If you have been following my Facebook and/or Twitter account, you’ll know that my family and I just arrived home from our vacation. In two weeks, we passed through eight states, drove over 2,500 miles, visited family, the Creation Museum, Gettysburg, a conference, saw the moonbow at Cumberland Falls, and of course, a Southern Gospel concert here and there! The first concert we attended on our trek was in Fairfield, Ohio. Who could have planned on Tribute Quartet to be singing at the Miracle Revival Church on the exact Friday that we were passing through? (I think that was scheduled by the One up above!)
The church was small, but anything lacking in size was quickly made up by the magnitude of warmth from the people inside. Throughout the night, we learned that the church had just formed in recent months and was raising money to build. They offered concessions during the concert to help out with that, and as the pastor pointed out, you could hear the pop-corn machine working in the background every now and then! LOL Plush chairs filled the center of the room where we sat waiting for the night to begin. Pastor Terry came up front and lead the congregation in singing Just A Little Talk With Jesus with Josh providing the accompaniment on the keys. Before Tribute came up, Pastor Terry let us know that we were in for a treat. From experience, he has seen groups come into town, sing and leave. There are “entertainers” in Gospel Music, and then there are “communicators” – the ones who reach out and touch the lives they sing to. With Tribute falling into the latter category, the night began…
Tribute Quartet kicked off the night with their upbeat number, He Is Leading The Way. As they sang about the “straight and narrow way” in the chorus, Anthony used his hands to form a visual of the lyrics. Immediately, I noticed something that was going to make this concert unique – the church didn’t have a stage. Tribute stood in front of the first row of chairs on the same floor that our shoes were touching. It was a different perspective for sure, and one that I believe made the night a little more intimate. Gary announced that the following song was a request – I’ve Been Blessed. On the chorus, Gary invited the crowd to sing along with them. Encouraging the audience, Josh exclaimed, “I heard ya’ll earlier! Sing, “I’ve been blessed…” As applause began, and then died in anticipation of the next song, Josh skipped to the center of the room to sing his solo verse for More Than Able. Anthony was featured on the second verse (though he didn’t skip. LOL!) “Well, we are Tribute Quartet and we are from Nashville, Tennessee,” Gary announced, “and we are glad to be singing in Ohio!” Just as Gary said that last part, Josh let out a loud “whoop.” Of course, all attention was then turned to Josh, who innocently admitted, “I’m excited.” Turning back to the crowd, Gary said, “He doesn’t know it, but after the concert we are going to have an auction afterwards to see who takes him home.” LOL Before the next song, Gary introduced the group and then asked everyone to clap along to the beat of Look For Me Around The Throne. A medium tempo song that featured Josh followed, I Heard It, I Believe It, I’m Saved. The last few notes of the track faded away and with an upraised hand, Gary asked, “If any believe that tonight, say amen.” A soft amen followed from the audience and then Gary asked the crowd another question, “How many would like to hear Old Red play something on the piano?” Hearty applause answered, so Gary went on, “He has a new medley put together that says, ‘I’ll Fly Away.’” Josh played his new jazzy solo with gusto…and a little humor too! From the laughs and smiles on faces all around, it was clear that everyone was having a good time. Gary reflected, “Aren’t you glad that the Bible tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength? If you have the Lord Jesus in your heart you have something to smile about…” Then it happened, Riley backed up a little too far and accidently knocked over an artificial flower. All eyes were on Tribute’s tenor as he slowly and quietly tried to right the pot without being noticed – but it was hopeless, thought Gary was talking, Riley had everyone’s attention. Finally, Gary looked at Riley and asked, “Are you having a prayer meetin’ with that flower?” Clearly embarrassed, Riley looked down at his feet sheepishly. Making light of the situation, Gary acquired the crowd’s attention and said, “When you travel