Citizens Bank Announces Roger Bennett Memorial Concert
On Saturday, October 3rd, Citizens Bank will host the Hoppers, “America’s Favorite Family of Gospel Music”, at 7:00 p.m. in Independence Hall at UACCB.
Citizens Bank began the gospel concert series on October 6th, 2006 when they brought Roger Bennett & Legacy Five to Batesville for Roger’s homecoming. Bennett, the group’s piano player, was from Strawberry, and very well known in the area. His performance at his homecoming was the last, as he soon after lost his battle with leukemia on March 17, 2007. The series has brought a few of the Southern Gospel greats to the area, and the Hoppers will be no exception.
The Hoppers, whose name has been synonymous with traditional gospel music for over four decades, can certainly be called a Southern Gospel great. Their first number one release came in 1990. Since that time, four more have peaked at number one, including “Anchor To The Power”. In fact, no Southern Gospel recording artist has enjoyed more hits or more top five single releases than this artist.
The Hoppers have enjoyed other national recognition such as singing at the Religious Inaugural Celebration for President Reagan, numerous Top 10 Fan Award nominations from The Singing News magazine, Southern Gospel Music’s leading fan and trade publication, and the Mixed Group of the Year Heart’s Aflame Award in 1995. The group consists of Claude and Connie Hopper, as well as their two sons Mike and Dean. Dean’s wife Kim, joined the group in 1989, and lends to the group’s musical versatility and distinctive sound. In a day when little emphasis is placed on the importance of the family unit, the Hoppers are the prime example of a prosperous family unit that has been blessed by God in many ways.
Fundraising opportunities for local churches are available. This is a great opportunity for youth groups and churches to benefit, as Citizens Bank will give each group one third of their ticket sales. For information on how your church can participate by selling concert tickets, call Carolyn Wammack at 870-793-4441.
Tickets for this event are now on sale and available for $15 each. Tickets may be purchased at any Citizens Bank Branch, various participating church organizations or may be purchased at the door on Saturday for $20 each. Checks may also be mailed to P.O. Box 2156, Batesville, AR 72503 and tickets will be mailed until Sept. 23rd. (Ticket requests after that date will be held at the door.) For further information call 870-793-4441.
