Come hear the Isaacs in
February 20, 2009 – 7:00 p.m.
General Admission: $12 advance; $15 at the door
Gold Circle: $16 advance only
NOTE: Service charge applies. Gold Circle tickets not available at the door. Groups of 10 or more can receive a 10% discount on General Admission tickets purchased in advance.
TEMPLETON TOURS has chartered Carnival Cruise Line’s Inspiration for this Southern Gospel Music Cruise. The bars, casinos, and slot machines are closed and the ship’s entertainers are replaced by inspired preachers of the gospel and THE BEST IN SOUTHERN GOSPEL MUSIC.
Our first stop of the cruise will be the resort island of Grand Cayman. Grand Cayman is kissed by sparkling, turquoise waters…where you can enjoy virtually every water sport you can imagine. Snorkel with stingrays go scuba diving, sport fishing or just relax along the island’s most magnificent stretch of oceanfront, Seven Mile Beach. Thursday morning we arrive at Cozumel, a resort town of fashionable shops and beautiful beaches. Cozumel is world-renowned for the superb diving opportunities it offers, including Palancar Reef, home to thousands of kinds of brilliantly colored fish. Shop til you drop, dive in, or just kick back on a sun drenched Mexican beach and say ‘adios’ to all of your everyday concerns.
Our home for this adventure will be Carnival Cruise Line's Inspiration. The newly remodeled Inspiration features a world class spa, putt-putt, and a three-story water park for the young and young at heart. During the cruise you will enjoy gourmet delights and sumptuous buffets. From the Welcome Aboard buffet to the 24 hour Pizzeria, you will not have a chance to get hungry. The Inspiration also offers a complete children's program with supervised activities for ages 2-15 each day. Kids can enjoy treasure hunts, movies, video games, ice cream parties, and even their own swimming pool. While the children enjoy supervised activities, you can enjoy inspiring Bible study or great Gospel music. This is the ideal vacation for the family.
You will enjoy Christian fellowship, comedy, preaching, and Great Southern Gospel Music every day. The week is yours to relax and enjoy vacationing in a Christian atmosphere.
The Isaacs in Hawkinsville, Ga.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
We had dinner on Friday night with friends Peggy Fauscett, Kemper Meadows, Tammy Wells and Lucy Dudding. We were all looking forward to the concerts on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. Peggy is of course, the mother of The Isaacs drummer Nathan Fauscett. The concerts were to honor her late husband, Byron Fauscett whom we lost about two years ago. Byron was a very much loved man and he is truly missed by his family and friends. Everyone involved, which seemed to include most of the town, did a wonderful job of honoring the memory of Mr. Byron Fauscett.
The Isaacs enjoyed lunch on Saturday with some folks from Peggy and Nathan’s church, including Nathan’s high school band leader. Tammy, Lucy, Randy and I went out for some light shopping, a street tour of some of the old homes in Hawkinsville, then a spaghetti lunch at The Horse Shoe Restaurant. We met The Isaacs at the Opera House at 1:00 for the load out and set up.
It is always interesting to see the transformation that comes over the band members when the trailer door opens. They systematically start rolling boxes and carts of equipment off the trailer into the venue and the work begins. All the equipment has to be unpacked and set up-----just right. Folks, there is so much more to this than just unpacking the instruments and singing. Ben does a great job getting the sound just right for each venue. Sound check is an interesting experience, too. It went quickly in the opera house because of the attention that was paid to the science of acoustics when the place was built.
The show was scheduled for 7pm. We had our choice of seats but we soon found that there was not a bad seat in the house. The Saturday show was sold out weeks ago. It didn’t take the place long to fill with excited fans and friends. The Isaacs had two friends traveling with them for the weekend, Tim Dillman of Music City Coach and Mike Bilanchi from World Vision. In addition to Randy and me, Tammy Wells and her mom Lucy Dudding drove up from Brandon, Florida. Dee and Mary Hill drove up from Murrell’s Inlet, SC. The Beckers were down from TN. And might I add, Peggy and Nathan had a friend or two there!
The cajon was placed at the front of the stage so Nathan could really show off for his hometown. While playing his solo on “Walk On”, he looked around when the audience started laughing…..every member of the group had walked off stage……Nathan was out there alone. It was a total surprise to him and his expression was priceless. Sonya told me later it was Ben’s idea. Great prank, guys!
