Looking forward to the 10th Annual Gospel Fest.

Well, I think it’s pretty safe to say everyone knows by now that Jason Crabb will be here September 30.

Let’s just take a little time to talk about what will be happening on Friday evening, the 29th. We will have seven groups that are local from Oklahoma and Arkansas, from 13 years old to 92 years old.

Ava Rose Johnson, who has won many awards, including Upcoming Artist of Oklahoma. She has just returned from Nashville, where she cut a video for her next song release.

Also, Crystal River has just returned from their Indiana Tour, singing 12 times in nine days. They will be singing Friday night.

Band of Christ, from the Porter area, will be bringing close family harmony with lots of experience. Mary Catherine has been singing from a young child till now, with children of her own. As most of us do, we sometimes sing in contests. One of Mary Catherine’s contestants’ in one of those was Carrie Underwood. So, she knows how to sing.

Of course, the Plumb Uprights and Friends are as local as you can get-they sing every Friday and Saturday night .

Josh Wills, 13, with his friends, plays a mean rendition of Gospel Mountain Music. Something for everyone.

The Bilderbacks need no introduction because they have been favorites of ours for years. They have songs on the radio and pastor a church in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

You know we can’t talk about Olen Davis and the Bluegrass music of the Travelers without being a little prejudiced. This original group was formed way back in the day by Olen Davis. He and his son played all over the country, including going to Iowa and being inducted into the Hall of Fame. With Olen’s passing, Mike has kept the Travelers alive, with Randy Ramsey, Billy Miller, Gary White, Bill Perkins. They are full of energy, enormous talent and a lot of swag. Mike has again donated a guitar from Square Deal Music, to be given away at the Gospel Fest.

So, we’ve given you a little info on some of the local talent in our area. But, being local does not mean – not talented.

Reba, Vince, Garth, Blake, Carrie, they all played festivals around their home state of Oklahoma.

We have two young groups that are working their way up the ladder of success. Josh Wills could be as big as the fiddle player from Texas, Bob Wills.

Ava Rose is still winning awards and Josh won a songwriting award at the Woody Guthrie contest in Okemah.

Plumb Theatre has always made room on their stage for young up and coming musicians and singers. This will not change.

Let’s make Friday night as big as Saturday night.

Admission includes both nights $20.

Arm bands are on sale now at the Plumb Theatre, 16505 SH9E, Eufaula.