35 YEARS AND COUNTING: Truthseekers Homecoming set for March 21-23

Seven of southern gospel music's biggest artists will descend upon the Marion Cultural and Civic Center March 21-23 for the 35th-annual Truthseekers Homecoming.

The event, which draws nightly crowds of around 800 from a five-state area, will feature nightly concerts.

According to a media release from Jim Snider, one of the organizers of the event, Homecoming attendees "know they will hear the best of the best in Southern Gospel Music."

This year's lineup includes The Booths and the Mylon Hayes Family on Thursday, March 21. The Triumphant Quartet and Dixie Melody Boys will take the stage on Friday, March 22. Saturday's concert will feature Greater Vision, the Mark Trammell Quartet, and The Second Half Quartet.

Snider said that at least one of the evenings each year is a "sell out," with as many as 650 seats that are presold.

All seats are reserved.

The weekend event also includes prayer breakfasts held at Lone Oak Baptist Church in Energy. Lone Oak pastor, David Dyer will speak on Thursday. Andy Lee of Whiteash Baptist Church will take the pulpit on Friday followed by Jeff Owens of Stonefort Baptist Church on Saturday.

The Truthseekers will provide music for these services.

The services begin at 9:30 a.m. but the coffee and doughnuts are served at 8 a.m.

These events are free and open to the public.

A free concert featuring Sunday Drive will be held at the Lone Oak church on Saturday at 1 p.m. A catered lunch will be served at noon prior to the concert. The cost of the meal is $8 per person.

Advance tickets are $20 per person per night ($22 at the door) or $40 for all three concert nights.

All seats are reserved. For tickets or information, call 618-889-1981 or visit online at www.truthseekershomecoming.com.