The 2021 SUMMERPraise! season will open Sunday, July 11, at the Mitchell Amphitheater, 225 N. Park St. with Tribute Quartet from Hendersonville, TN.  Story by Lynn Webster

Sponsored by the Owosso-Area Ministerial Association, the summer gospel music concerts, which began in 1998, feature regional and national groups for the listening enjoyment of area music lovers.  While the featured program will start at 7:30 p.m., a “sing-along”, directed by Mike Reath, will start 10 minutes earlier.   The Owosso-Area Kiwanis Club will be selling soft drinks, bottled water, and popcorn.  A lawn chair or blanket is recommended, and an offering will be taken to help support the ministry of each music group.  Rest room facilities will be provided.  In the event of rain, the Owosso Church of the Nazarene, 1865 S. M-52, is the alternate rain site.

     Tribute Quartet started singing as a group in 2006, and quickly became a multi-nominated, and award-winning quartet.  They’re one of the country’s most dynamic, and popular male groups. Gary Casto, Josh Singletary, Gus Gaches, and Ian Owens bring a combination of musical talent, warm and engaging personalities, and a focus on the message of Christ that has kept them on the path to phenomenal success.

    Gary Casto, lead singer, with more than three decades in gospel music, now resides in Nashville, TN.  Josh Singletary covers the baritone and piano parts.   He and his wife, Kahlie, live in  Antioch, Tn.   Gus Gaches, Grammy-Award winning tenor with more than 30+ years in the music industry, contributes to the group’s beautiful blend.  Bass, Ian Owens, rounds out the great harmony of Tribute.   He and his family live in Kentucky.  Tribute Quartet has made many appearances at the National Quartet Convention, Silver Dollar City, Dollywood, and on television networks such as Fox News, Day Star, and TBN.  With numerous awards and #1 songs to their credit, Tribute’s music continues to inspire and encourage gospel music lovers nationwide. 

    Lynn Webster, SUMMERPraise organizer, also shared that “Over the years a very meaningful and significant part of SUMMERPraise! has been the dedication listings “in memory  of” or “in honor of” a loved one in the Sunday night flyers. Starting with Don Hendricks and Geri Webster, we have chosen to remember friends and loved ones in this way.  We’ve honored the memory of Ron Brooks, who worked every concert handing out flyers and taking up the offerings.  Many have been listed over the years like: Helen Myron, Gene and Pauline Tipton, Joyce Goff, Dan Byers, Wayne Hunt, Penny Phelps, Dwaine Samson, Dick Ordway, Charles Simpson, and  others.  Please, be a patron by sending a check (payable to the Owosso-Area Ministerial Association) to Lynn Webster, 814 E. Oliver St., Owosso, MI 48867.  Mark the lower left “In memory of” or “In honor of a living friend” so that we list it in the flyer.”

    The concert next week will feature The Thurstons, from Holt, MI.

        Tribute Quartet   L to R: Gus  Gaches, Gary Casto, Josh Singletary, and Ian Owens