In October, shortly after I bought tickets to see the Gaither Vocal Band, it was announced that two members, Mark Lowry and Michael English, would be departing the group to focus on solo pursuits. I also learned that English, my favorite vocalist in the GVB, would not be completing the tour. This was to be my first Gaither concert, and I was unsure if it would be remarkable or bittersweet, as the replacement vocalist was later billed as an unnamed "talented guest vocalist."
All eyes were on the GVB as fans waited to find who would hold the mic relinquished by English for the remainder of the tour. The first substitute tenor was Adam Crabb, Jason's younger brother, and twin to Aaron. Adam, who cites Michael English as an inspiration, was received with rave reviews, and I was excited at the possibility of seeing him.
Unfortunately, I checked his tour schedule and realized Adam would not be coming to Woodbridge. Up next in the fill-in slot was Marshall Hall, a former GVB member. Would Marsh come to Virginia? Probably not, I surmised, as the pattern seemed to be that each sub stood in for two nights.
The evening before my show, I learned that longtime Gaither Homecoming friend Wesley Pritchard helped out in North Carolina. I was fairly certain Wesley would ride along to Woodbridge, but only time would tell. Shortly after the Hylton Memorial Chapel doors opened and I found my seat, I spied Pritchard in the reception area! Mystery solved, I settled in for a relaxing, uplifting evening.
A Gaither event always involves an extended family circle of talented artists. For Woodbridge, Bill Gaither brought along the usual suspects: 2013 SGMA Singing News Fan Awards "Band Of The Year" – guitarist and co-MC Kevin Williams, drummer Greg Ritchie, and pianist Matthew Holt – and the lovely soprano Charlotte Ritchie.
Also performing were Karen Peck and New River, fantastic family band The Isaacs, and booming bass singer Gene McDonald. During the homecoming portion of the show, Gaither threw in a couple more guests, Travis Cottrell and Sue Dodge.
Shortly before show time, Kevin Williams came out to warm up the crowd, playing hymns and traditional songs on his guitar while encouraging the audience to sing the words. It was a simple yet effective way to make us feel at home and united, like family coming together to give thanks to the Lord.
Charlotte Ritchie was as beautiful as ever, with a voice and a smile as inspirational as the songs she sings. The only problem with her performance was its brevity. She sang just two songs before Karen Peck and New River took the stage. The lights and energy picked up with the rousing "Revival." Karen and New River's set, though brief, was varied and engaging.
Though Ben Isaacs had been playing his upright bass along with the GVB band in support of the other artists, it was now his turn to take center stage with sisters Sonya and Becky and their mother, Lily. If anyone in the crowd was unfamiliar with The Isaacs coming into the show, let me assure you that one and all left as huge fans!
Their family harmonies are superb, and you'll find yourself holding your breath as they sing so you don't miss a note. Individually, each of the members is blessed and talented in his or her own right as a singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, and, in Ben's case, producer. But together, they have something that cannot be duplicated. Here's hoping that no matter where life takes Sonya, Becky, and Ben, their hearts will always lead them home to perform together.
After an hour of music from the other acts, The Gaither Vocal Band took the stage. The five members stood evenly spaced and silhouetted at the back of stage, before the lights were turned up to reveal the lineup. With "Alpha and Omega," a perfect opening number, the group showcased their dynamic range and scope.
Superstar tenor David Phelps' magnetic presence, vocal finesse, and dramatic flair were immediately apparent. Wow! Wesley Pritchard proved a welcome, capable addition, Mark Lowry was up to his usual antics, Wes Hampton, though he had been doctored just days before, was in fine voice, and Bill Gaither was the perfect host. For a full hour, when they weren't giving Phelps a standing ovation for "The Lord's Prayer" or "He's Alive," the audience was on the edge of its collective seat.
During the 25-minute intermission, fans could buy merchandise, get autographs, chat with or take photos with some of the artists. Everyone had a table. Glimpses around the reception area revealed Charlotte Ritchie devoting her full attention to a young girl, fans saying their farewells to Mark Lowry, Sonya Isaacs Yeary with infant in tow, and, not surprisingly, David Phelps surrounded on three sides by throngs of adoring fans all wanting a picture or an autograph. And he kept smiling through it all, as gracious and obliging as time allowed. (Thank you, sir, for signing my CD booklet!)
After the intermission, the audience was treated to another full hour from the assembled Homecoming family. Mark Lowry gave a moving performance of "Mary Did You Know," and Charlotte Ritchie thrilled as she was joined by Wes and David on "I Stand Amazed." Travis Cottrell and Sue Dodge each sang wonderfully, and Gene McDonald's deep bass was a joy. During "Jesus on the Mainline," Lowry had the crowd in stitches mimicking Bill Gaither's movements and gestures – especially the famous belly clap. Karen Peck and New River moved us with a stirring rendition of the Gaither-penned "Four Days Late," where even Becky Isaacs Bowman was seen praying, praising, and wiping tears.
An evening with the Gaither Vocal Band and friends is over three hours of celebration, laughter, joy, and praise. You'll leave heart-warmed and renewed in spirit, thanking the Lord for blessing you with friends, music, and song. The next time the Gaither train stops in your town, be sure to get on board!
