(Victorville, CA) – Mayor Terry Caldwell has proclaimed Memorial Day weekend as the “Weekend of Gospel Music.”

Caldwell presented the proclamation to Lois Gibbons, publisher of Gospel Music Roundup, at Tuesday’s city council meeting.

To celebrate Gospel Music Weekend, Ken Grudzinski of Golde Eagle Enterprises will sponsor High Desert Gospel Sing. The High Desert Gospel Sing will be held at the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds on Memorial Day, May 25 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The event will feature James Blackwood of Memphis, the only living member of the original Blackwood Brothers.

Also on stage will be 30 of California’s top gospel performers, including Dick Hilleary and Everette Evans of Yorba Linda, CA; The Watchmen of Chino and the Regents of South Gate, both all -male quartettes; The (Original) Californias, who have rejoined after 10 years; and Direction, also back together after 10 years.

Country gospel music will be performed by Finley Duke – “Mr. Country Gospel” – of Houston; Rainbow Country, a trio from Colton; The Range Riders of Desert Hos Springs, a group of eight male and female singers; Chrystal Light, of Bloomington, a family of five; Division Heirs, of Tucson, Arizona; and soloist Dexter Logan, of Lancaster, who has been singing since the beginning of country gospel music.

Other performers include the Tradesmen, the Harrisons, The Edwards, Deboard, The Lighthouse Boys, Julie Wingfield, Tammi Teal, Envoy, Fitzpatrick and Company, Gospel Light, Ken Withington of Australia, Doris Wagnon, Horizon, June Wade and Esquire Band, Betty Smith, Levi, and other guests.

Tickets are $6 per adult, with Children under 12 and those with disabilities will be admitted free. A special $5 rate will be offer to seniors, and groups of eight may obtain tickets for $20.

May 22 1987 – Daily Press (Victorville, CA)