Thousands to travel to Smoky’s for Gatlinburg Gathering

Thousands of Gospel music lovers will soon flock to the cradle of the Great Smoky Mountains, at the Gatlinburg Convention Center, for the annual Gatlinburg Gathering. It’s held on Labor Day weekend, Sept. 1st-3rd.  The annual three-day music event, presented by Abraham Promotions, always offers a powerful list of a literal who’s who in the Southern Gospel industry. This year that list will include the legendary Hoppers, Ivan Parker, the Booth Brothers, Mark Bishop, the Talleys, Brian Free and Assurance and many, many others. The gathering event is also positive for the entire Tennessean economy, as thousands of out-of-state visitors flood area motels and camping facilities. Besides the evening concerts, there will be many exhibitors at the center — as well as artist booths and afternoon musical showcase events. A variety of products will be on display and available, including music CDs, cassettes, videos, inspiring books, novelty clothing, gift objects and other items and ministry helps. “Last year this event nearly turned Gatlinburg upside down as Gospel music lovers came in by the thousands to the beautiful Smokey Mountains,” said Dean Hopper, lead singer of the Hoppers. “Everyone seemed to have a great time, and we expect this year to be even larger, as the Gathering continues to grow. The Convention center in the middle of Gatlinburg has ample room for everyone, and there are no bad seats. I know participating groups are energized about singing in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge region, and I expect that energy to spill over to the stage. It will be an exciting time in the Lord.” Fans who attend the first evening, at 7:00 p.m., on Friday, Sept. 1st, will enjoy live performances by such renowned artists as the Hoppers, Talley Trio, Ivan Parker, the Booth Brothers, the Jody Brown Indian Family and little Victoria Huggins.  On Saturday, also at 7:00 p.m., the Kingdom Heirs take center stage, followed by Kirk Talley, the Greenes trio, Mark Bishop, the Perrys and CS&K.  For the final day of activity and music, on Sunday, beginning at 6:00 p.m., groups and soloists will include Brian Free & Assurance, Michael Combs, the Feemans, Tony Gore, the Triumphant Quartet and Josh Franks. “We’ll be singing some devil-chassin’ barn-burners during this special event,” said Tony Greene, of the Greenes, a group from North Carolina. “Everyone is invited to this year’s Gatlinburg Gathering, which has been voted as the most popular Southern Gospel event in the entire country.” For more information, contact: www.rayflynnpromotions.com, or call 1-888-238-6858.