ANNOUNCING THE TALENT LINEUP FOR THE “2016 WINTER GOSPEL MUSIC CONVENTION”!
Pastor Bill Bailey is pleased to announce one of the largest lineups ever for the “2016 Winter Gospel Music Convention” on Monday-Saturday, February 1-6 at the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto, FL! This six-day Gospel music festival features most of the top artists in the genre of southern gospel music, along with a few special guests.
One of those special guests for 2016 is top selling artist, Pat Boone. Pat has sold more than 50 million records in his 50-year career, both in secular and Christian music. He is an outspoken man of faith, and is seen regularly on Christian television. Pat was the second biggest selling artist in the 1950’s according to Billboard magazine, only behind Elvis Presley. He still holds the record for spending 220 consecutive weeks on the Billboard charts with one or more songs each week.
Other notable names to the 2016 Winter Convention roster include Goodman Revival. Their debut video, “Songs in the Key of Happy” hit the top of the Billboard video charts in 2015. Grammy and GMA Dove award winner, Guy Penrod, makes his debut appearance at the Winter Convention. Guy is best known for his tenure as lead singer of the Gaither Vocal Band. Also making their debut appearance are the Kingdom Heirs, the resident gospel quartet at Dollywood. “8-time Southern Gospel Group of the Year”, the Booth Brothers, will make three appearances; and the very popular “Jubilee” program (Booth Brothers, Greater Vision, and Legacy Five) will open the Convention on Monday night. In all, more than 40 artists will appear throughout the week.
Pastor Bailey shares, “We feel like we have something for everyone at the 2016 Convention. Pat Boone definitely hits our target demo, as many of our attendees remember him from their early years. Most of southern gospel’s award winners, several Gaither Homecoming artists, and many of the top male quartets will join us. The 2016 Convention will certainly be a memorable one!”
2016 marks the 11th year that the Winter Gospel Music Convention has been held at the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto, FL. Pastor Bailey states that it is the largest multi-day event held in this facility. Over 20,000 people will attend throughout the week, many of whom stay in the area hotels and campgrounds. Nearly 100 motor homes and travel trailers can be seen parked adjacent to the Convention Center grounds. Although the economic impact to Manatee County has never been measured, Pastor Bailey feels confident it is in the millions. Last year’s event received national press coverage from Fox News, and front page headline stories from the local newspapers.
Booster Club tickets go on sale August 3rd. VIP Reserved and all general admission tickets go on sale September 1st For more information, call (941) 756-6942.
