For those who love Southern Gospel, Bluegrass Gospel or Country Gospel music, the Lone Star Jubilee, features The Texans, The Relations and The Bailey Family. Gospel music and Christian comedy keep their audiences entertained.
The Texans got their start in 1971 at Dallas Christian College as The Masters Four, a traveling quartet. In 1983, the group moved to Branson, Missouri where they spent 16 years performing in various venues. Though the faces have changed, the gospel music and desire to serve God with music has not.
Sam Ray is lead singer and also acts as emcee for the show.
He is joined by his wife, Brenda Ray, who sings tenor and a son, Curtis Ray, who sings baritone. Their show is gospel music with a sprinkle of laughter designed for family entertainment.
The Texans sing in all kinds of venues. When not on the road they can be heard at the Ozark Mountain Hoedown in May, June, August, September.
The Relations are a fulltime Southern Gospel music ministry that travels as much as 230 days a year. Rod Treme is bass singer and manager for the group. He has written several songs such as I’m on a Mission and My Lord’s Coming Someday.
Ryan Napler is lead singer. He was formerly with Third Cross and another Christian ministry. He wrote God Is on His Way.
Jonathan Price, who sings tenor, formerly sang with Brothers in Christ. He was nominated as Tenor of the Year at the SGM Fan Fair in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Chad Stephenson sings baritone. He has been named Male Vocalist of the Year, received two Dove Awards and was recently nominated as baritone of the year for 2007 at the SGM Fan Fair.
The group makes regular appearances in Branson, Missouri and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Also on the show is the Bailey Family. Although the family has eight children, this year’s cast consists of the mother and three of the children. Included is 16-year-old Josh, who was named fourth in the world on mandolin at the Winfield, Kansas Bluegrass Festival last year.
The Lone Star Jubilee can be seen Wednesday, January 16, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Combes; January 17 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; First Baptist Church, Weslaco; January 19, 6:30 p.m., at Alamo Rec RV Park, admission $6; and January 20, 7 p.m. at Llano Grande Lake Park, Mercedes.
For more information on show dates call (903) 436-5410.