WITH THE HELP of the community and local churches, one man's idea to bring wholesome family entertainment to the area has blossomed into a one-day event that will fill Riviera Beach community park with joyful noise Aug. 19.
Bill Williamson, a Linthicum resident and longtime member of Jenkins Memorial Church in Riviera Beach, is the idea man. "I've been involved with music, to some extent, all of my life," Williamson said.
Williamson brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the volunteer position of the concert's coordinator. "I've played pro baseball, been a telephone counselor for Billy Graham and sung with choirs large and small. It's been an interesting life since I accepted the Lord," he said.
Last summer, Williamson helped set up a Christian concert for youths at the Coast Guard Yard. The concert was a mild success, but Williamson thought that gearing the event to a younger crowd unintentionally excluded Christian music fans of all ages.
"I had hoped the concert would give the kids a chance to mix, but it just didn't happen," he said.
Wanting to try the concert route again, Williamson was determined to include all ages and denominations. Once the location was set, he contacted churches within a 10-mile radius and invited them to send choirs or other musical groups to perform at the free concert. The response, for the most part, was positive. At least 18 church-sponsored groups have signed up.
"We will have musicians and singers performing a variety of gospel, traditional and contemporary Christian music, as well as some performing original compositions," Williamson said.
The event, to be called Music in the Park, is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Riviera Beach community park on Dale Road. Lawn seating will be available. Concert-goers are asked to bring blankets or lawn chairs. The concert will go on rain or shine.
Performers will include Chris Douglas from Faith United Methodist Church; Gospel II from Glen Baptist Church; Jacobs Ladder from Jenkins Memorial Church; Sounds of Faith from Gambrills Faith Community Church; Rupert Hall Men's Choir from Mt. Zion United Methodist Church; Glory Bound from Fellowship Baptist; Lou Redd from Columbia Church; Praise Band from the Church of the Rock; and Sound of Joy, Jessica Hale and the Murphys from Chesapeake Christian Center Church of God.
