News Release
THE DAILY HOME
January 6, 2004
A great night of gospel greets guests at the Ritz
By Laura Tutor
The first caused such a turnout there were well over 100 people on the waiting list.
And that was with 50 extra chairs placed inside the historic Ritz Theater in Talladega, and the mezzanine filled to capacity.
The crowd of 550 attending last fall’s gospel show with The Trio let Antique Talladega Executive Director George Culver know there’s a huge appreciation for great gospel music in The Ritz’s region.
That gives good reason for a repeat performance from the genre and why a very special evening of gospel greats is planned for Feb. 7 at The Ritz.
Two family gospel groups whose names are surely well known to music fans come to town for just one show at The Ritz.
The Hoppers and The Pfeifers take the stage at 7 p.m., each offering a long legacy of entertaining through their collective spiritual commitment.
For four decades, Claude and Connie Hopper have performed for thousands of audiences. Their two sons, Mike and Dean are also part of the group, along with Dean’s wife Kim, who joined the group in 1989.
The Hoppers’ musical style appeals to those of Christian faith and beyond, one of the reasons for their continued success.
Their first number one hit came in 1990, Here I Am, which stayed at the top of the gospel music charts for four months, eventually becoming Song of the Year.
Since then, four other recordings have reached number one, including Milk and Honey, Mention My Name, Anchor to the Power of the Cross and Yes I Am.
In 1981, The Hoppers represented Southern Gospel Music at the Religious Inaugural Celebration for former President Ronald Reagan.
They also appeared at the National Rally to Restore Prayer in public school systems. The Hoppers tour regularly with the Gaither Homecoming Tour that plays to more than 900,000 people each year in major sports arenas throughout the country.
The Pheifers add the element of mixing brass instruments they play to accompany their performances of vocal harmony.
Candy Pfeifer was just 20 years old when she organized a musical ministry with some friends. It was when her older brother John joined the group that musical instruments were added to develop the individual style they’re now known for.
Using the trumpet, saxophones, drums, keyboard and guitars, The Pfeifers have forged a unique place in gospel music.
Members now include John and Candy, along with Mary Carter, drummer Rob Collins, pianist Stan Sheridan and sound technician Rob Snyder.
Each member shares the goal of being their best for the honor of their lord.
Based in The Washington Court House, Ohio, The Pheifers’ family ministry has performed in locations that include Dr. Jerry Falwell’s Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Va. and The Mickey Gilley Theater in Branson, Mo. They have also performed on The Nashville Network’s Primetime Country and Trinity Network’s Praise the Lord program. Their weekly television program, The Pheifers-Lifting Jesus, is carried by 20 television stations and two satellite feeds.
The Pheifers feel theirs is a ministry to encourage fellow Christians and add souls to the kingdom of God.
Reserved seating tickets for the performances are $16, and for groups of 8 or more, tickets are $15 each. Tickets may be ordered by telephone at (256) 315-0000, by fax from(256) 315-0084 or online at www.talladega,com/ritz. Visa, Mastercard and personal checks are accepted.
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