During the Gospel Music Fan Festival on July 10-12, 2003, in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada, Stewart filled in with the Inspirations from Bryson City, North Carolina, since their pianist Martin Cook was unable to attend.  In the photo above, Archie Watkins sings Amazing Grace to open their performance, followed by many of their hits such as Jesus Is Coming Soon, Touring That City, and I'll Not Turn My Back On Him Now


I had a great time sharing the stage with Archie Watkins, Matt Dibler, Melton Campbell, Mike Holcomb, and Myron Cook.


The first week of June 2003, when our tenor singer took off to get married, we called on former Dixie Echoes tenor singer, Gerry Stroup, to fill in with the group.  Gerry was with the Dixie Echoes in the early 70's.  He currently sings opera, and travels across the country enjoying a successful career.  It was great to spend a few days with him and have him join us on stage for a few concerts.


Gerry Stroup singing "Walk With Me" as he did with the group in the 70's.


Dixie Echoes performing at the James D. Vaughan Festival in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee on July 25, 2003.  Also on the program was Gold City and the Florida Boys.  This is a great quartet concert, and is held each year in Lawrenceburg (The Birthplace of Southern Gospel Music)


On August 8, 2003, the Dixie Echoes sang in Metropolis, IL.  This is our second year to be invited to Metropolis to this concert and the host group is the Joy Trio. After the concert, we went out to eat with these ladies, and they presented Stewart with a grand piano made out of chocolate!  It took a while but it was finally eaten. We always have a good time in Metropolis.  If you are in that area, be sure to attend next year!