One of the things I love about NQC is the opportunity to see some new artists. I try to make it to as many of the artist showcases in the food court as I can but this year I was only able to attend the Friday event. Troy Burns was our emcee. As usual, there was a lot of talent in the room! Each artist was allowed to perform two selections. Here are a few comments about these artists and one video from each of them:

The Mattingly Family – I was particularly interested to see this group since the Blackwood Brothers’ new lead singer, Jonathan Mattingly, is from this famly!! They are singing now as a mixed trio.

• When I See The Cross

Cami Shrock – This young lady is a soloist. She had a very nice stage presence and I enjoyed both of her songs.

• That’s What Makes Grace Amazing

Bless’d Ministries – This was a mixed quartet and I couldn’t tell if they were married couples or not. This year, it seems like the groups must’ve been told they didn’t need to introduce their members, because most of them didn’t!

• When God Shows Up, He Shows Out

The Journeys – Donna Journey is a soloist with her son Ben playing the guitar on one song and the piano on the second. Donna’s ministry is to share testimonies about raising an autistic child.

• Here I Go Again

Westward Road – This group consists of a husband, wife, and their son. I thought they had a nice, smooth sound.

• This Is The Lamb

The Sound -This trio with a father and two songs sang their song Good News, which has been #36 on SN charts I thought this group had a really good chance of winning the showcase. I enjoyed them very much.

• God’s Bigger Than That

Reliance – This male trio came all the way from California and were very good! I absolutely loved this song, which was written by Shane Roark.

• Grace Is Never Far

Matchless Grace – I had seen this group before in a showcase a few years ago They are a mixed trio including a husband and wife and another lady.

• When Nothing But A Miracle Will Do

The Sons Family – This family group consists of Gayle Sons, her son Greg, and his wife Kim and their daughter Hannah.

• Dying to Live Again

Kent Curtis Family – This group consists of Ken, his wife, and their son and daughter. Ken is the pastor of Open Bible Assembly Church in McEwen, TN.

• You’ve Gotta Have the Want To

The Millers – Their website shows them as a quartet, but they sang as a trio during this showcase. They were very enjoyable!

• Shepherd Became The Lamb

Timothy Noble with fiance Hosanna Plath – I first saw this young man 9 years ago at a Parade of Pianos presentation in Shipshewana, IN, and he has been featured several times over the years since then in various events at NQC. In the last few years he has combined singing with his piano playing and this year he also included Hosanna playing the violin. They were the winners of the showcase and were featured on the Main Stage playing and singing “They Could Not.” I’m including a video of their other song. (Sorry, I had a little issue with the camera and missed the very first part.)

• Meeting In The Air/When We See Christ/I Bowed On My Knees And Cried Holy

The Woodsmen Quartet -This was a talented male quartet that I also thought had a very good chance to win the showcase.

• Standing On Holy Ground