Organizers say Corbin gospel music showcase surpassed expectations

Straight Creek was one of the first musical acts to play at the First Annual Corbin Gospel Music Concert held last Friday at The Arena.

A first-of-its-kind local gospel music showcase went better than expected, organizers are saying this week, and plans are in the works for an even bigger and better event next year.

Between 1,600 and 1,700 people attended the First Annual Corbin Gospel Music Concert, held last Friday night at The Arena in Corbin. John Burkhart, a retired local Episcopal Church minister who headed up the group that planned the show, said this week the organizers are emboldened by the success of their first foray into concert promotion.

"We had a very strong, positive reaction from those that were in attendance," Burkhart said. "The biggest thrill for me was that this was something that drew people from all denominations together … it pulls us together as one people and one church."

"It was very much a church unity experience."

Burkhart is President of the non-profit group Corbin Gospel Music Concert, Inc. made up of local church, business and civic leaders who planned the concert. They initially estimated about 1,200 people would attend the show.

The concert had three main acts that got to play extended sets: Straight Creek, Kentucky Mountain Trio and The Believers Quartet. In between their performances, seven other individuals and groups got to perform a single song for the crowd in a pair of "talent showcases." Performing in the showcases were: Timothy Maynes, Harlan Sexton and Gospel Grass, Gary Cureton, Josh Teague and Friends, Peggy Inks, Donna Isaacs and Cara Miller.

The concert was kicked off with a rendition of "God Bless America" by Corbin sixth grader Abbi Disney.

Corbin Mayor Willard McBurney welcomed the crowd. The event was emceed by Arena General Manager Connie Hunt.

Burkhart said he’d like to see the concert eventually morph into a major gospel event every year, but always retaining its local flavor.

"We would project with God’s blessing that we would grow something two or three times the size we have already," Burkhart said. "We feel there is a real preponderance of talent here; people who are really superlative in their performance and commitment to singing well. I don’t think we have to go beyond that. This is a showcase for them."