There was an intermission and then the second half of the show. The concert promoter, Norman Bonds, called Peggy, Nathan and Kelly to the stage and talked about Byron. This is when Nathan was asked to speak about his mom and dad. Nathan was very emotional, feeling very close to his father as he talked to his hometown crowd. He spoke eloquently about his parents and what a loving home he grew up in and how great his dad was and how great his mom is. There were lots of tears shed during that time. But, I knew Nathan had a secret that he was getting ready to reveal. He finished talking about his mom and dad, and then about his new road family, The Isaacs. Suddenly, he spun around to Kelly, his girlfriend, and dropped to one knee as he pulled the diamond engagement ring from his pocket and asked her to be his wife in front of nearly 400 people! The crowd went nuts! Go Nathan! That really took some guts----especially knowing that the Isaacs band members had tortured him about it for months. You know, things like hiding the ring from him and asking what he’d do if she said no in front of all those people…..
The concert somehow continued after all that. Ben, Sonya and Becky did a new song, “I Will Praise Him”. It was an acapella that they’ve been practicing for their new CD. As you know, they are in the studio now, working with Bill Gaither to record a CD of mostly acapella songs. Ben and Bill Gaither are producing the CD and Bill asked them to try the song on their audiences to see what their reaction is. Well, I don’t know about anyone else, but it brought many of us to tears. It is a powerful old hymn and their performance was breath-taking. I don’t know how anyone who knows the Lord could listen to that performance without crying. Ben said later that he was not able to hit the high notes because he had a little bit of a sore throat. Trust me, he was mistaken. His voice was perfect doing that song. I can’t believe how The Isaacs continue to get better and better at what they do. One would think it wasn’t possible for them to improve……seems there is no room for improvement because they are so good……and then they go and kick it up another notch. Glory to God, for they are simply amazing and anointed by Him to do what they do so well.
After the show, we were treated to a great home-cooked meal at the home of Peggy Fauscett. She is such a good cook! Some of us should take lessons! We had chicken and roast, vegetables, potatoes, gravy and biscuits. There were two scrumptious desserts and plenty of iced tea. And, lots of talking, joking around and fellowship. Peggy had made a poster with the heading, “She Said Yes”. She had added some pictures of Nathan and Kelly and one questionable photo of Nathan……..it looked like he might be wearing a Barbie Band-aids shirt that was a little small for him……it made some folks ask why she said yes……..Just kidding, Nathan! We didn’t stay long after eating, everyone was very tired. We shuttled everyone back to the bus and got to bed at a reasonable time. We were all looking forward to the next day’s events.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
We were all meeting at a local restaurant, The Steakhouse, for a Sunday buffet lunch. Randy and I got ready and checked out of our hotel and drove over to the bus which was parked at the Opera House. We had a great visit with John, Ben and Mike Bilanchi while waiting for the others to finish with showers. Peggy was shuttling band members from the hotel to the bus and we’d come to offer some assistance. They all made it to the restaurant by noon…….we were supposed to be there by 11:30. We enjoyed a delicious buffet….including Nathan’s favorite, homemade macaroni and cheese. We went over and over the previous night and Nathan’s successful proposal. Sonya shared the video she made from the stage which you can now see here on the blog. Ben suddenly stood and said, “Guys, we sing in exactly one and a half hours!” We finished up and caravan back to the Opera House, actually getting everyone into a vehicle the first time. I’m not sure if there were more, but I know that at least one seat belt violation occurred………
There wasn’t a packed house on Sunday, but there was an avid crowd. The Isaacs did songs I had not heard them do in a live show. A local dobro player joined them on stage for a song. Good job, Jimmy! Then, they called Peggy Fauscett to the stage and she did a song with them playing for her. She has a great voice but the highlight of the song for me was when Lily took her mic over to the drums and Nathan harmonized with his mother! He has a great voice, too! Sonya said they had a new name, “Nathan Fauscett and The Isaacs”. This brought a huge round of applause. Then, Ben made Nathan introduce all the band members. It was hilarious!
After the show, it was load-out time. The guys got things packed up and we all stood out in the street talking and saying our good-byes. It was a rare occasion for the Isaacs bus to return to TN before the wee hours of the morning. They actually pulled out a little before 5pm.
This was a totally awesome weekend. There were many special moments. Some of the highlights for me, in no particular order, included:
The proposal (and having Nathan tell myself and my husband about it ahead of time but
making each of us promise not to tell anyone, including each other)
Seeing Tammy, Lucy, Dee, Mary, the Beckers, Kelly and Kemper
Hearing Ben, Sonya and Becky sing “I Will Praise Him”
Hearing Peggy sing
Eating Peggy’s cooking
Having time to have meaningful conversations with each member of the group and family
It was so much fun to have other fans and friends there for the weekend. Randy and I have made so many special friends because of our interest in The Isaacs and their ministry. And the group really does love seeing familiar faces in the crowd when they go different places. So, check the calendar often and look for a show near you. You won’t regret it! Thanks Peggy and Norman for a great weekend. May God continue to bless The Isaacs and each one of you!
