The Evelyn and Batista Madonia Agricultural Show Center will be jamming this weekend with faith-based tunes.
The 15th annual Sonshine Opry Gospel Music Festival will bring national gospel artists, local church groups and entertainers to the main stage.
“I can’t wait for that uplifting feeling of praise and worship with hometown folks to lift God’s name up,” organizer Cindy Griffin said. “It’s just all-day family fun.”
The event includes local church performances from Plant City Church of God, First Baptist Church of Dover, Harmony Baptist Church of Dover, New Hope Worship Center, the East Thonotosassa Baptist Church, Hopewell Baptist Church and more.
“I really like that we’re featuring the local performers first and then building up to the national performers,” Griffin said.
Tommy Cash, Dennis Lee, Ramblin’ Rose and Ezekiel 33 will be performing in the evening.
Tommy Cash was born in Arkansas, eight years after his brother, Johnny. He performed with his first band in high school, before enlisting in the U.S. Army. During his service, he deejayed for the American Forces Radio Network. After his service, Cash played with Hank Williams Jr. In 1965, he signed a record deal and has been making hits ever since. They include “Six White Horses,” “One Song Away,” “Rise and Shine” and “I Recall a Gypsy Woman.”
Dennis Lee will serve as an emcee. Originally from Memphis, Lee has been a deejay, Graceland tour guide, Ronald McDonald presenter and even a clown known as “Denny the Clown.” In 1987, Dennis hit the road with The Dennis Lee Show. He has performed at the Florida Strawberry Festival, the Montana State Fair, where he opened for Sheryl Crow, and also has opened for Lee Greenwood and the Beach Boys.
The gals of Ramblin’ Rose aren’t only just bandmates but also family. It was in 1981, when Loretta Woodson and her daughters, Linda Chewning Phillips, Kathy Chewning Devane and Renee Chewning Riddle, and friend, Crisha Dukes, formed the band. In 1990, Ramblin’ Rose took second place in the Florida State Championship competition. The band has performed in the Historic Bok Tower and toured from Canada to Florida. Now Kristin Jenkins, the daughter of Kathy, plays with the band.
Ezekiel 33 is a quartet that uses its music to tell stories about how God’s miracles work in everyday lives. The band will perform to backing tracks, use keyboard and bass and also sing several a capella pieces. They will combine a set list of new music with old favorites.
“It’s just kind of neat to get to know some of these entertainers,” emcee Myrle Henry said. “It’s great to see the smiles and laughter from the entertainment.”
The event also will include a car show with up to 40 cars. That show will take place in the neighboring Astin Farms Pavilion. In the Swindle Family Pavilion to the west, there will be the Little Sonshine Market, featuring vendors such as Dot’s Sunbeam Laundry Cream, Tupperware, umbrellas and skinny wraps.
Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.
Sonshine Opry Gospel Music Festival
WHEN: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14
WHERE: Evelyn and Batista Madonia Ag Show Center, 2508 W. Oak Ave., Plant City
TICKETS: SonshineOpry.com or call Cindy Griffin, (813) 967-6109