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For the last couple of years, as July comes to a close, fans from across the nation have been flocking to a little town just south of Nashville, Tennessee called Smyrna to a wonderful place called River of Life Assembly of God for the Gospel Music Fan Festival. While many have been able to come be a part of this wonderful celebration of Southern Gospel Music, many have not. So, just what is it? What's the big deal? I'm so glad you asked because I recently pinned Chris Unthank down (and that’s a hard thing to do because he’s a big guy ... but then again, so am I!) to ask him a few questions about the festival in hopes to let more people in on this wonderful secret ...

First Chris, how exactly did the Fan Festival originate? Tell me about those early SGN conventions.

I didn't really get involved in the early conventions until the second year. The first convention was an all day thing that took place in March - and I was still a freshman in college at that point. They moved it to the summer, and I actually took part in the convention as a soloist, since Sunday Edition had someone who was singing with them while I was in college. It started as a way for groups that were on the email list and message boards to showcase their ministries to each other. Eventually, bigger groups starting asking to be a part of it, and it has evolved into a series of concerts where the artists say "thanks" to SGN and the fans by coming out and singing.

How and what made it evolve into what it is today? Why change the way it was?

It was just a kind of natural progression. Each year it would grow from part timers to regionals to B level groups to the talent level that it is at now - A level groups. Groups just started asking us what they could do to help us, and so we made the Convention into a Fan Festival - where the fans can enjoy a week of music that is free to the public.

What sets the Fan Festival apart from NQC or even the Fan Fest in Chattanooga?

Well - the most notable difference is that it is free to the public. We never want to charge anything, but if we have to, we want to make it extremely reasonable for families to come. Secondly - it's not all A-level talent. We hear and see groups all the time, and sometimes we want to help out a group and give them a platform that they normally wouldn't get. This year we had new talent like the Dills, Mercy's Well, and the Quicks who are just amazing groups that deserve to be heard as much as the Crabb Family, Gold City, or Karen Peck & New River. They've got the talent, and we want to help them get heard. Another difference is that it is a very relaxed atmosphere. Groups don't feel like they have to wear suits and Sunday dress at the concert. It's a chance for fans and the groups alike to enjoy a great night of Gospel music.

There are those who were part of those early SGN conventions who feel as though they have been forgotten.

We can understand their frustration - thinking they've been lost or forgotten about. That was never our intention - and it is why we started the SGN Reunion. It is fashioned like the old Conventions were in the early years. Last year's was great, and we can't wait for this year's, which will be on Saturday, October 21.

Coming off the 7th Annual event, how do you feel it went?

This year's event just blew our minds. Each group was so kind and understanding with any technical issues that arose and with time restrictions and product tables and everything. The crowd was standing room only, which means we are already in negotiations for a new venue for next year. It's exciting to see how God has blessed the event just within the last few years.

All things considered ... crowds, talent, sound, venue, unforeseen issues, etc. On a scale of 1-10, how would rate this last fan festival overall?

Honestly - an 11. There are always going to be problems with sounds or lighting or space - that just comes with the territory of event planning. All the artists and fans were just so gracious - we couldn't have asked for a better year.

How much work goes into putting this festival on?

Way more than I have time to talk about. Honestly, we were already planning 2008's Festival even before this year's started - so it's a year round thing. It's gotten to the point now that we have our talent line up pretty much finalized by September the year prior to the event - then its just a lot of planning and planning and planning and executing and executing and executing. You know I took several courses in college on Event Planning and PR Case Studies - but none of it can really prepare you for a 5 or 6-day event. It just takes a lot of people all on the same page and working towards the same goal to make it work.

What’s the most rewarding and exciting thing for you in connection with the fan festival?

Getting feedback from fans is probably the best kind of affirmation that we can get. When people from 10 or 12 hours away come up to us and tell us that this was their vacation and that they will definitely be coming back next year, that tells us that we are doing something right. When it's a half hour before the show starts and people are still pouring in and we are running out of seats - it's very humbling to see how richly God has blessed this particular event.

