Rector concert features top gospel performers

Daily and Vincent are pictured performing at last year's Helping Hands concert at Rector. The duo will return this year along with a packed program of gospel talent for the annual fundraiser. (Times file photo) [Click to enlarge]

Rector's 2010 concert to benefit the RHS Helping Hands Foundation is nearing a sellout. Concert chairman Gregg Sain said Tuesday only a few $25 general admission tickets remain for the Thursday, Aug. 5, show, set to begin at 6:30 p.m. at the air conditioned Rector High School gymnasium.

Those who have not yet purchased tickets may go to Glen Sain Motors in Rector, Kennett or Paragould, Liberty Bank in Rector or Paragould or call (870) 595-3501 or (870) 240-6338.

"A tremendous amount of preparation has been going on for the big Rector Helping Hands benefit concert," Sain said. "It takes about as many volunteers to put this show together as it does for Rector's big Labor Day Picnic.

"The good news for Rector is that this year's show could be the best ever," Sain continued. "And if you have been to either of the first two shows then you know what a big statement that is."

The amazing lineup for the 2010 show will include: Gaither artist Mark Lowry, who, alone, sells out large venues all over America; Gaither artist and Grammy winner Jason Crabb, also winner of 10 Dove Awards, and America's top bluegrass band Dailey & Vincent, returning for a second year after earning several standing ovations in last year's show.

Joining those artists onstage will be gospel music favorite Charlotte Ritchie, who has been appearing on Gaither Homecoming shows for more than a decade and now is a beloved solo artist, and Gene McDonald, a Gaither bass singer since 1994, familiar to many in Northeast Arkansas through his long association with the Florida Boys Quartet and through his father, Tommy Mac, who hosts a weekly gospel radio show out of Bragg City, Mo.

Returning as emcee for the third year is Gaither singer/guitarist Kevin Williams. Williams has been embraced by the Rector community for his warmth, humor and his efforts to encourage support for the Foundation and its work in providing help in many ways for disadvantaged Rector students.

The 2010 concert began to come together shortly after last year's August show, which featured gospel great Guy Penrod, a former Gaither Vocal Band member who launched his solo career with his Rector performance; The Isaacs, an amazing family known worldwide for their bluegrass/gospel talents, and Dailey & Vincent, then emerging as one of Nashville's hottest new bluegrass groups.

The lineup of artists for the 2010 event was announced in the spring by Foundation co-founder Bill Carter of Lebanon, Tenn., producer of gospel music's much-loved Gaither Homecoming videos. Carter, for years a force in Nashville as a representative of many of country music's top artists, has, since the Foundation was established in 2006, used his influence to bring to Rector some of the nation's finest talent.

Rector's first concert, in July 2008, featured former Lonestar lead singer Richie McDonald, multiple Grammy winner Russ Taff, powerful vocalist and pianist Gordon Mote and talented Gaither artists Reggie and Ladye Love Smith, along with Williams.

"I do not know how many more years we will be able to use Bill Carter's friendships and favors with his friends, these artists, to get them to keep coming to Rector," Sain said. "They donate their performance fee to the RHS Helping Hands Foundation or this show would not be possible. That being said, it still cost a lot of money to put on this show. Expenses such as the sound and light system equipment, hotel rooms and advertising will cost over $15,000 to put on this show. Ticket prices have to be high enough to cover all the expenses and make money for the foundation."

Sain urges those who have not yet purchased tickets to buy them right away.

"We still have some of the $25 tickets left," he said. "The $100 and $35 tickets are sold out. We need to sell the remaining 200 tickets this week. Any Liberty Bank of Glen Sain dealership in Rector or Paragould has tickets for sale.

"These artists are willing to give their time to do this show because Bill Carter has shown them how the Rector Helping Hands Foundation spent the money that is raised," Sain said. "If you live here, you probably have some family member that has been helped in some way by the foundation. If not, you probably will in the future.

"Please buy a ticket and help Rector show these artists that we appreciate their effort to help our RHS Helping Hands Foundation survive. The money you help us raise can change a kid's life."