Ask any southern gospel professional and he or she will tell you the name of the regional group they began with. If they are honest, they will tell you these groups were either painfully lacking or had potential. Some of these groups have plugged away for years, honing their skills, sharpening their harmonies, perfecting their blend, improving synchronicity, and reining in pitch until they became professional grade, class one southern gospel artists. Others still have work to do.
It is important to have a proving ground - to have, not only an audience, but more accomplished peers to hold you accountable for your improvement, or lack thereof. Such a proving ground exists in the form of one of the fastest growing Southern Gospel music associations in the country. The Mid-America Gospel Music Association (MAGMA), based in Farmington, Missouri, came on the scene in 1999, the brainchild of Alan Berry (The Berry Brothers), founder and former president of the association. The organization began as a fellowship of regional southern, country and bluegrass gospel artists. It was an opportunity to share a meal, get to know each other, and swap road stories.
Don’t tell these folks they are only weekend warriors for they possess a level of dedication and commitment to their craft not often seen, even among fulltime artists.
What began as a simple dinner meeting has blossomed into a two-night convention that has taken place every fall for the past eleven years. The MAGMA Convention is the premier event every year at the Centene Center, where hundreds of anxious patrons line up well in advance of the doors opening to buy tickets or claim tickets already purchased by phone. MAGMA’s Board of Directors has been adamant about keeping the cost reasonable, especially in an economic downturn, and tickets for the November 2010 convention were priced at $5.00 each per night.
What your $5.00 gets you is an incredible line-up of the best of the best in regional Southern Gospel. There are usually about 15 groups/artists per evening, who perform at a level far above what your ticket price would suggest. MAGMA Convention regulars confide they have spent $20.00 or more per ticket to hear one professional group, and feel the MAGMA Convention is a substantial value, both in talent and economy. MAGMA’s mailing list is constantly updated and suggests that returning convention attendees come not only from Missouri , but also from Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Oklahoma and as far away as New Mexico, Arizona, California and Canada.
One of the highlights of every MAGMA Convention is the Lifetime Achievement Award presentation. MAGMA does an outstanding job of recognizing Mid-American pioneers who have paved the way for today’s southern, country and bluegrass gospel artists. Among MAGMA’s elite alumni of award winners is Herschel Lester, Ginger Lester, Garry Sheppard and songwriter Jack Campbell, to name a few. It is an impressive, class act production.
Today’s roster of talent is better than ever and features groups and soloists who have garnered the attention of major labels and some who are already highly visible in the world of professional Southern Gospel music today. MAGMA’s roster features artists from all over the Midwest, including such groups as The Chosen Ones, The Redemptions, The Wanda Mountain Boys, Crimson Gold, and even Nashville’s own Sunday Edition, to name just a few. MAGMA recently added The Lesters to its 2011 membership roll and Brian Lester commented, “We are so excited to be a part of the MAGMA Family, and we look forward to seeing you in 2011.”
In addition to a fantastic group of artists, MAGMA boasts several Southern Gospel singer/songwriters who have had cuts by The Mark Trammell Trio, The Lesters, The Greesons, Dixie Melody Boys, The Whisnants, The Southern Brothers, Gold City, The McKameys and many others.
Groups wishing to be considered for membership in MAGMA must go through an application process which includes a frank product review and critique. Current MAGMA President Gary O’Neal, states, “We believe this process is necessary in order to set a standard of quality and excellence that others will want to be associated with and emulate. We strive to set the bar high.”
MAGMA considers vendor requests on a case by case basis and was pleased to welcome Daywind to its 2010 Convention. If you would like to obtain more information about the Mid-America Gospel Music Association or MAGMA’s Twelfth Annual Convention, November 4-5, 2011, log on to midamericagma.com
MAGMA is truly Mid-America’s Best Kept Southern Gospel Secret.
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 03/01/2011
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I haven't heard of MAGMA before. This sounds like a great time for anyone who appreciates gospel music. While I don't have any musical skills, I love to see gospel groups perform.
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