Gospel Music Jamboree turns 10

Some performers have changed in the 10 years since it began, but music and fellowship have always in style for the annual Gospel Music Jamboree.

“If you enjoy good, toe-tapping gospel music, it’s a fun, relaxing Sunday afternoon, and then fellowship afterward for young and old,” said Christine Witt, coordinator of the event.

The music begins at 2:30 p.m. Oct. 14 at Temple Baptist Church, located at 1200 12th Ave. NE in Jamestown.

Four musical groups will be featured this year — two new ones and two returning favorites. All are volunteers who donate their time at the Jamboree.

Spiritwood Creek Bluegrass has performed its blend of bluegrass, country and gospel at all 10 Jamborees. Its members include Kenny Frey, Terry Schwartz, Carrie Roemmich and Linda Elhard.

The Prairie Harmony Singers, based out of Hosmer, S.D., have played at about seven of the past 10 jamborees. They are a group of cousins —Gerry Guthmiller, Joyce Heyne and Wes Schaible. Their three CDs and performances feature the keyboard, banjo, mandolin, dobro and guitar.

The two new groups are the Old Friends and the New Friends.

The Old Friends have been singing separately and sometimes together for years. They are Kerry Wicks, Bert Gray, Jeremy Gray, Mark Urquhart and Mark Haines.

“It’s all going to be Christian gospel music, either country, old-time or bluegrass,” Witt said.

The New Friends didn’t know each other well before they started singing together, Witt said.

Samantha Riehl, a Jamestown College music student, writes and sings her own songs. Sieara Rivinius is a pianist and music major at Jamestown College, and will accompany Erika Hermanson, a choir student from Jamestown High School.

“It’s for old and young. Before, we really had (music) for the older generation,” Witt said. “With these here, hopefully it’ll bring in the younger generation also.”

Paul Frederick of KSJB radio will serve as emcee.

A freewill offering will be collected at the festival, with proceeds going to the James River Senior and Community Center, with a $500 supplement from Thrivent Financial, Stutsman County Chapter.

A meal will served after the music ends, including soup, sandwiches and bars, for $5. Proceeds from the meal go to the AWANA Club, an outreach program for children throughout the community.

In the past, attendance has been between 300 and 350 people, raising approximately $1,000, Witt said.

“People just enjoy the music,” she added. “It’s a good mixture for young and old.”

Sun reporter Kari Lucin can be reached at 701-952-8453

or by email at

klucin@jamestownsun.com

Tags: life, religion