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Gospel Music Concert & Event News from IMC

Q&A w/IMC President, Landon Beene (CARAVAN TOUR)

Posted on February 6, 2023

IMC CONCERTS announces the The Gospel Music Caravan coming to the West Coast! This new tour will be making stops in Washington, Oregon and California in the summer of 2023! The Gospel Music Caravan Tour is a TWO-DAY event in each location that will include three dynamic sessions with some of the biggest names in Gospel Music! This tour is designed for local and regional gospel music fans to enjoy near their homes or take a road trip and join us while we travel down the west coast going to multiple cities.

We sat down with Landon to discuss the details of this dynamic new tour.

“I grew up in California and have great memories of when two or three gospel groups would come out to our area on tour together in the 80’s and 90’s. Those multi-artists tours are the inspiration for the Caravan Tour.” - Landon Beene

How did you come up with the concept for this tour?

The (West Coast) Gospel Music Caravan is a twofold concept: bringing a big event to people who love gospel music and bringing those people along on the tour!

IMC has always had a passion for bringing gospel music to the West Coast. I grew up in California and have great memories of when two or three gospel groups would come out to our area on tour together in the 80s and 90s. Those multi-artist tours are the inspiration for the Caravan Tour.

Why these four cities? 

If you look at the map, these four markets are evenly spread out, from top to bottom, on the U.S. West Coast. We realize that in order to keep this music alive on that side of the country, we need to take the music to THEM! The pandemic has really caused a lapse in gospel music going into the region, as well as the western provinces of Canada. Single night tours are still happening, but the larger events have diminished over the last few years. Our goal is to change that.

Why have you decided on multi-day events in each market?

IMC hosts several multi-day events each year. We have seen the benefit of hosting several sessions in order to maximize the time at the events. It gives those people who are driving long distances the opportunity to take in more music and have a more meaningful overall experience.

Why are there days scheduled in between the concert dates?

While on tour, artists typically travel to a different market each night. They travel on a motor coach and are able to sleep while heading to the next concert date.  We are hoping that many of the attendees will want to travel along with the caravan to each market. This is why we have intentionally included a few days off between stops; to create a travel schedule that accommodates the attendees. It also provides the opportunity for artists and attendees alike to enjoy free time, enabling them to sightsee along the way.

Is each event the same?

There will be some similarities, yes, but while four of the artists will act as hosts at all of the events, each market will showcase two additional artists so that each event will be fresh and slightly different. By doing this, we have been able to include the top artists in gospel music during the 12-day caravan.

What if attendees can only come to one or two of the events?

Great question! Each event will be priced and ticketed separately as a stand-alone event. This way our attendees can pick and choose which events they want to attend. Our hope is that many people will choose to make more than one stop with us. We also hope to have people from the South, Midwest and East Coast who will fly into the first event, rent a car or van and join us for the entirety of our first-ever Caravan Tour!

IMC HAWAII CRUISE TO DROP VACCINE MANDATE

Posted on August 11, 2022

JOHNSON CITY, TN - IMC Concerts President, Landon Beene is please to share the exciting news that the 2023 Gospel Music Celebration Hawaii Cruise is no longer restricted by required vaccinations. This news comes as Norwegian Cruise Line announced on August 8, that starting in September, the Cruise Line will end its vaccine requirement for customers and loosen coronavirus testing rules. Starting Sept. 3, fully vaccinated travelers who are 12 or older will no longer have to test before boarding a ship on Norwegian Cruise Line, which includes the 2023 Gospel Music Celebration Hawaii Cruise, which sets sail the week of June 10-17, 2023.
 
According to the statement by NCL, travelers 12 years or older who are unvaccinated or who do not show proof of vaccination will be allowed onboard as long as they present a negative PCR or antigen test taken in the 72 hours before boarding. Children under 12 will have no testing or vaccination requirements. The relaxation of global protocols and travel requirements, makes it easier for guests to return to sea. “Our long-awaited revisions to our testing and vaccination requirements bring us closer in line with the rest of society, which has learned to adapt and live with COVID-19,” Norwegian President and CEO Frank Del Rio said in a news release.
 
According to IMC President Landon Beene, this recent announcement is great news for potential unvaccinated passengers who would like to be a part of the Gospel Music Celebration Hawaii Cruise. “This is wonderful news for those who are unvaccinated but were wanting to be a part of the Gospel Music Celebration 2023 Hawaii Cruise. We have been waiting to see the status change and are happy to see that Norwegian is taking the steps needed to allow unvaccinated individuals on board,” Beene stated.
 
Gospel Music Celebration cruises presented by IMC and Inspiration Cruises have historically sold out as fans have enjoyed trips to many popular destinations around the globe. Gospel Music Celebration Hawaii will set sail aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s elegant Pride of America from the Hawaiian capital on Honolulu on June 10, 2023. “This cruise is already at 50% capacity, and we believe it will now sell out very quickly since the mandates have been dropped,” Beene shared. Passengers will visit Maui, Hawaii Hilo, Kona and Kauai before returning to Honolulu on June 17. This spectacular island-hopping cruise gives travelers the unique opportunity to spend time on multiple, iconic islands over the course of an unforgettable week without leaving the United States. 
 
