Those of us who saw the fantastic "Inspiration of Broadway" performance by Dove Award-winning gospel group Ernie Haase and Signature Sound with "Les Miserables" star J. Mark McVey are still on an "entertainment high."
An enthusiastic audience of about 650 in Harral Auditorium on Thursday night, Jan. 28, enjoyed a stirring and inspiring evening that drew standing ovations for McVey ("The Music of the Night" from "Phantom of the Opera" and "Bring Him Home" from "Les Mis"), the group ("Climb Every Mountain") and one for Wayland graduate and bass singer Paul Harkey with his incredible rendition of "Old Man River."
EHSS, a very high-energy group, played to a big crowd back in May 2014 with a full gospel concert and many that night urged us to have them back.
I know audience members probably wonder if entertainers such as these are aloof, but nothing could be further from the truth when it comes to Signature Sound's individuals, Ernie Haase, Devin McGlamery, Dustin Doyle and Paul Harkey, all very genuine, down-to-earth folks, as are bass player and manager David Griffith and pianist Tyler Vestal.
In fact, the vocalists all did interviews with our Trailblazer newspaper and communication folks, posed for pictures and engaged our students. Paul spoke to a class of choral students and J. Mark McVey, one of the nicest men I have ever met, spent quality time in conversation with several individual students.
The public relations value to Wayland for events like this is incalculable. They build good will and bring to our campus many folks who have never been here and who know little about our university.
The evening was dedicated to Dr. and Mrs. Paul Armes. Dr. Armes is retiring at the end of June after serving 15 years as Wayland's 12th president.
Let me encourage you to not miss Ernie Haase and Signature Sound if they are ever in your area. You'll go home happy with a song in your heart.
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I hope you've seen the latest issue of Footprints, the alumni magazine, always full of good reading. You can access it at our website - wbu.edu - and go the Alumni link. We always welcome Class Notes and obituary information to andrewsd@wbu.edu. Deadline for the Spring issue is March 31. Also, the best sports website in the NAIA is at wbuathletic.com. Stories, videos, schedules and links to free broadcast and stats.
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We continue to make this offer: If you're missing a college yearbook, we'll send you the year or years you need for the price of shipping. We have a good stock we'd like to move out of the storeroom. Just contact andrewsd@wbu.edu
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We're sending a birthday greeting each month with opportunities for free and discounted items to alumni having a birthday that month. So, February folks, watch your e-mail.
Advanced Happy Valentines to all!
