THE PUBLIC MIND: READER FEELS GOSPEL OPERATION DESERVES MORE SUPPORT

Dear Editor:

I don't know if you will publish this in your column or in the "In My Opinion" column, but I feel this needs to be said.

For a few months we have had an excellent opportunity to hear several good local and nationally known gospel singers at the Gospel Connection. I have heard time and again people say they wish they had something to do on Friday or Saturday night that wasn't expensive to attend. Here is their perfect opportunity and yet there is barely a handful of people there.

KUGT is the only source of hearing gospel music locally and they have sponsored many well attended gospel concerts at the Show Me Center. The price for one ticket is almost double (sometimes more) than the price of one ticket to the Gospel Connection. I thank God for KUGT's efforts and I pray they continue to bring them here. I don't understand why we can't support our local artists, as we do the nationally known ones.

The Gospel Connection recently had the Blackwood Quartet, but there were plenty of empty seats. Yet, people will travel to Branson, Nashville, St. Louis or wherever, pay a higher price for a ticket, and the place will be sold out months in advance.

Country gospel, Southern gospel, or whatever you want to call it, is very popular, according to KUGT radio. I've inquired as to why more conventional or pop gospel is not played and they told me it's because they get too many complaints from the Southern gospel listeners. If they like to listen to it on the radio, why can't they support them by seeing them in person as well.

There will be another opportunity for people this weekend to hear more local talent. I will be there.

The only reason I am signing my name is because I don't want the public to think that Mr. Reeder had anything to do with this article. I support his efforts and I congratulate him and his family for taking on this endeavor. May God bless him.

A concerned citizen,

Margaret Sanders

Cape Girardeau