Gaither Homecoming Tour – An Inside Look

See the Homecoming concert through a new pair of eyes… the eyes of our volunteer reporter, Jeff McCann, who attended the April 16th concert in Hamilton, Ontario. See what he says about the evening, the artists, his backstage observations and more!

2010 Gaither Homecoming Tour – An Inside Look 

By Jeff McCann

The mood seemed business as usual around the stage area, Sonya and Becky Isaacs sent text messages and chatted on their blackberries while Bill finished working onstage with Reggie Smith (who was filling in for Michael English) on a song for the concert. Other artists wandered in exchanging hugs and greetings as some had not seen each other for a few weeks. Quite often, it is during sound check when the Homecoming friends get to chat and catch up with each other.

Right away, one of my first observations was how tireless Kevin Williams is. As band manager, he was on stage from the time we arrived; directing the musicians, looking after sound checks and even opening the show! Throughout the night he provided hysterical commentary, trading one-liners and good-natured jabs with Bill, Rory and even some of the crew! When the night was over, he was the last to leave the stage and the last artist we spoke to as we left the venue. A world class musician and a heart of gold.

I always hold my breath when I hear an artist live for the first time, It’s one thing to hear someone recorded in a controlled environment like a DVD shoot or studio, but quite another when you witness them on stage, especially during their sound check! This was my first chance to hear the Isaacs live and this time my breath was taken away as Sonya began checking her vocals – a capella. Very simply, Sonya has one of the purest and beautifully clear voices I have ever heard. You must witness it in person to truly appreciate her gift. Ben, Becky, Sonya and Lily are absolute master musicians and vocalists. What a thrill to finally experience them on stage.

As the afternoon turned to evening and the big room began to fill, artists slowly made their way to the stage area for the first half. Some were chatting casually while others sat off stage watching. We were treated to performances by Karen Peck & New River with their latest addition Jeff Hawes, The Isaacs, the Gaither Vocal Band, Buddy Greene, Gene McDonald, Russ Taff, Lynda Randle and Bill himself. After a short intermission, more artists made their way back to the stage for a traditional homecoming set. Artists were called up and sang together on many old and familiar favourites. Russ Taff raised the roof with Trumpet of Jesus, proving that after all these years, the man can still rock it. Lynda sang audience favourites like His Eye Is On The Sparrow and God On The Mountain and the audience was brought to their feet for David Phelps’ performance of Nessun Dorma. It is so good to hear him back with the Vocal Band and the crowd at Copps Colliseum definitely showed their appreciation. Mark Lowry was also in fine form treating the audience to a beautiful arrangement of Mary Did You Know. During my brief discussion with Mark, he reports that Michael English is doing great and is very anxious to get back on the road with the rest of the band. “He thinks we’re out here having fun without him….And we are!”

Even after years of touring, the Homecoming Tour never stops adding new and unexpected surprises to their concerts. I was once again filled with emotion as the artists on stage began a medley of old songs featuring solos by some of the greatest voices in Southern Gospel music. What a treat to see and hear the late George Younce and JD Sumner trading bass solos on First Day In Heaven and even Vestal Goodman was there via video footage to giving her signature vocal treatment to Rock of Ages. At one point in the evening during an impromptu and very intimate moment Bill sat singing under a lone spotlight. It was very touching and as he sang, his face reflected the hundreds of songs, artists and lives he has touched. As I watched him behind the scenes throughout the night, the roles he played were too numerous to mention: encourager, wise leader, father, friend and guide.

Although I didn’t want the night to end, it was clear that our new friends had given the audience their all. Even as final goodbyes were being given from the stage, the artists were already beginning to say their goodbyes to each other as they boarded their buses to head to the next venue. It really is a very tight knit community of artists, musicians and crew that make up the Gaither Homecoming family.