In addition to exploring the beauty of sparkling waterfalls, dormant volcanoes, the vibrant array of color in the rainforest, and the majesty of God’s creation, cruisers will enjoy exceptional music from some of Gospel music’s most popular artists, including The Booth Brothers, The Hoppers, Greater Vision, Legacy Five, Triumphant Quartet, Greater Vision, Joseph Habedank, TaRanda Greene, Geron Davis and Kindred Souls, as well as a few special surprise guests. 
 
According to IMC President Landon Beene, limited cabins are available for this exciting Gospel Music Celebration. “Space is limited to only 1000 passengers, so we expect this cruise to sell out very quickly, especially now that the vaccination mandates are being eased. We are excited to be able to offer a cruise to our passengers who may otherwise be uncomfortable traveling outside of the US. We encourage everyone to book their reservations very soon to secure a spot.” 
 
Beene also states that the next 100 passengers to book their cruise will receive a Free Luau, valued at $300 per person. “This luau exclusive for our passengers was and is one of the highlights of the Hawaii cruise, as we take over the entire Luau with our passengers. We fill the Hawaiian air with performances from Gospel music artists, as well as traditional Hawaiian music provided by the locals,” states Booth Brothers member, Michael Booth, who was a part of the Hawaii Gospel Music Celebration in 2018. Additionally, passengers who book online will automatically receive a $100 discount per cabin.
 
Make plans now to be a part of the 2023 Hawaii Gospel Music Celebration, which sails June 10-17.  Call 888-245-4284 or visit www.GospelMusicCelebration.comto learn more details, request a brochure or reserve a cabin.

IMC CONCERTS ANNOUNCES DATES FOR GOSPEL MUSIC CELEBRATION 2023 HAWAII CRUISE

Posted on April 6, 2022

Johnson City, TN - IMC Concerts has announced plans to bring the Gospel Music Celebration to Hawaii in 2023. Known for its gorgeous beaches, stunning blue ocean and remarkable scenery, Hawaii is commonly known as paradise on earth. Gospel Music lovers will soon have the opportunity to visit this picturesque wonderland as IMC Concerts celebrates its 15-year anniversary by presenting the Gospel Music Celebration in Hawaii during the week of June 10-17, 2023.

 

It’s been five years since IMC offered its first cruise option to Gospel Music lovers. Gospel Music Celebration cruises presented by IMC and Inspiration Cruises have historically sold out as fans have enjoyed trips to many popular destinations around the globe. In 2018, IMC presented the very first Gospel Music Celebration Cruise in Hawaii and the cabins sold out within weeks. IMC is delighted to once again offer this trip of a lifetime in 2023. 

 

Gospel Music Celebration Hawaii will set sail aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s elegant Pride of America from the Hawaiian capital on Honolulu on June 10, 2023. Passengers will visit Maui, Hawaii Hilo, Kona and Kauai before returning to Honolulu on June 17. This spectacular island-hopping cruise gives travelers the unique opportunity to spend time on multiple, iconic islands over the course of an unforgettable week without leaving the United States. 

 

In addition to exploring the beauty of sparkling waterfalls, dormant volcanoes, the vibrant array of color in the rainforest, and the majesty of God’s creation, cruisers will enjoy exceptional music from some of Gospel music’s most popular artists, including The Booth Brothers, The Hoppers, Greater Vision, Legacy Five, Triumphant Quartet, Greater Vision, Joseph Habedank, Taranda Greene, Geron Davis and Kindred Souls, as well as a few special surprise guests. 

 

According to IMC President Landon Beene, limited cabins are available for this exciting Gospel Music Celebration. “Space is limited to only 1000 passengers, so we expect this cruise to sell out very quickly. We are excited to be able to offer a cruise to our passengers who may otherwise be uncomfortable traveling outside of the US. We encourage everyone to book their reservations very soon to secure a spot.” 

 

Beene also states that the first 500 passengers will receive a Free Luau, valued at $300 per person. “This luau exclusive for our passengers was and is one of the highlights of the Hawaii cruise, as we take over the entire Luau with our passengers. We fill the Hawaiian air with performances from Gospel music artists, as well as traditional Hawaiian music provided by the locals,” states Booth Brothers member, Michael Booth, who was a part of the Hawaii Gospel Music Celebration in 2018. Additionally, passengers who book online will automatically receive a $100 discount per cabin.

 

Due to the worldwide pandemic, IMC was unable to present cruises during the latter part of 2020 and during 2021; however, IMC was the first Gospel Music cruise to return to the high seas in 2022 when the Gospel Music Celebration sailed to the Caribbean. “We had a blast,” Beene states. “We enjoyed a ship full of happy, safe and healthy passengers, who were delighted to be sailing once again. We are expecting a fantastic week.”

