Southern Gospel fans, mark your calendars for March 16-21. That’s when the 5th Annual Southern Gospel Music Fan Fair takes place at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, TN.
The event brings together more than 100 artists for a six-day event that includes worship services, performances, artist meet-and-greet time with fans, and the SGM Fan Awards and Talent Search.
Artists scheduled to appear include Karen Peck & New River, Aaron & Amanda Crabb, Dixie Melody Boys, Jeff & Sheri Easter. (OK, let’s be honest. I don’t know enough about Southern Gospel music to pick out more than a few familiar names, so the entire list of artists is included at the end of this post.)

The SGM Fan Awards honor Southern Gospel legends, acknowledge accomplishments, and recognize fan favorites. Fans are encouraged to cast their votes on the SGM website. Deadline to cast your vote is February 28.
Independent southern gospel music soloists, duets, trios, quartets and ensembles are eligible to enter the Talent Search There is an entry fee of $100.00. First prize includes a recording package from Millennium Music Group, a professional photo shoot courtesy of Agape Creations Photography, a spot on the Saturday evening concert line up, and more. Deadline to enter is March 1, 2009.
Artists scheduled to appear at the 5th Annual Southern Gospel Fan Fair:
(Subject to change without notice)
Monday
Darlene Chapman, Gold City, Jeff Treece Band, Kingsmen, Lauren King, Mattingly Family, Michael & Dehlila Kidds, Mike Southerland, Rod Burton, Samaritans, Tim Parton, Triumphant Quartet, Yielded Ministries
Tuesday
3 4 Thee, Dennis Benton, Driven, Glorymen, Homelighters Quartet, Jamie Coulter, Karen Peck & New River, Margaret Ann Smith, Marla Conrad, Nelons, New Direction, Richard Madison, Rick Strickland, Sheila Reed, Steve Roberson, Terry Morgan, Violet Maynard, Watts Family
Wednesday
Allegiance, Anchormen, Bev McCann, Bumbaugh Family, Cerces,Destiny’s Call, Down East Boys, Gospelaires, Joe & Gina Ables, Keith Caldwell, Kevin Spencer & Friends, Lindsey Reed, Ron Brewer, Shane Tecza, Southern Harmony, Still Water, Tim Lovell, Truly Blessed
Thursday
Aaron & Amanda Crabb, Cookes, David Livingston, Expectation, Jamie Coulter, Kirk Talley, Latter Glory, Libby Golden, Luke & Olivia White, Lynn McCarn, Marty Raybon, Nale Family, Naomi & the Segos, Out Of Ashes, Peggy Inks, Shephards, Singing Echoes, Sunday Drive
Friday
2 R More, Baker Family, Barkley Family, Dean Browder, Debbie Bennett, Dixie Echoes, Dixie Melody Boys, English Family Quartet, Eternal Vision, Four Fold, Freemans, Gary Winningham, Hearts Of Faith, Heather Chapple, Hendersons, HisSong, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Kenny & Donna Morss, Naomi & the Segos, Pathfinders, Premier Quartet, Rick Alan King,
Steve Wilson, Suwanee River Boys, Tammy Norris, Tony Gore & Majesty
Saturday
4 The Lord, Back Home, Bethels, Brothers Redeemed, Calvary’s Hill Quartet, Cavaliers Quartet, Crystal River, Dan Knoch, Eternity’s Crossing, Gann Family, Gardners, Graceway, Heartmen Quartet, Heirline, Journey & Faith, Keith Barkley, Paul Family, Roarks, Roy Edwards, Shireys, Silver City, Singing Weavers, Sunday Drive
For a complete schedule of events as well as information about the Fan Awards and Talent Search, visit the Southern Gospel Music Fan Fair website.
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