Gaither Vocal Band booked for Clay County Fair

(Photo submitted) Multi-Grammy winning Southern Gospel and contemporary Christian music group Gaither Vocal Band has been booked for a Sept. 13 grandstand concert.

The multi-Grammy winning Southern Gospel and contemporary Christian music group, Gaither Vocal Band, is scheduled to appear in front of the Clay County Fair Grandstand at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13.

Formed in 1981, the Gaither Vocal Band originated from famed singer and songwriter, Bill Gaither. During a Bill Gaither Trio concert, the group decided to try something new and perform a Southern Gospel song entitled, "Your First Day in Heaven." It was in that performance where the Gaither Vocal Band was born. Since then, the band has spent nearly 30 years proclaiming their message to audiences across the country.

The group has experienced several different variations of band members, many of which are distinguished performers in the contemporary Christian music scene. The current all-star lineup includes the band's originator Bill Gaither along with Michael English, David Phelps, Wes Hampton and Mark Lowry.

Over the nearly three decades of existence, the Gaither Vocal Band has released over 25 albums that have featured popular songs such as "Yes, I Know", "I Will Go On", "Count on Me" and "The Baptism of Jesse Taylor".

One of the biggest draws for fans of the Gaither Vocal Band is their combination of classic Southern Gospel with Country and contemporary Christian. Such musical style has attained the group distinguished recognition including several Dove awards given by the Gospel Music Association and six Grammy awards, one of which they received this past February.

The group's 2009 Grammy win for Best Southern, Country, Bluegrass Gospel Album, capped a week of success over several Billboard charts. In early-February the Gaither Vocal Band Reunion, Volume 1 and Gaither Vocal Band Reunion, Volume 2 CDs debuted in the top two positions on Billboard's Contemporary Christian album chart.

The DVDs of the same title debuted in the number one and two positions on the Music Video charts as well, with a release just days before, on January 27.

AT A GLANCE:

WHO: The Gaither Vocal Band featuring Bill Gaither, Michael English, David Phelps, Wes Hampton and Mark Lowry

WHEN: Sept. 13, 2009, at the Clay County Fair. The 2009 Clay County Fair runs September 12-20.

TICKETS: Further information on ticket sales will be announced soon. Fair information also can be found at www.claycountyfair.com or by calling (712) 262-4740.