Christian Music Online

Gospel fills air in Denison

July 11, 2005 – 12:09 pm

Gospel fills air in Denison

By Joyce Godwin
Herald Democrat

Lawn chairs filled the streets with the same anticipation as Willy Nelson fans waiting for the first chord of his concert. Friday night’s Music On Main event in downtown Denison struck another successful note as more than 300 turned out for the all-gospel venue.

Following an introduction from Larry Matthews, Susie Viars-Andrews took the stage set up between the 300 and 400 blocks of Main Street. She broke into a strong version of “American Christian” that received a rousing applause and shouts from the audience who continued to stream into the concert area even as late as 8:30 p.m.

Andrews performed a string of several songs before the group Rejoyce of Sherman joined in for another song with Andrews.

Paul Garland and Company followed Andrews and Rejoyce on the stage for another set of Christian music - a mix of contemporary and old-time hymns. When the band started into the chords of “The Heart of Worship,” the audience clapped and cheered because of the song choice.

In the next block, little ones grabbed water guns and hid behind walls that were set up for that purpose. They seemed to take much glee in running around the area, ducking behind the barriers and raising up to fire off a stream of water at opponents only to duck down avoiding return fire.

In another area, children participated in chalk art on the sidewalks and dancing was led by representatives of the Gotta Dance studio.

Gary Sewell
Herald Democrat

Members of the group Rejoyce played in several different settings at Muisc on Main Friday evening in Denison.

The Little Miss Main contest continued Friday night and four more little girls were added to the group of finalists who will compete on the final night of Music on Main. Avery Weger, Alexia Garland, Kristy Tucker and Abby Garland were the excited little girls now looking forward to July 22, the last Music on Main event, to see which little girl will go home with the title and savings bond award.

Paula Cawthon of Sherman said she loved the gospel venue and hoped to see more of it. She said she and her husband were having a great time. “I wish we had been coming (to Music on Main) before,” she said. “We’re going to try to come to the rest of the events.”

Back on the concert stage, the choir from Progressive Baptist Church of Sherman filled the stage.

Children of all ages filled out the group and entertained the crowd with more Christian music.

Ricardo and Odee Ayala were also there from Sherman. Odee Ayala said the couple had been to Music on Main every Friday night. “I thought it was really neat,” she said. “Especially this group.” Odee Ayala was referring to the group Rejoyce that was on stage at the time. “They make it very easy to listen,” she said.

Another Shermanite was in the audience Friday night. David Davis said he was too tired to make it to the Hot Summer Nights in Sherman the night before so he and daughter Renita, 15, came to Music on Main. “It’s the first time I’ve been here,” he said. “I like it (music) more country.”

The whole event is free to the public each week and there are two more scheduled.

July 15, battle of the bands featuring Outset, Backroads and Sundogs; July 22, winner of the battle of the bands and Crush.

For more information about the Music on Main events for 2005, call the Chamber of Commerce office at (903) 465-1551 or visit the Web site of the Denison Merchant’s Association at www.dmatx.org.

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