over 200 days a year with him” – pointing to Josh – “it causes things like that to happen!” That was all the crowd needed to burst out in laughter, leaving Gary to hopelessly mutter with a smile, “I have lost all control.” LOL Sweeter As The Days Go By followed and Gary’s solo, God Likes To Work, was sung back to back with it. He sings that song with the conviction of one who has seen what the lyrics say. Before the second verse Gary asked, “How many believe that tonight?” Hands waved in response…the guys included. Though the song ended, Gary wasn’t finished. Coming up as close as the first row of chairs would allow, he proposed the thought, “Maybe you are waiting for that miracle and even your family doesn’t know that you are praying for,” and sang the last line again with just the piano. The powerful atmosphere continued with Riley’s solo, Homecoming Day. This song always sends chills down my spine, but for some reason, it was even more so that night. On the encore, Riley beckoned, “Listen, listen…Homecoming day, when the waiting is over.” Gary closed his eyes and whispered, “Think about it.” Then on the last line Riley asked, “Are you ready for this? As he sang – “…and hear Him say welcome home, my child.” I’ve never seen him sing Homecoming Day like that, he put everything, I mean absolutely everything into that ballad! As the tears flowed, the theme of eternity continued with a medium tempo song called Inside The Gate. This one featured Gary, and once again, just when you thought it was over, you realized it really was just beginning. When the track ended the guys laid their mics aside and began singing the chorus accapella – without mics – their voices carried themselves as they sang. Coming and going down the aisles, all four guys walked around the room singing the chorus, pausing to repeat a line more than once here and there.Their voices resounded in beautiful harmony that reached down to the soul! With this statement, the first half of the evening closed…
“When the doctor tells you that there is no hope, we have come tonight to tell you that there is hope in Jesus.” – Gary Casto
Before intermission the guys did their cd pitch and Pastor Terry encouraged everyone to check out the concession stand. He was especially proud of their fried baloney sandwiches. When it was time to reconvene, Pastor Terry exclaimed, “Before he comes up, I want you to turn around and see what Gary has in his hand.” All heads turn to see Gary holding up a piece of fried baloney.LOL From what I hear, it’s really good stuff!!!
“Make welcome Tribute Quartet!” Pastor Terry announced, introducing TQ for the second time. A fast quartet song, It Makes Me Wanna’ Go, began their second set. Josh and Anthony were being silly on this song: Anthony held his mic up for Josh to sing into and Josh held his mic for Anthony to sing into. LOL Who Am I? was next, and just like Homecoming Day, the power emanating from that ballad filled the room with the Holy Spirit. Then, Gary came forward and shared what their year has been like on the road so far. On January 29th they left home and didn’t get back until the last week of March. In the middle of that trip, they were scheduled to be in Seattle, Washington – but then they received a phone call that gave them the news that the promoter of that date was tragically killed in a car accident. His daughter asked Tribute to turn their two concerts into memorial concerts for her father, and eager to minister to this hurting family, Gary asked her if there was anything else that Tribute could do. She said that her daddy’s favorite song was Leaving On My Mind and asked if they knew it – and if they did, would they sing it? Gary assured her that they would sing it and they did. As Gary prepared us to hear that same song, he expressed how proud he was of the three young men who stepped up to the plate to do something for a family in need. Anthony, Josh and Riley sang this slower number, Leaving On My Mind while Gary looked on. After a reverent applause Josh sang The Climb and the theme kept on when Gary invited the crowd to sing the words “He’s all I need” several times. Everyone has a need for something, and knowing that the Lord can meet it whatever it is, he invited us to pray. Moments passed as some came to the front and raised their hands, others prayed where they were standing – all heads were bowed in prayer. When the time came, Tribute closed the night with a snappy number I’m In That Crowd Of Believers.
