Share America Foundation chooses young singer for scholarship
Written by SGN Scoops Staff on June 14, 2012 – 12:54 pm -
The Share America Foundation, Inc. announced its first 2012 scholarship winner recently at its Sacred Sounds Fridays concert at the Ringgold Depot in Ringgold, Ga.
The events help fund the organization’s Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship. Pearl and Floyd Franks are the late parents and former entertainment managers of actor/entertainer Randall Franks, “Officer Randy Goode” from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night.” The scholarships honor students excelling in the Appalachian musical arts.
Nicholas Hickman, 12, of Ringgold, Ga. was selected as the Catoosa County Designee for the scholarship. He attends Ringgold Middle School.
“One of our annual scholarships is set aside for a performer from Catoosa County, Ga. There were no applicants from Catoosa this year, so the board of directors chose to select a candidate and award the 2012 scholarship in the year that candidate attends college,” Franks said. “Nicholas is carrying on the traditional music of this region through his learning the basics of vocal techniques used in gospel singing for generations.”
The requirements for designees to receive the scholarship are to fulfill the application requirements in the year he or she enrolls in college immediately following graduation and to continue performing the Appalachian musical style of their choice, according to Franks.
Hickman began singing at the age of three when he stepped on stage with entertainer James Rogers. Recently, Nicholas was winner of Georgia’s “Gospel’s Got Talent” contest, where he placed first in his division. Prior to this, he led his elementary school chorus to receive a second call back with “America’s Got Talent” auditions in Atlanta.
Within the last year, he has traveled with show choir, “SingAkadamie” to Hawaii, where he received a three minute standing ovation at the 3000 seat Blaisdale Concert Hall, singing his signature song, “Amen,” arranged by his private vocal coach, and talent advisor, Sheri Thrower.
He was recently featured on a gospel music video with gospel music legend Phil Cross.
Nicholas is the son of Brent and Barbara Hickman and brother of Zach Carmical, all of Ringgold Ga. He is the grandson of Edward and Carolyn Hickman of Ringgold, Ga. and Jack and Mary Cooper of Chattanooga, Tenn.
Share America Foundation Board members include Franks, president; Joe Turner, chairman; Gene Lowery, vice chairman; James Pelt, secretary and Jerry Robinson, Sr., vice president and Adam Cathey.
The next concert is July 13, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. featuring the Watkins Family and Mountain Cove Bluegrass at the Ringgold Depot in Ringgold. Admission is a $5 donation.
For more information about the organization and its programs, contact Share America, P.O. Box 42, Tunnel Hill, Ga. 30755 or visit www.shareamericafoundation.org.
The Bridgemans Win 2012 “Duet of the Year” award presented by the Southeastern Southern Gospel Music Conference
Written by SGN Scoops Staff on June 14, 2012 – 11:01 am -
Travis and Alecia Bridgeman, a Southern Gospel duet known as “The Bridgemans”, were recently awarded the 2012 “Duet of the Year” award presented by the “Southeastern Southern Gospel Music Conference” in Valdosta, Georgia. The second-annual conference featured Ann Downing, “The Nelons”, “Namoi and the Segos”, and Ricky Atkinson.
“The Bridgemans” live in Cumming, Georgia, where Travis is the pastor of Antioch Baptist Church. They have been singing for ten years, and have one son, Lee. For more information on “The Bridgemans”, go to their website, www.TheBridgemans.com
National Quartet Convention Announces Partnership With TBN
Written by SGN Scoops Staff on June 13, 2012 – 4:06 pm -
Louisville, KY - The National Quartet Convention Board of Directors has announced a broadcast partnership with the world’s largest religious network and America’s most watched faith channel, TBN. The Trinity Broadcast Network will capture the festivities of the 2012 National Quartet Convention, then create original programming to be aired during the fall of 2012 and into 2013. “We are excited about this partnership with TBN to produce original programming, featuring footage captured at this year’s NQC,” states Clarke Beasley, Executive Vice President of the NQC. “TBN has shown strong commitment to our music over the last several years, and we look forward to having our music featured on a weekly basis on the world’s largest Christian network.” TBN’s President and Founder Dr. Paul Crouch stated , “For over fifty years the National Quartet Convention has gathered Gospel quartets and musicians to celebrate the legacy and preserve the tradition of Gospel music. TBN is excited to bring the art, energy, inspiration, and joy of Southern Gospel music to families everywhere.”
Originally launched in 1973, TBN offers 24 hours of commercial-free inspirational programming, featuring more original programs than any other faith network. The Trinity Broadcasting Family of Networks now numbers 18 networks transmitting in many languages around the world, and through the web and mobile devices TBN is available anytime and anywhere. According to Nielsen Ratings, it is America’s most watched faith channel and offers viewers a variety of programs, including original movies, music, news and children’s programming.
The 55th Annual National Quartet Convention kicks off September 9-15, 2012 in Louisville, KY, at the Kentucky Fair & Expo Center. The event will attract more than 40,000 people from over 40 states and a half dozen countries. Nearly 300 Southern Gospel recording artists will be featured throughout the week-long event. Over 500 exhibitors will fill the 175,000 square feet exhibit hall at Louisville’s Expo Center. All concerts and showcase events are open to the general public. Visit www.nqconline.com, as a complete schedule of events and additional information.
Dates and Featured Performers Announced For 13th Annual Absolutely Gospel Music Fest
Written by SGN Scoops Staff on June 13, 2012 – 3:52 pm -
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – (June 13, 2012) – The administrators of AbsolutelyGospel.com are proud to announce the dates and talent line-up for the 13th Annual Absolutely Gospel Music Fest.
“Once a