Concert Review: 50th Anniversary Sing – Diplomats Quartet (Calhoun, GA)

by | Jul 16, 2018 | Concert Review

I was so pleased to be able to attend both nights of the two-day homecoming celebration for The Diplomats.  This year marks their 50th year of ministry.  The event was held at Heritage Baptist Church in Calhoun, GA, where the Dips have appeared a number of times over the years.

Of course, the Diplomats sang at both concerts.  Friday night’s concert included Heritage Quartet from Lancaster, SC, and 11th Hour.

Heritage Quartet sang as a trio due to two deaths in the family of their bass singer. The group’s members are Tommy Cashwell, Mike Call, Kenn Jackson, Randy Armentrout, and pianist Rusty Barrineau. They sang several classic songs from groups like Statesmen, Cathedrals, Perfect Heart, and Perrys. Here’s one of their songs:

  • Ain’t That What It’s All About[1]

11th Hour sounded great with Amber Eppinette, Jaquita Lindsey, and their new member, Logan Smith!  This group has been having a lot of chart success, most recently with Doin’ What’s Right (#1 in June, their 5th #1) and Power In Prayer.

  • He Welcomes The Beggar[2] – This song recently received a BMI award
  • I Want to Remember[3] – Logan wrote this song.  He released a recording of it on iTunes[4] on June 13th, and I’m guessing it will probably be on the next 11th Hour recording.

The Diplomats are singing as a male quartet since Rita Pearson stopped traveling in 2017 and their members now are Harold Reed (tenor), Corey Pearson (lead singer and pianist), Jimmy Pearson (baritone), Alex Utech (bass), Zach Flowers (drums), and Jordan Hamby (bass guitar, acoustic guitar, banjo). Harold’s wife Katy (formerly with CS&K) also sang a song at the end of the concert. It was great to see her again!

  • Gospel medley[5] – this is by the band!
  • Scars in the Hands of Jesus[6]

On Saturday, The Guardians appeared along with the Diplomats. Both groups really outdid themselves and it was a terrific service!

The Guardians are Neil Uhrig, Dean Hickman, John Darin Rowsey, and new member Pat Barker.   I’ve been seeing these guys together at concerts for several years and I’m so glad they’ve made Pat a permanent member.  They have a great sound and a fabulous songwriter with John Darin Rowsey.  Here are two of their songs from the evening:

  • The Lord’s Prayer[7]
  • Who Am I[8]

The Diplomats wrapped up the weekend with more great singing and a very special appearance by Mrs. Rita.  Now that they are officially a male quartet, Jimmy told me that the Dips will be at the Memphis Quartet Show next year!!

  • Joy In the Storm[9]
  • Soul Healing[10]
  • And the sweetest moment of the concert – This Is Just What Heaven Means To Me[11] with Mrs. Rita
Endnotes:
  1. Ain’t That What It’s All About: https://youtu.be/mL-ztwUntNQ
  2. He Welcomes The Beggar: https://youtu.be/vV4MN1cNikI
  3. I Want to Remember: https://youtu.be/_EDhJxJFMpg
  4. iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i-wanna-remember-unplugged-version-single/1404148954
  5. Gospel medley: https://youtu.be/xAIBlODlEuM
  6. Scars in the Hands of Jesus: https://youtu.be/yr9C6dTXy2k
  7. The Lord’s Prayer: https://youtu.be/aiVk8fQ79kM
  8. Who Am I: https://youtu.be/GWTKbHyzOqI
  9. Joy In the Storm: https://youtu.be/n2RPxM63hyU
  10. Soul Healing: https://youtu.be/30Fy4lDcGbo
  11. This Is Just What Heaven Means To Me: https://youtu.be/wOk9qK0Rn3I

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Diana Brantley

Diana Brantley

Diana is from the Atlanta, Georgia area and is a relatively recent southern gospel fan, having started listening avidly about 15 years ago. With easy access to eastern Alabama, southeastern Tennessee and north and central Georgia, Diana attends as many concerts as her schedule allows to see a wide variety of artists.

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