Gina Black
by Odie Boggs
January 19th2009, Green Acres Baptist Church, Tyler Texas
My Monday started out normally. I was settled in for a day on the road traveling from Louisiana to Oklahoma. We had not been on the road long when Mom woke me up, and told me to clean things up. We were maybe going to stop and see friends along the way. Well, I was moving rather slowly at the task. My parents finally told me we were going to see the Isaacs in Tyler, Texas. I got into hurry mode then!!
We pulled into the Green Acres Baptist Church shortly before the Isaacs bus. The church was an enormous complex of buildings with lots of parking lots. After giving them a while to get things situated we went and listened to sound check. It had been a while since I have been in on an Isaacs sound check. There is a lot of work that goes into making everything just right!! Just by hearing the sound check I knew we were in for a great night.
My family was not the only ones joining in on the fun. The Kincaid Family and two friends also were there. They drove four hours one way just for the concert. There were a couple other ladies who are friend of the Isaacs, I did not catch their names. I was happy to learn Levi, Jacob, Cameron, Kyra, and Jakobi were all with the Isaacs. It was a good, rare, visit with the kids. They all are a blast to be with!!!!!!!!!
Once the things were setup the church people said there was food for the group. There was enough food for an army! The church had the food catered in from a local restaurant. It was so delicious!! Thank you for feeding all of us! I don’t know if I can name all the foods they had available: chicken, red potatoes, green beans and cheese, salad, fruit, rolls, and cookies. Oh yea, I can't forget the sweet tea, I heard Nathan say, "that is real sweet tea”!
By the time we all headed our separate ways to get ready for the concert the crowd was already coming in. It was a huge church, and I wondered how the attendance would be to a Monday night event. It was about 6:30 when got back in the church. The main floor of the sanctuary was filling up already, and folks were now sitting in the balconies. It was a great crowd!! Thanks to the Kincaid family for sharing their seat with us. We forgot to save a seat earlier. The Isaacs came on stage around 7:00 P.M. The music minister of the church introduced them. They kicked it off with Great is Thy Reward. It was HOT from the start!!! I Have a Father Who Can, Yours and Mine The Hymn Medley, Heroes, Through the Valley, The One I’m Dying For, Stand Still, Walk On, Love is a Cross, It is Well With My Soul, and He Ain’t Never Done Me Nothing but Good are all songs they sang during the night. I forget the proper order. God Is So Good, Jesus, There’s Just Something About That Name, and Because He Lives are some chorus they also sang.
It was just a wonderful night! The singing was out of this world, and the music just keeps getting better. Lily, Ben, Sonya, Becky, Jesse, Nathan, and Thomas all did a marvelous job.
An exciting foot note: 17 children received sponsors thru World Vision. Over a 1,000 children have now been sponsored through the Isaacs ministry. Before we knew it was time to say our goodbyes and hit the road. Each time I attend a concert I gain many memories that I will cherish for a long time to come.
Odie Boggs with Sonya Isaacs
The Isaacs will be in the studio some this week. They a working on a new project produced by Ben and Bill Gaither. Keep them in your prayers that all goes well!
Odie Boggs
Check our photo gallery to see pictures from Tyler, Texas
The Isaacs took the stage looking great as usual. They did a similar show to what we had seen on Friday and Saturday with a few extras. Sonya, Becky and Wes sang the "Star Spangled Banner" while Ben looked on, waiting to see if Wes could hit the high notes. Wes did a great job. After they finished, Ben handed Wes his bass and said he was going to sit down. The crowd roared at this, but Wes begged him not to leave him holding that huge thing because he didn't know what to do with it. Wes sang a bluegrass tune while the gang played and harmonized with him. And, Ben, Sonya and Becky sang their beautiful acapella, "Blessed Assurance" for my mom.
SGN is now taking nominations for the Fan Favorite Artist of the Year category in the 2009 SGN Music Awards.
You can vote for your favorite artist of 2008 by clicking on the following link and placing a nomination:
http://sogospelnews.com/index/site/fanfavorite
Nominations will be accepted through January 20, 2009.
Nominees in all 24 categories will be announced on January 21, 2009. Voting in all the categories will run from February 1-February 14, 2009.
The SGN Music Awards Celebration will take place on Tuesday, April 14, 2009 in Smyrna, TN at River of Life Church. Make plans now to attend!
Our Charlie Brown Christmas
By: Sonya Isaacs
Spending all that they could, Mom and Dad managed to get each of us a few gifts to put under it. We didn’t have much, but we had each other, and as we gathered together in front of that little homemade tree on Christmas morning, we had a sincere prayer of thanksgiving and felt more than ever before the truest gratitude for Christmastime and for the gift of having each other. God has blessed us a little more every year since that humble holiday, but we always take time to remember the Christmas of ’79, what we now refer to as our
Charlie Brown Christmas.
Merry Christmas and a Blessed, Peaceful New Year!
The Isaacs