We truly had a very ministry oriented Festival this year and every artist followed the leading of the Holy Spirit with their sets.

One of the most humbling and truly blessed things we saw this year was learning that two fans traveled all the way from Scotland to be at the Festival this year. We were so privileged to meet Robert Paterson and Hazel Brooks. They found the information about the Festival on the Internet and they came to see the Crabb Family on Thursday evening. They ended up staying through Saturday and changing their traveling plans just to be with us. They have become lifelong friends and proved to us that God knows no boundaries and will bring the people from every nation.

What's down the road for the Fan Festival? Anything you can share that's coming for next year?

Well, we already expanded it an additional night this year - so it's a five-day event now. We are in talks about a possible Songwriter's Showcase for 2008 - but that is all really up in the air right now. A new venue, itself, is going to be exciting and give us lots of new possibilities

What is the ultimate goal of the festival?

To be a relaxed, family friendly atmosphere where fans and artists can interact with one another without having to worry about industry workings and networking. It's just meant to be a great night of free Gospel music and worshiping God.

Where do you see it 5-10 years down the road? What do you envision the Fan Festival becoming?

Only God knows this. Like I said we never intended it to become what it has, so where God takes it, we're willing to walk down that path. Would I love for it to eventually become a NQC size event? Sure, but if it only stays where it's at - then I think we'll stay pretty content.

What's the biggest lesson/lessons you have learned since the inception of the festival?

Definitely that God has bigger plans for this than we had ever dreamed. He gave us this baby, now we have to be faithful to Him and do it to the best of our abilities.

I asked Chris to share a little bit more detail about this year's event.

Every year we start the Festival with great anticipation. The whole family attends Steve Hurst School of Music 2 weeks prior to the Festival so we are prayed up and spiritually ready for whatever the Lord has in store. However, this year, we could not have imagined how great it was going to be.

Tuesday night started with the Anchormen. They just finished recording a new project that I know is going to delight fans across the country. We had the opportunity to hear some of the pre-release of this recording but we didn't realize just how good this project was till we heard some of it live. I must say that I was very impressed by their bass singer, Will Lane. That guy is a great bass singer for such a young age. He has a great career ahead of him. Jason Funderburk is a great emcee and delivers his solos with excellence. Chad Smith was unable to attend as his wife was having a baby, but Bryon Pritchard filled in quite well. Alex Woolard is the youngest member at 19 years old but carried his tenor like an old pro.

Following the Anchormen was Three Bridges. There is so much that could be said about this group, but it would take volumes to do so. Not only is their harmony tight and original but their performances are electric. I know that fans were talking about them all night. They delighted the audience with performances of several tunes from their newest recording. They are definitely a Fan favorite.

We always know that Gold City is going to give a stellar performance and this year was no exception. They had spent the day in the studio working on their upcoming project and still gave a 110% in their performance. Danny shared how hard this year has been with the loss of Doug and when they performed "Are You Ready" there couldn't have been a dry eye in the house. Jonathan was his usual upbeat and personable self. He stated that this was the first time he ever wore an untucked shirt in church and asked everyone to NOT tell his mother. Well, it's too late, pictures are there for all to see. <smile>. Aaron McCune is fitting in nicely and there were no beats skipped in any performance. Steve Ladd has settled in nicely as the tenor and you would think this group had been together for years.

This was our second time to see the Mike Bowling Group live. Every time we see them they get better and better. This group is slated to fill the Hinson/Crabb Family void in our genre and they are a true crowd pleaser. They can carry the crowd from a rousing, barn burning number to a sweet melodic ballad with the ease of group who has traveled together for years.

HisSong has some of the most loyal fans around and that loyalty was very present at the Festival. When Gary Winning ham left the group many wondered if they would be able to duplicate the excitement he brought to the group. They have not missed a beat and the excitement carries on. Great songs and great delivery is by-product of this group.

