CAM Sing-Off Finalists Selected

Press Release

For Immediate Release

Sing-Off Finalists Selected

Branson, Mo…A preliminary judging committee has selected the 12 finalists for CAM’s Gospel Sing-Off on Sunday September 5^th at Sight & Sound Theatres.  The finalists were selected from nearly 50 very talented entries that arrived from as far east as West Virginia, north from Iowa, south from Texas, and west from Oklahoma and Kansas, as well as from throughout the state of Missouri.  The 12 finalists will perform before a panel of celebrity judges as they compete for prize money that has been donated by the Branson Tourism Center.

The finalists selected are:

1. A trio consisting of Gregg Busch from College of the Ozarks, Branson songwriter Lynda Lynn and her husband Bud Lynn.
2. The Peterson family, the locally popular bluegrass group consisting of Dr. Jon Peterson and his family.
3. Jericho, a quartet from DeSoto, Missouri that took 2^nd place last year.
4. Connected, a duet of Steve Anthony and Darlene Jones from Branson West.
5. The New Joy Quartet from Ash Grove, Missouri.
6. Psalmody, a trio of Branson women (Darla Ramos, LeAnne Kelly & Teri Barry) that were among last year’s finalists.
7. Todd Braschler, an ordained minister from Wichita, Kansas
8. Of One Accord, a quartet from Frisco, Texas.
9. One for All, a trio from Harrison, Arkansas that also competed last year.
10. Matt’s Family Jam, a quintet made up of Branson’s Rolf family.
11. Shelley Luginslad, a singer from Branson West.
12. Zach Svoboda, a young man who recently moved here from Iowa.

In case any of the finalists are unable to perform, the committee named three runner-ups to the final twelve: Sarah Clemmens of Chouteau, Oklahoma, Bethany Schroeder of Ava, Missouri,  and the quartet Proclaim! Of Kimberling City (one of last year’s finalists).

Branson’s George Dyer, currently performing at the Dutton Theater, will set a high mark for the contestants as he opens the show with a guest performance, before moving on to the judging panel.  Last year’s winners, Sons of the Silver Dollar, will be on hand with a closing performance and announcement of this year’s winners.  Aside from the competition and guest performances, the Sing-Off will feature Bob Hubbard of the Foggy River Boys as the host emcee.

According to Christian Action Ministries’ board chair Jack Burke, “Selecting the final twelve was extremely difficult for the committee due to the high level of talent amongst the entries. We really wished we could have allowed all of them to perform.  As the best of the best compete for the prize purse, we anticipate a truly exciting and motivating show this year and urge everyone to come out and support CAM.”  Burke also added that they are still accepting business sponsors for the event, offering ad space and mentions in the event program in exchange for donations.

The Sing-Off will be CAM’s major fundraiser for the year in support of the food pantry for Taney County, which provided services to over 14,000 individuals in 2009, 36% of whom were children.  CAM has recently expanded to operate a food pantry in Forsyth, as well as Branson.

The Sing-Off will be held at Branson’s beautiful Sight & Sound Theatres, home to the show “Noah-the Musical”. Tickets for the event are available through Sight & Sound Theatres reservations at 1-800-377-1277, at the Sight & Sound Theatres lobby box office, or through the Branson Tourism Center at 1-800-785-1550.  Reserved seat tickets are a $12 donation for adults, $6 for children 12 and under.

For more information, contact the CAM offices at 417-334-1157.