Grotto to hold Gospel Songfest

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
May 20, 2004

WEST BEND - The Grotto of the Redemption in West Bend will host its 5th Annual Gospel Songfest on June 13 on the grotto campus.

"The Grotto offers this event as an opportunity for people to come together and to enjoy the setting of the Grotto with beautiful music," said Audrey Niemann, director of the grotto. "I think it is another way to experience God in their life through music."

Prior to the musical performances, there will be hourly guided tours of the Grotto beginning at 10 a.m. with the last tour at 7 p.m. The museum will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Grotto Restaurant will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the gift shop will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

"What I looked for was sort of a balance of groups," said Niemann.

The first band of the day, Smooth Water Trio, will begin playing at 4 p.m. Niemann commented that this is an interesting group. They perform at a variety of events and churches throughout the area.

"The lead singer (Smooth Water Trio) was told about a year and half ago that because of an operation one of his vocal chords was severed and he wouldn't talk above a whisper again," said Niemann. "In fact, not only does he talk, he continues to sing and to perform."

The Redemption Singers are a local group from West Bend that will perform at 5 p.m. This group has been part of the songfest in the past and women from the community formed the group.

"They have beautiful voices," said Niemann. "This is our hometown talent, so we are of course happy to have them with us."

The Kuhlmann Sisters, the 6 p.m. performers, sing patriotic and Christian music. They were recently given an award by the National Guard to recognize their efforts to welcome troops back from the Middle East. The group has a new single that is a salute to the past and present troops of the United States. Their father, Gerald Kuhlmann, who was a World War II veteran, inspired the song.

"I think they struck a particular chord because of their blend of gospel and patriotic music," said Niemann. "I was especially struck by the song that was inspired by their father. They have fabulous voices.

At 7 p.m., the Harmony Brigade will sing. They are a barbershop chorus that is in its 58th year of barbershop harmony. They have appeared in churches around the Fort Dodge area and also have a spring concert.

"What I think is attractive about this group, in addition to their music, is that their particular ministry of music plays an important developmental role in the lives of our children," said Niemann.

Typically the songfest draws between 300 and 600 people, according to Niemann. She added that each year the event gets larger.

"I would just suggest that everyone bring a lawn chair and enjoy the day," said Niemann. "We look forward to seeing everyone there."

From 5 to 7 p.m. there will a barbecue serving hamburgers, baked beans, chips, cookies and lemonade. The barbecue costs $5 per person.

Anyone is invited to attend. A free-will offering will be taken for the performances. For more information, contact the Grotto of the Redemption at (800) 868-3641.