Gospel Sing-In celebrates 20th year

Salvation Army holiday basket sign-up starts Monday
5:31 p.m.
Kettering hospital refused to help unmarried woman get pregnant
11/7/09
Floor problem too hard to carpet over
11/6/09
Clean your horses, dogs and cats the natural way
11/6/09
Pastor prepares public prayers
11/6/09
> More lifestyle headlines

By Khalid Moss, Staff Writer Updated 5:29 PM Friday, July 10, 2009

Ken Shiveley loves to sing. And why not? He’s been doing it for 79 years.

“I’m 87 years old,” he said. “I did my first radio program in Maysville, Ky., when I was 7 years old. Singing makes me feel young. Gospel music uplifts my mind, body and spirit.”

Shiveley is the pastor of Dayton Christian Union Church, where he preaches every Sunday. He’s also the founder of the Gospel Sing-In at Eastwood MetroPark. Now in its 20th year, the songfest takes place from noon to 8 p.m. today and Sunday, July 11-12.

“This is a family-oriented affair,” Shiveley said. “It’s a time to unite and enjoy the weekend. We’ll have something for everybody: Southern gospel, bluegrass, contemporary Christian music, food vendors and games for the kids.”

The Sing-In was created when Shiveley invited a group of singers to stage a concert at Memorial Hall. The next year he decided to take it to an outdoor venue. After initial resistance by the parks department, Shiveley got the go-ahead to host the event at Eastwood MetroPark in 1990.

“We hold the concerts on the second weekend in July,” Shiveley said. “It draws huge crowds each year.”

One of the featured performers is singer Jake Holder of Bellbrook. Holder is a 19-year-old University of Dayton student with golden pipes. He loves to sing southern gospel music and has been invited to sing at the Branson Gospel Music Festival in Branson, Mo.

“Jake is a great soloist with a wonderful bass voice,” Shiveley said. “He’s a Top Flight alumnus and is beginning to reach a lot of people with his gift. I just hope he stays in the ministry.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2167  or kmoss@DaytonDailyNews.com.