GAITHER HOMECOMING CONCERT SET

Finding new talent and voices for Christian music wouldn't have been difficult if you attended Godstock '99.

Nearly 40 singers and 13 bands performed during the three-day event, and many of those bands will enter a national talent search for Christian musicians.

The event will be held at 9 a.m. May 22 at the Bavarian Halle near Fruitland. It is limited to 75 acts, including both soloists and groups. To register, call event organizer Wade Cardwell at 243-7116.

The talent search is a prelude to the Gaither Homecoming Concert series set for June 19 at the Show Me Center. Tickets for the Heartland Homecoming concert go on sale May 22 at the box office but are available by mail order.

The McGruders of Kennett and the Southern Brothers will perform during the talent search as the acts are narrowed from 75 to 20 and then again to 10.

The top 10 acts selected by Nashville producer Garry Jones will be asked to perform in a shootout June 19.

Musicians chosen to return don't necessarily get recording contracts, because often it's the raw talent that needs polishing that is chosen, Jones said.

But "there's always a shortage of talent and we're always looking," Cardwell said.

The Heartland Homecoming series is said to be the largest single-day event planned in Christian music this year, said Cardwell.

Artists like George Younce, Ernie Haase, Mike LeFevre, Ann Downing, Sue Dodge and other surprises are planned.

But Christian music isn't the only order of the day for the Heartland Homecoming event.

Ben Speer will lead a seminar on singing techniques and then lead a Heartland Homecoming Choir during the concert. People who attends the seminar can join the choir. No auditions are needed.

Performances for the homecoming concert begin at 6:30 p.m.

Focus on the Family representatives will lead a parenting seminar, and music writer Barbara Huffman will lead a seminar on music writing.