Wednesday night, a regular church night for many people, was no deterrent to the crowd. They flocked to see the artists performing and there couldn't be a better group to open than CrossWay. Though they performed as a trio (Matt MacFarland was at home tending to his wife and new baby), the sound remained. Who can resist the sound of "The Long Arm of Love?"

The Dove Brothers, as usual left the crowd wanting more. There probably isn't a better emcee around than McCray at reading a crowd and delivering what they want. Eric Dove performed with a sling on his shoulder and what a trooper. I believe his voice has gotten even better. Jerry Kelso was a delight on the keyboard. David Hester and Jerry Martin are two of the best vocalists in the industry. The Doves had the crowd on their feet for most of their performance.

Up next, was the incomparable Lesters. This group has always had vocal stylings that were uniquely their own. Brian is an excellent emcee and it is easy to see that his son, Jonathan shares his great talent vocally. Liz and Trecia were beautiful both vocally and visually as usual. Why doesn't the world know more about this great group? Brian and Dad (Deon) reminisced somewhat about their LONG history. This was all WAY before I was born.

The Mighty Kingsmen are most definitely back. Performing many tunes from their newest project it was easy to see that they seem revitalized by the new tracks and arrangements. Tony Peace was his usual personable self on stage. The Kingsmen are consummate performers and like the Doves, left the audience wanting more.

Johnny Minick has been a Festival staple for a few years and he never fails to wow the fans. He brought along Allison Durham Speer, Hovie Walker, Aaron Minick, and his wife, Sherri Minick for some great performances of some old Goodman favorites.

Thursday night brought us a wonderful night of The Crabb Family, Young Harmony and Sunday Edition. Young Harmony opened the evening with some great music and some of Jonathan Bond's wonderful humor and testimonies. Young Harmony is sporting a live band and sounding better than ever.

Sunday Edition took the stage next and I won't go into much detail about us, other than to say that we performed all new material from our new project which should be available right before NQC. We appreciated all the great comments and response we received.

The Crabb Family ministered like never before. Their music and unique style of worship was just what the audience was there to hear. Jason shared about his recent battles with panic attacks and I know that it was real testimony and encouragement for many of those in attendance. The Crabbs led the audience in a spirit of worship and praise and spent the evening ministering to the crowd. Knowing now, that this may have been their last performance at the Fan Festival makes the night even more special in retrospect.

After Thursday evenings concert we learned of two very special world travelers who had made their way to the Festival all the way from Scotland. Robert Paterson and Hazel Brooks learned about the event from the Internet and came to see the Crabbs. They told us how that Scotland has very little music available but that they knew of the Crabb Family from Gaither Videos. (Yeah, Gaither makes it to Scotland <smile>) Learning that the Ruppes would be performing Friday night, they planned to return for that event as well. After everyone had made our travelers feel so welcome, they changed their travel plans and stayed for Saturday night as well. Learning that KPNR would be on the Opry this Friday, they said they plan to travel back to Nashville to see KPNR at the Opry. Robert and Hazel continually told us how much we had blessed them with the Festival, but they will never know how much they blessed US!!!

Friday evening truly continued in the ministry mood that the Crabbs had set the night before. The Dills opened the program and this young group was well received by the crowd. If you have not had the pleasure of seeing this group, then you must hurry to the nearest performance and experience them for yourselves. Not only do they sing good, but their hearts are transparent and they will warm your heart.

Not much can be said, that we haven't already said about Hope's Call. Donna, Jessica and Eddie have a heart for people and it shows in every aspect of their ministry. They performed their chart topping song, "You Are Loved" as well as Donna's beautiful rendition of "O Holy Night." The audience was treated to a one song preview of their new upcoming project and it was easy to see that this new release will become a household favorite of most fans.

