WHITE OAK — The congregation of White Oak Baptist Church will help the community celebrate the new year by hosting a concert by Ivan Parker at its Christian Study and Recreation Center on Jan. 1.
The concert will begin at 7 p.m., and the doors will open at 6 p.m.
Parker was raised in Sanford, where his father was a pastor in a Pentecostal church. In 1982, Parker joined the Singing Americans, and in 1983 he became lead vocalist of the Dove Award-winning group the Gold City Quartet. As a member of Gold City, he was named Favorite Lead Vocalist by Singing News from 1988–1993, and was named Favorite Male Vocalist from 1989–1995 and 1997. He was inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in 1993.
In January 1994, Parker began recording as a solo artist, and in 1995 he joined Bill and Gloria Gaither in “Homecoming” tour. Occasionally, he would sing with tenor Kirk Talley, and pianist/baritone Anthony Burger in a group they called simply, “The Trio.” He has released 13 solo albums. From 2001-2004 and 2006, The Singing News named him Favorite Soloist. In 2007 and 2008, he was voted Male Vocalist of the Year in the Singing News Fan Awards.
Tickets will be $10 each.
For tickets or more information, contact Doug Strickland at 910-734-5374, or by email at brav01197@yah00.com.