Grotto to hold Gospel Songfest

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
May 26, 2005

WEST BEND - The Sixth Annual Gospel Songfest will be held June 12 at the Grotto of the Redemption in West Bend.

The program will begin at 3:30 p.m. and end at 8 p.m. The concert will be held on the north campground by the lake on the grotto grounds. Five groups and/or soloists will perform including the Redemption Singers, Lee Larson, Sara Sennert, the HarMoniques and the Cornbelt Chorus.

The Redemption Singers are contemporary Christian artists from West Bend. Their music is intended to inspire and renew the spirit.

"It has been tradition that they join us. They have a great time," said Rhonda Miller, executive director of the grotto. She also explained that some of the performers were chosen by referral or the fact that they have a connection to the area.

Larson's voice has been singing Gospel songs of encouragement around the country.

Sennert, originally from Aurelia, plays the guitar and sings traditional country music. She has sung harmony backup on several CDs and has released her own CD with her original song titled "Patches of my Past."

The HarMoniques are a chapter of the Sweet Adelines. Their barbershop style of acappella songs have entertained people at the St. Pat's Celebration in Emmetsburg in addition to appearing at several church sing-outs.

The award winning Cornbelt Chorus is a member of he Barbershop Harmony Society and have competed in many Barbershop Invitationals, winning several competitions. This group was the opening act for the legendary Temptations at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa a few years ago.

"The HarMoniques and the Cornbelt Chorus are both groups out of the Emmetsburg area but one is like a women's barbershop and the other is a men's barbershop," said Miller.

A barbecue will be served from 5 to 7 p.m. including grilled hamburgers, baked beans, chips, cookies and lemonade for $5 per person.

Anyone is invited to bring a lawn chair and join in the festivities. There will also be picnic tables. According to Miller, free-will offerings will be taken throughout the day.

"It is open to all faiths, all religions, all ages," said Miller. "There is something for everyone. There is going to be audience interaction in some of the performances."

During the day, there will be tours of the grotto available for anyone who would like one and the gift shop and museum will have extended hours.

"It is a great family atmosphere," said Miller. "Music is something that all ages can enjoy and come together. We are providing a variety of styles to hopefully attract various groups. By having an event like this on the grotto grounds, if it has been a number of years since you have been to the grotto, it gives you an added incentive to come. Not only can you take a tour and enjoy a Sunday afternoon, you can make a whole day event out of coming to West Bend."