The Ruppes ministered in so many ways to the audience. Brenda shared a small bit about her husband Leo's battle with cancer then entered into a beautiful rendition of "The Healer." The tears flowed but I know that the audience was standing in agreement with Heather, Brenda and Valerie for the healing of Leo.

Following the Ruppes was LordSong (it was like a family reunion with Kim Lord and her mother and sisters). Carrying on where the Ruppes left off, LordSong continued to minister to the crowds with their extraordinary harmonies and spirit of worship. This trio is one of the best on the road today.

Joyce Martin continued in the same vein as the others before her. She bared her soul to the audience and was more transparent than I have ever seen her. She mentioned how that she is entering into a new walk with the Lord and it more than apparent in her performances.

After a line up as above you would wonder who could go on after these great groups, but the trio that took the stage held the audience in the palm of their hands. Mercy's Well did a beautiful job and became a real favorite of the fans. Brad, Kyle and Greg shared some great old Hymns straight off their new project.

Ending the evening was one of the most talked about soloists we have ever had the privilege of using in the Festival. John Lanier had the crowd eating out of the palm of his hand and even though the hour was getting late, no one was leaving their seat. John had the night ending on one a high note and left the crowd praising his performance.

Saturday night is always exciting but melancholy as we realize it is the last night of the concert. Opening the program for the evening was the winner of the Talent Contest, Group division, The Anchored Quartet. Performing in the Soloist Division was winner, Jerry Garcia. It was evident that southern gospel is in good hands with the talent that is before us with new, up and coming artists. One of this year's event sponsors is also a soloist in the industry and we were blessed to hear a beautiful number by Bev McCann.

Each year on Saturday night we hear the River of Life Choir as they perform several numbers under the most able leadership of Daryl Williams. This year was no exception and the Choir did great.

A new group hitting the scene is the Quicks. They are a great family group with some very talented people. Anyone who gets to know this family loves them instantly. Whether it is Tim's great humor and personality, Sally's great songwriting or Rebecca's harmony and beauty, this family is a real delight. This year they wowed the audience with their newest single, "It's the Real Thing, Baby."

Jonathan White, well known for his beautiful ballad, "Passion of the Christ" drew the applause of the audience with several new songs from his newest project. Jonathan always leaves the crowd on their feet and did so again this year. This is one soloist that has no problem holding the audience's attention.

Of course, anyone who knows me, knows that Karen Peck and New River was my first Southern Gospel group to gain my attention and they are one of my absolute favorites. This group, Karen, Susan and Devin is perhaps one of the best to ever come along. Karen did a short a cappela version of "Now That You Know" and then brought the house down with "Four Days Late." It is easy to see why this was a number one song, but a live performance of it is just beyond words.

The Imperials is a household name to many gospel music fans and the new lineup of Imperials is just as spectacular as any in the past. Performing some of their standard classics as well as a few tunes from their highly anticipated upcoming release they had the crowd eating out of their hands.

A Gospel Music Fan Festival wouldn't be complete without performances by the Daryl Williams Trio. Daryl is perhaps one of the best if not the best songwriter in southern gospel music and his trio lives up to his songwriting capabilities. Nothing could be finer than to hear a Daryl Williams tune sung by the writer himself.

Ending this year's event was a first time performer for us. A beautiful ladies trio, Rejoice, was gracious enough to perform and end another successful year. It was clear by the audience reaction that Rejoice gained new fans that night and their harmonies and songs were flawless.

We could not have asked for a more successful event. Every report we received was great and we know that fans are making plans now for next year's event.

To all the artists we say a big THANK YOU for your participation and consummate professionalism. To the Fans we say thank you for attending and your great response.

More Festival Pictures can be found here:

Tuesday night
Wednesday night
Thursday night
Friday night
Saturday night

The 8th Annual Gospel Music Fan Festival will run from Tuesday, July 24 through Saturday, July 28, 2008, location to be announced at a later date. To find out more check out the website at www.gospelmusicfanfestival.com

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