Branson Tourisim Center's Becky Jewsberry congratulating the Petersen's after presenting them with the first place prize check. Left to right, Katie, Matthew, Jon, Karen (mostly blocked) and Ellen. The lady in red to the right is Barbara Fairchild.
Branson’s “Petersen Family Band” won the 2nd Annual Branson Christian Action Ministries’ (CAM) Gospel Sing-Off held at Branson’s Sight and Sound Theatre, the home of spectacular productions of “NOAH the Musical” and the “Miracle of Christmas” at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 5. The 12 finalists, selected from over 50 applicants from five different states performed before a large Branson crowd and a panel of celebrity judges competing for $3,000 in prizes.
The celebrity judging panel was composed of people, who like the vast majority of everyone else associated with CAM, volunteered their time. The judges were Branson performers Barbara Fairchild, George Dyer, and Benjamin Dutton; Ronnie Page Entertainment Editor for the Branson Daily Independent and a member of the “Nashville’s Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame” and John Bartley, a photographer for the Chicago Tribune.
The 12 finalists were “Jericho,” a quartet from DeSoto, MO; Shelley Luginsland living in Branson West, MO; Todd Braschler from Wichita, KS; “One For All,” quartet from Harrison, AR; “Angels Wings” from Branson, MO; Zach Svoboda from Vinton, IA; “The New Joy Quartet” from Ash Grove, MO; Sarah Clemmens from Tahlequah, OK; “Psalmody,” a trio from Branson, MO;” Matt’s Family Jam,” a family quintet from Branson, MO; “Connected,” a duet from Branson West, MO and “The Petersen Family Band from Branson, MO.
The competition was filled with great gospel singing and a great mix of original music. When the results were tabulated Todd Braschler had won the third place prize of $500.00, Psalmody second place and $1,000 and The Petersen Family Band first place and its $1,500 first place prize.
The Petersen Family Band, consisting of the father Jon; mom, Karen; sisters Katie and Ellen and brother Matthew performed a live “non track” music program displaying not only their instrumental and vocal talents, but their ability to connect with the audience. The highlight, in this writers opinion, was their acapella version of “Travelin Shoes.”
After presenting the checks to the winners, Becky Jewsberry representing the prizes donor, the Branson Tourism Center, said, “What a wonderful afternoon of talent and gospel music. It was a an honor for us to be able to partner with CAM in an event like this that is a major fund raiser for CAM’s work in helping to feed the needy and hungry within our community. What a blessing it is to be a part of providing an opportunity for such talented performers to share their talents on the stage of the Sight and Sound Theatre with a Branson audience having a heart for CAM’s work and gospel music.”
Bob Hubbard, of the “Foggy River Boys” and the original lead singer of “The Jordanaires,” did an excellent job of Emceeing. In addition to the talent of the competitors, world-renowned tenor and Branson performer George Dyer opened the show with a set. His rendition of “Abide With Me Tis Even Tide” was simply amazing. While awaiting the judges final tabulations, last year’s winners of the event, “The Sons of the Silver Dollar, who perform at Silver Dollar City, showed the crowd just why they won with a wonderful performance and their goose bump generating presentation of “In God We Still Trust.”