Some of the entertainers for the Opera House Theatre Players fund-raiser, Chocolate Sunday, will be the local singing group. The Gospel Girls.
Headed by Mary Spearmon, the group is composed of friends who all like to sing gospel in their churches and at other functions throughout the city. The ladies are left to right Mary Spearmon (Mt. Pilgrim Church); Vivian Johnson (Enon Baptist Church); Cathy Smith (Mt. Pleasant Church); and Glenda Ervin (Belview Baptist Church). An additional singer has been added since this photo was taken; she is Joselyn Jordon (Bethel MBChurch).
Other gospel singers to appear are John “River-rat” Nance who will sing several famous Stuart Hamblen gospel songs that became popular tunes back in the 1950s such as “It Is No Secret (What God can Do) and others. Another one of Hamblen’s songs became famous when it was recorded by Rosemary Clooney entitled “This Ole House” and many other recording artists sang his religious songs that he composed following his meeting with the Rev. Billy Graham in California. That tune was originally written to remember an old church of his youth.
Ms. Ann Lee of Marshall will sing her original gospel tunes and she and her father wrote and recorded several decades ago. Although her career is in the medical field, Ms. Ann has always maintained a desire to continue to write and perform her special music in the East Texas area and was last seen with the Players as one of the performers at last September’s Pioneer Days event.
Two music teachers from Shreveport, Lisa and Jen, will bring their talent to the line-up as a singing duo. that will perform old-time gospel hymns such as “I’ll Fly Away” and “There Is A Mansion”. The duo performed at the Players “Rootin’ Tootin’ Saloon Show” last year and were well-received for their energetic rendition of the old gospel songs while being accompanied by Jen on the guitar. Jen also plays locally at McGarity’s Restaurant frequently while Lisa plays show tunes as well as contemporary piano music at several Shreveport clubs. Lisa is also an active board member with the Players.
Also expected in the line-up is talented young Riley Cox of Hallsville who will play several hymns and songs that he has in his regular repertoire. Young Riley is the grandson of Players board member Dian Beaird and her husband, Charles, who formerly acted with the Players in the earliest musical-comedy seasons.
The gospel singing will be held inside the church sanctuary of Christ Episcopal Church beginning 3 pm.
A suggested donation of $15 will be taken at the door and wrist bands will be given so that all who wish to go to the chocolate competition display and hear the winners announced as well as partake of the chocolate will do so following the concert. Those wishing only to attend the chocolate display and consumption may also donate the same at the door.
Entry blanks for the chocolate competition are available now online at www.JeffersonOperaHouseTheatrePlayers.com, in the Jimplecute or by calling 903-665-8243 for information.