The February 8, 2020 Gospel Show edition of the Boomtown Opry will be held at the El Dorado Municipal Auditorium (100 W. 8th St.) in El Dorado, AR at 7pm. Tickets are available at the door for only $25 general admission while children 12 and under are admitted for $10 each (five and under are free). Advance tickets are available for $20 each through itickets.com and at the following locations in South Arkansas: El Dorado – Shelly’s Shoes Etc., 3in1 Designs Christian Bookstore and Blackmon’s Furniture; Magnolia – Warnock’s Furniture and Magnolia Blossom Florist; Camden – Blackmon’s Furniture. The Boomtown Opry is a family friendly event with no alcohol sold during the show. The show is on the second Saturday of each month.
The Boomtown Opry features a house band called The Roughnecks led by BJ Kyle, who has toured professionally with Colt Ford, Craig Morgan, Tracy Lawrence, Kellie Pickler, Carrie Underwood and others. Local country duo Southern Koast (Keith Owens and Susan Tolin) and Tammy Fogle provide background vocals. Keith is also the emcee of the show.
Featured performers for this show are Joel Woollen, Eric Shipp, Measure of Grace and 11th Hour.
Joel Woollen is a songwriter and southern gospel recording artist who grew up in southeast Texas but now makes his home in South Arkansas. His latest album, “Surrender”, was released in February of 2019.
Eric Shipp has been performing country and gospel music for twenty-five years all over the four states region. He has won contests all over, but the most rewarding part of his musical career has been serving as a music minister. “Using what God gave me for HIS glory and HIS purpose is the most powerful opportunity God has ever given me,” according to Eric.
Measure of Grace is an ensemble of male and female singers that are dedicated to sharing the blessed hope of salvation through Jesus Christ with gospel music. They sing southern gospel up-tempo and ballad songs with hints of bluegrass. Measure of Grace enjoys spreading God’s word in song in local churches, festivals and community events.
The award-winning gospel group 11th Hour is made up of Jaquita Lindsay, Amber Eppinette and Logan Smith. Two of the three members have a local connection as Jaquita is originally from Camden, AR and Amber is from Fairbanks, LA (unincorporated community 10.5 miles north – northeast of downtown Monroe). And you may remember Logan Smith from his Goodman style vocals from the Gaither Homecoming Series starting with his October 2008 debut in Myrtle Beach, SC at the tender young age of ten.
“There is nothing more fulfilling than ministering to the body of Christ and sharing the gospel,” says Amber. “Every dream we have ever had, God has already fulfilled. He never ceases to amaze us!”
It’s true. Over the last ten years of traveling on the road, 11th Hour has seen God do some incredible things. Three incredible records later and a recording contract with Crossroads Music, Amber, Logan, and Jaquita have never been more excited to see what God has in store next.
“I started the group with two friends of mine from my home church when I was 16 years old,” says Amber. “I look back and see God’s faithful hand throughout the years and all I can say is faith definitely works when put into action and you really trust in the Father.
Jaquita remembers when Amber called her about joining the group. “I had traveled with them a few times and God was very clear to tell me not to close the door.”
Beyond an obedient spirit, with musical influences such as Karen Peck and New River, the Perry’s, Gold City, and the Kingsmen, you can only imagine that 11th Hour has stayed fresh and relevant while maintaining a versatile sound, able to lead congregations in moving times of worship.
After reaching high acclaim, in 2012, 11th Hour signed a recording contract with Crossroads Music Group. “The doors of opportunity that a recording contract opened up were incredible. We had a support that would help us reach more and more people for the Kingdom,” says Amber.
And with that support, 11th Hour has done just that. They’ve had multiple Top 10 Singing News hits and been nominated for numerous awards in Southern Gospel music such as Singing News Trio of the Year and AGM Album of the Year, while Amber was nominated for Soprano of the Year.
In 2014, 11th Hour took home the Sunrise Award at the SGN Scoops Diamond Awards. “It has been such an honor receiving support from people you respect and admire,” shares Amber. “God has so much more in store for us as we travel and bring glory to His name.”
There’s so much more work to be done as these three continue to step out in faith. Amber, Logan, and Jaquita, are ready to go wherever the Lord opens doors, singing and proclaiming the good news of Jesus.
Aspiring singers may audition for future shows before rehearsals on show day around 2pm. A portion of the proceeds of each Boomtown Opry show go to benefit the Union County Animal Protection Society. In return UCAPS provides volunteers to staff each show. Follow and like our page at www.facebook.com/boomtownopry for more information on this show and updates and reminders of future shows.