Gaither Vocal Band brings a holiday-tinged Homecoming Tour performance to Show Me Center

Returning to Southeast Missouri for the first time in more than eight years, the Gaither Vocal Band will bring some of the best-loved artists in the world of gospel to the Show Me Center on Thursday for the Gaither Homecoming Tour.

The Gaither Vocal Band started the touring series, which combines combines classic gospel styles with contemporary sounds, in 1991, and the lineup has evolved slightly over the years to its current lineup Michael English, Wes Hampton, Mark Lowry, David Phelps and Bill Gaither. The show also features an array of guest artists, including Russ Taff, Lynda Randle and the Isaacs. Thursday's show will be popular musician Gordon Mote's first performance in Cape Girardeau.

"Back when I began my career, we were the contemporary artists," said Bill Gaither, founder of the vocal group. "Some people grumbled when our style of gospel came out, just as people grumbled at the contemporary artists today. What it comes down to is the message and how the listener relates to the music's heart."

He said the ministry of their music has always been the focus.

"We've had many letters from people who tell us about how our music brought them closer to God, like letters from wives who describe a husband who is reluctant to go to church but loves music, and they were able to use that to bring God into his life," Gaither said.

The Gaither Vocal Band released a new album, "Reunited," in September. It was the first album to feature only songs written by Bill and Gloria Gaither. The band is releasing two DVDs Jan. 26 featuring performances recorded in July in San Antonio. Both DVDs are available for preorder at www.gaither.com.

The Homecoming Tour concert will feature Christmas music as well as a section of gospel favorites.

"We are planning on about a 50/50 show, as far as the music is concerned," Gaither said. "We want to mix it up to keep Christmas in mind but showcase some of our favorites as well."

The Gaither Vocal Band has entertained people in nearly every type of venue, from auditoriums that hold tens of thousands people to church sanctuaries.

"No matter what size the stage may be, what really matters is the people who are there," Gaither said. "The crowd makes all the difference, and we really love the Midwestern audiences. When the crowd's heart is with us in the music, it makes the performance that much better."

The band tours extensively but makes time for family.

"Some of our younger members have younger children, and we want them to be able to focus on their families, so we limit the tour shows to the weekends," Gaither said. "We play around 70 dates a year with the Homecoming tour. I have three grown kids, and we relish those times around the holidays when we are able to get everyone together."

Gaither said the group wants to portray a message of hope.

"Life doesn't always make sense, but God is seeing a bigger picture," he said. "Even though today may be tough, the good news of the gospel is this: No matter how bad the situation may be, God's amazing grace can get us through."

Tickets for the Gaither Vocal Band Homecoming Tour are $44.50 and $31.50, and are available at the Show Me Center box office, by calling 651-5000 or at www.showmecenter.biz.