Conclusion: As always, the night with Tribute Quartet was amazing. Throughout the evening each of the guys shared a piece of themselves through song and spoken word. It was like seeing through the suit and ties right into their hearts. When Pastor Terry said that they were communicator’s – well, you can’t say it any better than that! I believe that great things happened that night! If you live in Ohio, especially in the Fairfield/Cincinnati area, I highly encourage you to check out when Tribute will be back to Miracle Revival Church. (I have a feeling that TQ will be back!) And if you’re like me, and don’t live in Ohio, well, check out Tributes calendar as soon as you can and see when they will be in your area! I promise that you will NOT be disappointed! Until the waiting is over…
The church was small, but anything lacking in size was quickly made up by the magnitude of warmth from the people inside. Throughout the night, we learned that the church had just formed in recent months and was raising money to build. They offered concessions during the concert to help out with that, and as the pastor pointed out, you could hear the pop-corn machine working in the background every now and then! LOL Plush chairs filled the center of the room where we sat waiting for the night to begin. Pastor Terry came up front and lead the congregation in singing Just A Little Talk With Jesus with Josh providing the accompaniment on the keys. Before Tribute came up, Pastor Terry let us know that we were in for a treat. From experience, he has seen groups come into town, sing and leave. There are “entertainers” in Gospel Music, and then there are “communicators” – the ones who reach out and touch the lives they sing to. With Tribute falling into the latter category, the night began…
Tribute Quartet kicked off the night with their upbeat number, He Is Leading The Way. As they sang about the “straight and narrow way” in the chorus, Anthony used his hands to form a visual of the lyrics. Immediately, I noticed something that was going to make this concert unique – the church didn’t have a stage. Tribute stood in front of the first row of chairs on the same floor that our shoes were touching. It was a different perspective for sure, and one that I believe made the night a little more intimate. Gary announced that the following song was a request – I’ve Been Blessed. On the chorus, Gary invited the crowd to sing along with them. Encouraging the audience, Josh exclaimed, “I heard ya’ll earlier! Sing, “I’ve been blessed…” As applause began, and then died in anticipation of the next song, Josh skipped to the center of the room to sing his solo verse for More Than Able. Anthony was featured on the second verse (though he didn’t skip. LOL!) “Well, we are Tribute Quartet and we are from Nashville, Tennessee,” Gary announced, “and we are glad to be singing in Ohio!” Just as Gary said that last part, Josh let out a loud “whoop.” Of course, all attention was then turned to Josh, who innocently admitted, “I’m excited.” Turning back to the crowd, Gary said, “He doesn’t know it, but after the concert we are going to have an auction afterwards to see who takes him home.” LOL Before the next song, Gary introduced the group and then asked everyone to clap along to the beat of Look For Me Around The Throne. A medium tempo song that featured Josh followed, I Heard It, I Believe It, I’m Saved. The last few notes of the track faded away and with an upraised hand, Gary asked, “If any believe that tonight, say amen.” A soft amen followed from the audience and then Gary asked the crowd another question, “How many would like to hear Old Red play something on the piano?” Hearty applause answered, so Gary went on, “He has a new medley put together that says, ‘I’ll Fly Away.’” Josh played his new jazzy solo with gusto…and a little humor too! From the laughs and smiles on faces all around, it was clear that everyone was having a good time. Gary reflected, “Aren’t you glad that the Bible tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength? If you have the Lord Jesus in your heart you have something to smile about…” Then it happened, Riley backed up a little too far and accidently knocked over an artificial flower. All eyes were on Tribute’s tenor as he slowly and quietly tried to right the pot without being noticed – but it was hopeless, thought Gary was talking, Riley had everyone’s attention. Finally, Gary looked at Riley and asked, “Are you having a prayer meetin’ with that flower?” Clearly embarrassed, Riley looked down at his feet sheepishly. Making light of the situation, Gary acquired the crowd’s attention and said, “When you travel over 200 days a year with him” – pointing to Josh – “it causes things like that to happen!” That was all the crowd needed to burst out in laughter, leaving Gary to hopelessly mutter with a smile, “I have lost all control.” LOL Sweeter As The Days Go By followed and Gary’s solo, God Likes To Work, was sung