Watkins Family
Bluegrass gospel performers the Watkins Family will bring their distinct sound to Sacred Sounds Fridays, Aug. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Ringgold Depot at Depot Street and U.S. 41 in Ringgold, Ga. in a concert for the Share America Foundation, Inc. Also appearing will be Just Us Gals. Randall Franks, “Officer Randy Goode” from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night” will emcee. Ticket donation is $6.
"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," officials said.
"We just thank the Lord for all He’s done for us and our work in music," Judy said.
The Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame members made a name for themselves in the fields of gospel, bluegrass and country music.
“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 former Impact Award nominee raises spirits and hopes of the life to be led as servants of Christ through their harmonies,” Mr. Franks said.
The family will include new music from their upcoming release as well as top hits from their latest and upcoming CDs.
"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 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.
"Just Us Gals is a young-in-spirit and energetic 'all-girl' string band with a dynamic and natural stage presence, which they infuse in their ragtime, old-time, bluegrass, gospel, and fiddle tunes. The magnificent sounds created by their instruments and harmonious singing have captivated audiences at regional shows, bluegrass festivals, private bookings, and local churches," officials said.
Agene Parsons plays hammer dulcimer and autoharp; Evelyn Madewell plays fiddle; Linda Conliglio and Darleen Conley play guitar; Marilyn Reppond plays bass and marimbula; and Peggy Douglas plays mandolin and tenor banjo.
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 $6; 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.
Just Us Gals