Annual Gospel Songfest slated for June 11 at Grotto

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
June 1, 2006

WEST BEND - The 7th Annual Gospel Songfest at the Grotto of the Redemption will be held June 11 in West Bend.

Rhonda Miller, executive director of the Grotto of the Redemption, mentioned that she is excited about the mix of performers this year "because a couple of them actually have instruments and a band."

"I think we have a good line up that will appeal to all ages," said Miller. "If it is something that you can only come for an hour or two, you would get enough enjoyment out of that, too."

According to Miller, a new component to the songfest this year is that a production company is bringing in a sound system. She added that it is a high quality system and people will be able to hear the music whether they are in the front row or towards the back.

"Father Doberstein built the Grotto for all Christians and people of all faiths," said Miller. "In its day and time, the building of the Grotto was a draw to bring people together regardless of their religion. I think God is utilizing musicians in that way today to bring people regardless of what faith and religion. Just like the Grotto, there is a common connection with the Christian values and the teachings within the Bible."

She continued that she is confident that if Father Doberstein was alive today, "he would be doing things like this. It is something to bring people together. While they are here, they can appreciate what the Grotto has to offer as well."

The day will kick off with The Redemption Singers at 3:30 p.m. This group from West Bend has been performing at the songfest since it started seven years ago.

"They are a really talented group of ladies," said Miller. "It is kind of a tradition for them to perform."

Next on the list is S.O.S. (Sowers of Seeds) at 4 p.m. The group members include Don Demers, Dr. Larry Dixon, Lynn Mullins, Barb Johnson, Jon Johnson, Mel Kimblad, Steve Samuelson, Sr. "S.O.S." is based in Spirit Lake and is managed by Celebration Productions, Inc. and recorded and produced by Nee-Deep Music. Their debut CD will be released in early June titled "Come to the Cross."

At 5 p.m. HC Derksen, a singer/songwriter with a gospel flavor, will perform. With two CDs completed, HC Derksen inspires his audience to rethink the paths they've taken and the choices thy make in his new album Choices. HC resides in Iowa and has performed at numerous churches over the years.

Lee Larson will take the stage at 5:30 p.m. This country, gospel singer/songwriter lives in Oregon and travels the United States performing in concerts. He has recorded and released three CDs and is presently working on a video. He is a performing member of the Pacific Gospel Music Association.

The GUMP Band, or the Grimes United Methodist Praise Band is the driving force behind the Sunday morning services at the Grimes United Methodist Church in Grimes, IA. This group is slated to perform at 6 p.m. The group is composed of four vocalists, two guitarists, two keyboards, one drummer, one bass player and two sound guys.

"I am excited that this is kind a large group," said Miller.

The final performers of the evening will be Phil and Pam Morgan at 7 p.m. Phil and Pam began sharing their walk with God through song in 1996. God expanded their territory as people across the country responded to their honest and insightful look at day to day Christian life. Their concert ministry spans the United States.

"They do an inspirational talk and some witnessing about their personal lives as well as singing," said Miller. "They performed at one of the churches last year and got such rave reviews that we thought they would be excellent to bring to the Gospel Songfest."

Tents and picnic tables will be set up and people are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to sit and listen to the performers.

The Knights of Columbus will sponsor a barbecue from 4 to 7 p.m. They will serve grilled hamburgers, baked beans, chips and lemonade. The cost of the meal is $5.

There will be tours of the Grotto. The museum, church and gift shop will be open as well.