stars such as Randy Travis and Diamond Rio, bluegrass festival or National Quartet Convention in front of thousands, or in the pulpit of a small country church, the 2008 Impact Award nominee raises spirits and hopes of the life to be led as servants of Christ through their harmonies.”
The family will include new music from their upcoming release as well as top hits from their acclaimed “Heaven’s Worth Waiting For” CD.
"Awards, honors and amazing opportunities are blessings but there is no greater blessing than working each day sharing His story of salvation through song,” Lorie Watkins said.
“While the musical legacy of the Watkins family reaches back for generations in the mountains of northeast Georgia, their music today reflects the best in harmonies and musical instrumentation that can be heard,” Mr. Franks said.
For more information, visit
www.watkinsfamilymusic.com.
Mountain Cove Bluegrass is one of the region's most active bluegrass bands appearing in venues throughout the region. They were recently featured on the Great American Country cable network.
"This is one of the most talented group of young men in bluegrass today," Mr. Franks said.
The group from the Chattanooga area includes Cody Harvey on banjo, Eli Beard on guitar, Chris Brown on fiddle, Will Markham on bass, and Tyler Martelli on mandolin.
Several members of the group including Mr. Harvey,Mr. Markham and Mr. Martelli are Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholars. Their latest CD is "Mountain Cove III." For more information, visit
http://www.mtncovebluegrass.com/.
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, Share America Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 42 Tunnel Hill, Ga. 30755 or www.shareamericafoundation.com.
Mountain Cove