Atlanta Southern gospel promoter brings acoustic and bluegrass sounds to his concert series

Southern Gospel Music promoter Robert York of Georgia is taking a new direction for one of his upcoming shows.

Included among the top promoters in the U.S., York has hosted the top talent in the industry for his North Metro Atlanta Gospel Singings.

“We have decided to add to our concert lineup an evening of acoustic and bluegrass gospel,” York said. “Many people in our area have requested we do some of this type of show.”  

York decided to include artists that enjoy success in several genres – Randall Franks, the Watkins Family and Les Butler.

The music ministries will appear on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014 at 6 p.m. in the 600-seat Shiloh Hills Baptist Church auditorium at 75 Hawkins Store Road in Kennesaw, Ga.

Franks, a TV/Film star, columnist, musician, and entertainer is well known for his role as “Officer Randy Goode” from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night.”

“Randall is a top-20 selling Christian artist who has acted in several recent films and appeared for the Grand Ole Opry several times,” York said. “He is recognized by the International Bluegrass Music Museum as a Legend for his contributions to bluegrass.”
Adding to the entertainment of the evening will be emcee and musician Les Butler.

“Les is your weekend afternoon host on Solid Gospel radio across the country as well as the host of the popular weekend programs - 'Front Porch Fellowship' (bluegrass gospel) and 'The Old Country Church' (country gospel),” York said. “He is also host of popular TV show Harmony Road.  It's not unusual to find him on stage at any given concert adding his talents from mandolin, piano, guitar, and Dobro to playing the bass. His show won the annual Achievement In Radio Award in 1999.”

One of America’s best loved acoustic music families - the Watkins Family have served as gospel music ambassadors from the state of Georgia to the world for more than three decades,

“Many family groups have made a name for themselves in the fields of gospel, bluegrass and country music but few can claim performance success in all three genres while never veering from their sincere dedication that their music should always reflect the love of Jesus,” York said.

York said whether the Watkins are performing on a grand stage with country stars such as Randy Travis and Diamond Rio, bluegrass festival or National Quartet Convention in front of thousands, or in the pulpit of a small country church, 2008 Impact Award nominee the Watkins Family raise spirits and hopes of the life to be led as servants

of Christ through their harmonies.

“While the musical legacy of the Watkins family reaches back for generations in the mountains of northeast Georgia, their music today reflects the best in harmonies and musical instrumentation that can be heard,” York said.

According to York, if response for the concert is positive, then he will be looking seriously at adding more events that share the music of the mountains with Southern gospel audiences of Atlanta.

Tickets for the event are $20 at the door or $15 in advance by mail to Robert York, 4030 Ebenezer Drive, Marietta, Ga. 30066.