Famed gospel groups bringing Jubilee Christmas Tour to Tri-Cities

Scott Fowler was reading a music magazine some time ago when he came across a survey.

It asked whether readers would rather have a CD with music by a single favorite artist, or a CD with music by two favorite acts.

The readers chose the latter.

That struck Fowler, founder of the Southern gospel act Legacy Five. “It’s what kind of gave us the idea,” he said.

His group and fellow gospel singers Greater Vision recorded an album together — one of many times they’d combine their talents and give audiences more music and fun for their buck.

The two groups are on the road now with their popular Jubilee Christmas Tour, which stops in Pasco on Dec. 4.

They’ll perform a mix of holiday classics, plus favorites from their own catalogs.

“We have a lot of great camaraderie on stage,” Fowler said.

“The concert touches all the emotions. People are going to smile and be happy. They’re also going to have moments of great reflection and thanksgiving and gratitude. And there’s a lot of great humor,” he said.

Showtime is 7 p.m. at Faith Assembly, 1800 N. Road 72. Tickets start at $22. They’re available at IMCconcerts.com and at Faith Assembly.

Legacy Five debuted in 2000, formed by Fowler and Roger Bennett after their previous Southern gospel quartet— the legendary Cathedral Quartet — retired. Bennett died in 2007 after years battling cancer.

Legacy Five now includes Fowler and fellow singers Josh Feemster, Scott Howard and Matt Fouch, plus Josh Townsend on piano.

Greater Vision got its start in 1990 and includes founder Gerald Wolfe as pianist and emcee, plus singers Rodney Griffin, Chris Allman and Jon Epley.

During the Pasco show, Legacy Five and Greater Vision each will take the stage to perform their own sets, then they’ll join forces for some beloved Christmas songs, Fowler said.

“What I hope people will leave saying is that the music was enjoyable to listen to and it had some eternal redemptive value to it. It was a great break from busyness of season,” Fowler said. “Relax and leave all your cares outside the building. Be with other people celebrating the birth of our savior, and the joy that life can bring us if we can let it.”

This story was originally published November 21, 2017 at 9:52 PM with the headline "Famed gospel groups bringing Jubilee Christmas Tour to Tri-Cities."