STREETS OF GOLD EASTERN QUARTET CONVENTION

Some of the best groups and artists in all of southern Gospel music visited the three day Fourth Annual "Streets Of Gold Eastern Quartet Convention" held on October 25, 26 and 27, 2001.  The home of this major event is the beautiful Palace Inn and Convention Center in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, 13 miles south of Pittsburgh.

Four events took place within this three day convention.  Master of Ceremonies for all festivities was Tim Lovelace.  The convention consisted of three evening concerts, a Saturday Instrumental Jam Pickin' Session by "Tim Lovelace and Friends" followed by an exciting Quartet Extravaganza that featured eight great quartets.  The Quartet Extravaganza also featured a super All Star Quartet or as Tim Lovelace calls it, The Scrap Iron Quartet.

Each event opened with a group singing the National Anthem.  The crowd respectfully stood and faced to the right in honor of the flag.  It was an amazing large, hand knitted American Flag, provided by a friend of Joe Chioda.  A black curtain encircled the flag and gave it all the honor it deserved.

As the hundreds of people entered the spacious auditorium, they were amazed by the soothing atmosphere.  Everyone gazed at the gorgeous crystal chandeliers that were highlighted by the beautiful lighted wall mounted wall pictures, displaying the Pittsburgh Triangle.  The electrifying stage was engulfed by colored lights and spotlights that brilliantly shone on an airbrush banner that said Streets Of Gold Eastern Quartet Convention.  Across the hall was the Streets Of Gold Food Court that was located next to the artists' exhibit area.

Among the groups that were represented were The Weatherfords, Bob and Jeanne Johnson, The Couriers, The Melody Masters, Tim and Mary Alice Lovelace, Rejoice, The Needhams, The Journeymen, The Laymen, The Relations Quartet, Lighthouse, Faith Harmony Boys, GarceWay Quartet and Stone Ridge Quartet.  Some of the solo artists that were represented were Ernie Phillips, Ed Crawford, Randy Miller, Buddy Liles and keyboardist, Lorne Matthews.  There were other quartets, mixed groups and family groups that made up the more than 30 groups that appeared.

Saturday's Quartet Extravaganza was highlighted by the Scrap Iron Quartet, which consisted of tenor, Ernie Phillips, lead, Ed Crawford, baritone, Steve Weatherford and bass Buddy Liles.  They were backed up by keyboardist, Tim Lovelace and bass guitarist, Randy Miller.  The group also performed on Saturday evening.  They received two encores and three standing ovations.  Everyone encouraged them to keep singing and hated to see them stop singing.  They had to bring their stand to a close because they only rehearsed a short time before they sang and they said that didn't know anymore songs!

Another highlight each evening was the group sing a long.  This consisted of those recognizable faces of the artists which were appearing each evening.  They sang a beautiful medley of old songs and hymns.  The crowd was most appreciative and sang along as they enjoyed the blessings of the music.

The reaction and the comments that were spoken by those in attendance was that the talent at this year's convention was great!  People realized the unity that was among all of the groups.  Many said that it was a spiritual blessing that will be remembered until they return next year.

The 2002 Streets Of Gold Eastern Quartet Convention will once again be at the Palace Inn.  The dates for the 2002 convention are October 24, 25 and 26, 2002.  Ninety percent of the same artists will appear again next year with very few added.  This particular convention has presently had its bills and expenses paid for, for the first time in four years.  Pittsburgh, in the past, has been known as a location of not having too many southern Gospel music fans.  Through the perseverance of Joe Chioda and Streets Of Gold it seems that this statement needs to be revised to say that Streets Of Gold successfully introduced good clean professional southern Gospel music to this tri-state area by bringing in top quality talent.  The Monroeville and Pittsburgh area has many restaurants. motels and shopping areas that can accommodate those who visit.  And, by the looks of things, people are finally beginning to realize that southern Gospel music is alive and well and has a great future in Pittsburgh thanks, in large part, to Streets Of Gold.