The Competition and Hall of Fame Awards Show for 1999 is now history. If you were not present, you missed witnessing history in the making. The Seminars were well received and we will have more of them in the future. There were over 240 acts that competed in areas ranging from Traditional and New Country and Gospel to Bluegrass to Clogging to Songwriting in various categories.
The Showcase on Saturday night saw Donna Fargo, Lynn Anderson and Liz Anderson take the stage at the Mills Auditorium at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Each of these gracious ladies spent several hours signing autographs and having their pictures taken with the members and a great time was had by all present.
On March7, 1999, The Hall of Fame and Awards Show was held at the Louise Mandrell Theater in Pigeon Foge, TN. The program was opened by Lori Wayland, Tennessee, Singing "The Lord's Prayer" and "How Great Thou Art". The Hall of Fame was hosted by Donna Fargo and Johny "K" Koval from WSM. Those appearing on the program were Lewis Owens & The Kinfolk Band from Dollywood; Billy James from New Jersey, who sang a tribute to Cliffie Stone with choreography background provided by Mr. & Mrs. Peyre-Ferry and instrumental backup by Randall Mitchell from Tennessee. Ms. Ginny Peters from New Zealand had traveled over 12,000 miles to be present and accept the Hall of Fame Award for Cliffie. Also appearing was Amanda Pearce doing a tribute to Tex Williams. The NACMAI was honored to have Judy DeRamus present to receive the NACMAI Life Time Achievement Award in Gospel Music.
NACMAI members also entertaining on the program included Bethany Linn Kendrick from Florida with Lynn Anderson joining her on stage to sing "Rocky Top", Patches (Clogging Team) from Louisiana, B.J. Hartless & Common Threads Band from Oklahoma was joined by Stephanie Ahlfeldt. The Show was closed with a performance of Barb Paugh and "Will The Circle Be Unbroken". Executive Director Michael de' Bills also showed his versatility on the keyboard.
As stated earlier, if you missed it, you missed history in the making.