back to back with it. He sings that song with the conviction of one who has seen what the lyrics say. Before the second verse Gary asked, “How many believe that tonight?” Hands waved in response…the guys included. Though the song ended, Gary wasn’t finished. Coming up as close as the first row of chairs would allow, he proposed the thought, “Maybe you are waiting for that miracle and even your family doesn’t know that you are praying for,” and sang the last line again with just the piano. The powerful atmosphere continued with Riley’s solo, Homecoming Day. This song always sends chills down my spine, but for some reason, it was even more so that night. On the encore, Riley beckoned, “Listen, listen…Homecoming day, when the waiting is over.” Gary closed his eyes and whispered, “Think about it.” Then on the last line Riley asked, “Are you ready for this? As he sang – “…and hear Him say welcome home, my child.” I’ve never seen him sing Homecoming Day like that, he put everything, I mean absolutely everything into that ballad! As the tears flowed, the theme of eternity continued with a medium tempo song called Inside The Gate. This one featured Gary, and once again, just when you thought it was over, you realized it really was just beginning. When the track ended the guys laid their mics aside and began singing the chorus accapella – without mics – their voices carried themselves as they sang. Coming and going down the aisles, all four guys walked around the room singing the chorus, pausing to repeat a line more than once here and there.Their voices resounded in beautiful harmony that reached down to the soul! With this statement, the first half of the evening closed…
“When the doctor tells you that there is no hope, we have come tonight to tell you that there is hope in Jesus.” – Gary Casto
Before intermission the guys did their cd pitch and Pastor Terry encouraged everyone to check out the concession stand. He was especially proud of their fried baloney sandwiches. When it was time to reconvene, Pastor Terry exclaimed, “Before he comes up, I want you to turn around and see what Gary has in his hand.” All heads turn to see Gary holding up a piece of fried baloney.LOL From what I hear, it’s really good stuff!!!
“Make welcome Tribute Quartet!” Pastor Terry announced, introducing TQ for the second time. A fast quartet song, It Makes Me Wanna’ Go, began their second set. Josh and Anthony were being silly on this song: Anthony held his mic up for Josh to sing into and Josh held his mic for Anthony to sing into. LOL Who Am I? was next, and just like Homecoming Day, the power emanating from that ballad filled the room with the Holy Spirit. Then, Gary came forward and shared what their year has been like on the road so far. On January 29th they left home and didn’t get back until the last week of March. In the middle of that trip, they were scheduled to be in Seattle, Washington – but then they received a phone call that gave them the news that the promoter of that date was tragically killed in a car accident. His daughter asked Tribute to turn their two concerts into memorial concerts for her father, and eager to minister to this hurting family, Gary asked her if there was anything else that Tribute could do. She said that her daddy’s favorite song was Leaving On My Mind and asked if they knew it – and if they did, would they sing it? Gary assured her that they would sing it and they did. As Gary prepared us to hear that same song, he expressed how proud he was of the three young men who stepped up to the plate to do something for a family in need. Anthony, Josh and Riley sang this slower number, Leaving On My Mind while Gary looked on. After a reverent applause Josh sang The Climb and the theme kept on when Gary invited the crowd to sing the words “He’s all I need” several times. Everyone has a need for something, and knowing that the Lord can meet it whatever it is, he invited us to pray. Moments passed as some came to the front and raised their hands, others prayed where they were standing – all heads were bowed in prayer. When the time came, Tribute closed the night with a snappy number I’m In That Crowd Of Believers.
Conclusion: As always, the night with Tribute Quartet was amazing. Throughout the evening each of the guys shared a piece of themselves through song and spoken word. It was like seeing through the suit and ties right into their hearts. When Pastor Terry said that they were communicator’s – well, you can’t say it any better than that! I believe that great things happened that night! If you live in Ohio, especially in the Fairfield/Cincinnati area, I highly encourage you to check out when Tribute will be back to Miracle Revival Church. (I have a feeling that TQ will be back!) And if you’re like me, and don’t live in Ohio, well, check out Tributes calendar as soon as you can and see when they will be in your area! I promise that you will NOT be disappointed! Until the waiting is over…
