After opening songs by Mark, The Sisters (LordSong)and Stan Whitmire, Mark sang a song from his upcoming CD--it was a jaw dropper. "Nothing To Lose, Nothing To Prove, Nothing To Hide" was a beautiful tribute to the things parents taught you growing up and what you are grateful for after they are gone. Having lost my dad three years ago, I can certainly relate to many of the sentiments in that song. Of course, I can't wait to hear the rest of this CD.
Mark began to sing "Bein' Happy"...and in walked the surprise of the day (that is, unless you were outside the doors early and watched who came through): the Gaither Vocal Band, who of course backed Mark up on this song as they did on the recording. We were a lucky bunch of folks indeed to be treated to about a dozen song set of incredible singing from the GVB and a very special time of sharing between Mark and Bill, Guy, Marsh and Wes. To top it off, Kevin Williams also showed up to play and offer up his classic zingers toward Bill Gaither.
The highlights were many but I will name just a few: "Journey To the Sky", where Marsh Hall has a few false starts to the song due to constant interruptions by Bill;"Oh Love That Will Not Let Me Go" with killer vocal harmonies; Songs from the new GVB project "Lovin' Life" including the Carribean-flavored "Build An Ark", where Bill talked about building an "ark" of protection around your family from the difficulties of the outside world; "Difference Is In Me", so new a song from the GVB that some of the guys needed a lyric sheet (but it didn't matter--they knocked it out of the ballpark)--Mark read the lyrics beautifully before the guys sang it; "Jesus and John Wayne", a song describing the tension between trying to be the best child of God and missing the mark; Mark joining the group for "He Touched Me".
Kudos to Guy Penrod from me for two things: strongly affirming Mark's vocal abilities and sharing a spontaneous message of God's love for us based on Mark's comment on how Guy's eyes can be powerfully expressive, especially toward his children.
The GVB portion of this concert reminded me so much of the first Senior Trip, when Bill and Gloria Gaither showed up. That too was a special time with the audience that was so warm, sincere and relaxed, just as if we were all sitting in someone's living room in conversation. Far be it from me to not want to see a CD from Mark come out ASAP, but the CD's delay was a reason for a gap in the program which led him to seek out Bill and the Vocal Band. So thanks, Mark, for this awesome treat.
Later on, continuing the celebration of Mark's 50th birthday was a surprise "This Is Your Life" roast of Mark with appearances by many people associated with various phases of his career, such as Roy Morgan (the promoter who could "book a pork chop into a synagogue", according to one of Mark's routines), Kathy Troccoli, Bill Gaither, Lynn Barrington, Lynn Keesecker, Paul Johnson, and Joy Gardner. Also paying tribute were superfans Kate Dunavant and Lucy Fantazier, and Romona Holland, Mark's third grade teacher who inspired him and told him God liked him. At the end was a "parade of cakes" to the stage by some of those who brought birthday cakes for Mark that went to the audience to enjoy. Some cakes displayed events and sayings of Mark's career, but I went the traditional route with mine. I told him if he liked it, I made it; if he didn't, I bought it.
I also gave Mark an exclusive 50th birthday edition of Wendy V's Ponder Cast on a CD. The Gospel Music Channel was on hand to film some of the birthday celebration events, so keep your eyes open there for that coverage.
This evening, it's off to the Opry. More later, laptop willing.
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