 

Make plans now to be a part of the 2023 Hawaii Gospel Music Celebration, which sails June 10-17.  Call 888-245-4284 or visit www.GospelMusicCelebration.com to learn more details, request a brochure or reserve a cabin.

 

Southwest Gospel Music Festival - Returning to MESA AZ in 2022!

Posted on August 2, 2021

Johnson City, TN - Following a hiatus in 2021 as a result of the global pandemic, IMC Concerts has announced plans to once again host the Southwest Gospel Music Festival in the city of Mesa, AZ, at the elaborate Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theatre. “We were deeply saddened to postpone the SWGMF in 2021,” IMC President, Landon Beene states. “It was a very difficult decision, but with the capacity restrictions that were in place, our team felt this was the best decision to make at the time. We really missed being able to host the event in 2021, but we are thrilled to be able to have the opportunity to once again present the event the weekend of January 13-15, 2022."
 
According to IMC Concert representative Nathan Goble, all ticket holders from the 2020 event may call the Ikeda Theatre Box Office at 480-644-6500 or visit the Box Office in person to obtain tickets for the 2022 event. Those individuals may reserve seats prior to July 31. Tickets that will go on sale to the general public on Monday, August 2.
 
The 2022 Festival will be a three days, four session event, featuring many of Christian music’s most prominent and talented artists, including The Booth Brothers, The Hoppers, Legacy Five, Ernie Haase and Signature Sound, Tribute Quartet, Cana’s Voice, The Erwins and many others. A complete schedule of the weekend’s festivities is available at www.SouthwestGospelMusicFestival.com.
 
Complete information regarding the Southwest Gospel Music Festival, as well as other events presented by IMC Concerts is available at www.IMCconcerts.com or by calling 1-877-392-9710.
 
Make plans now to be a part of the 2022 Southwest Gospel Music Festival on January 13-15 in Mesa, AZ, at the beautiful Mesa Arts Center Ikeda Theatre.

IMC Announces Praisfest announces BIG GROWTH to celebrate 10 Year Anniversary

Posted on April 19, 2021

Johnson City, TN – Praisefest Branson has enjoyed a decade of success. In celebration of the event’s 10-year anniversary, IMC President, Landon Beene, has announced plans to present a week-long event in 2022 at the elaborate Mansion Theatre. This is the same location where the event originated in 2012. 

According to Beene, the event will take place over six days – March 14-19, 2022 – and feature more than 25 of the country’s most popular singers, musicians, and speakers. This lineup highlights many of the same artists that are featured annually, including Greater Vision, Legacy Five, the Booth Brothers, Triumphant Quartet, and The Hoppers. Joining this already-impressive lineup are several new faces to this event, including Sandi Patty, David Phelps, Babbie Mason, Veritas, The Martins, and Cana’s Voice. The event will also feature noted speaker, Dr. David Jeremiah, and well-known comedians, Ken Davis and Mark Lowry. Also, a special celebration will take place on Wednesday evening, March 16th, that features a 300-plus voice choir comprised of choral members from numerous states, including Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, and Illinois. This incredible variety will ensure that there is something present for everyone in attendance. 

According to IMC representatives, Praisefest Branson Spring 2022 is being presented as two separate events. This will offer fans the option to attend either Branson Spring Prelude, which takes place March 14 – 16, or Branson Spring Encore, which will be held March 17 – 19. Fans also have the option of attending all six days.

“For the last few years, this event has been sold out,” states IMC representative Nate Goble. “We want to give people that haven’t been able to come before the opportunity to enjoy this event. By providing two events back-to-back for a week-long event, we will be able to provide more opportunities to service this demand.”

“We are thrilled to be making this a week-long opportunity for the fans of Gospel music,” Beene adds. “People love their time in Branson and have found it to be a great economical get-away without having to travel too far. There is no other event of this size and nature offered within a 500-mile radius, making this the largest event of its kind for this geographical region.”

Perfectly situated on Expressway Lane, the Mansion Theatre features free on-site parking, and in recent years, has invested in major renovations. Additionally, in an ongoing effort to provide quality productions, the 2022 event will feature state-of-the-art IMAG video screen projection, so that fans may have an exceptional view of the artists on stage. Organizers say this has been a request of event patrons for quite some time. IMC is very excited to be able to offer this for the 2022 event.

Registration and ticket sales have just been opened to the public. Due to pre-renewals of annual pass holders, the best seats are going fast. “We are looking forward to another sold-out event, so we are encouraging those wishing to attend to plan early. We are also very excited that the town of Branson has announced the expiration of their mask mandate, so our attendees will not be required to wear a mask if they do not wish to do so,” Goble explains.

Current ticket holders are encouraged to call right away to obtain seating upgrades to new seating that has just been opened. Tickets are on sale now for all events. Event registration and complete information is available by calling 800-965-9324 or visiting  www.PraisefestBranson.com. 

 



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