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A Conversation with co-owner Kelly Capriotti Burton

Branson Gospel Music Convention was first held in July 2009, featuring over 150 southern and country gospel artists during daily and nightly concerts as well as the SGN Scoops Diamond Awards. The convention, which holds the credo, “The Spotlight is on the Message,” returns to Branson this June 28 – July 2. The event is organized by YMR Music Productions, LLC., a company formed and operated by gospel music soloist and Hinson Revival member Rod Burton and his wife Kelly.

The Branson Gospel Music Convention is coming back for a second year. Tell us a bit about year one.

Year one was like having a baby! There were so many wonderful, truly miraculous aspects of it, and there were also some severe pains, and there were a few surprises in both of those categories. Overall, in a way, the first year was for the artists. I have never been in such an environment where ego was put aside and encouragement took its place. There was not an air of competition, and I could look around at any time of day and see artists and their families praying together, eating together, playing together, and fellowshipping. This happened amongst the ones who’ve been in music for decades and the ones attending their first event. It happened amongst people who have had songs in the top 10 and those just releasing their first CD. That truly made the effort worth it and worth building on. Meanwhile, however, we were able to attract an audience who was hungry for sincere gospel music in a ministry setting.

What about 2009’s event worked best, and how will you build on that?

Well, the sense of partnership and thirst for revival among the artists was something we planned for and fostered, but it was not until we got there that we saw what a need and anointing there was for it! This year, we hope to be more intentional in encouraging the artists – they are ministers, some full time, some putting full time energy in while working outside jobs. More specific times will be set aside for artists to pray and worship together, and we’re also going to offer a workshop or two for new artists who are looking to learn about things like booking and stage prescience.

Meanwhile, this year we are partnering more closely with the city of Branson to promote this event. Everyone from Mayor Pressley to the Branson Tourism Center has welcomed us and working with us to ensure a bigger audience. The convention will end right before 4th of July weekend, and by design, we hope this affords our artists and our audience some extra time to relax and enjoy the family fun available to them right on Main Street!

Based on 2009, what will be different this year?

One important difference is how much we learned. We know some things about marketing and event production that will help us in big ways this year. We also have had people come into our lives who have been a tremendous help. Last year, Rod and I were essentially on our own, and this year we have strategic partners, including some in the city of Branson, to draw audiences to the Branson Convention Center and to help us create an event that is going to both entertain and nourish them.

On a logistical level, we have added one additional night of concerts. We are also bringing in some singers and performers who are unique to Branson for daily “spotlight” showcases. Branson is a very small, family-friendly town, and much of the entertainment there is Christian by nature. We’d like to introduce that way of ministering to a larger, more traditionally southern gospel audience.

Who can fans expect to see on the stage?

The list grows and changes every day, and we’re working on some big announcements for February. That said, we’re building on where we started last year: traditional and contemporary, national and regional. That means you will see a mix of Chuck Wagon Gang and HisSong, Blackwood Brothers and Young Harmony, Dino and Kenny Bishop. Some of our audience favorites from last year will be highlighted this year, including Beyond the Ashes, Hinson Revival, and Original Gospel Sounds. We’re still working on some reunions and surprises. One thing that fans can expect to see is more of the same worship atmosphere they saw in 2009. We aren’t just putting on a show. We’re going to have church!
Is planning for your second year easier than planning for the first?

In some ways, sure. We’re not building every form and procedure from scratch. We have some notoriety – in fact, we were just nominated in the SoGospelNews SGN Music Awards for a 2010 Pacesetter! We’re excited about that. We understand that some sit back and watch the first year of a thing to see how it goes, and so we have more interest in terms of sponsorship and participation this year than last. That’s great.

In the mean time, though, we have more people to please. We want to stay true to the flavor of last year and also keep our audiences excited. The fact is, though, we’re not working to duplicate another industry event. We’re creating something new, and there will be some hits and misses along the way. If we learned any one thing from last year, it’s that following after what we believe to be God’s direction and call will result in a bigger and better time – by His standards – than what we could ever plan!
Is your artist advisory board still in place?

Yes! We are still being served with guidance and experience by Dusty Wells of Word Publishing, Bobby Carter of Jay Stone Singers, Brenda Denney of 2nd Generation, Johnathan Bond of Young Harmony, and Kenny Bishop. This year we’ve also asked our friend and colleague Rob Patz to join us. Rob of course is known for SGM Radio and the Southern Styles Show. He is also now the publisher of SGN Scoops, which is home of the Diamond Awards, which will take place during the convention… We like the synergy! We are thankful to be surrounded in prayer and logistical support by people with vast experiences in gospel music and a lot of knowledge to offer us.

What would you like fans to know about Branson Gospel Music Convention?

First and foremost, this is a ministry event. Yes, we’ll have fun, there’s a food court and product tables and an awards show and all that comes with a convention. But I guarantee, if you come and need prayer, anyone from our advisory board to our aunt working Rod’s table will be willing to pray with you. I saw it last year – in fact, one of my most cherished rewards was when I was selling tickets to someone last year. An artist walked up to me crying – her son was in need of medical attention and she had to leave to attend to him. Bobby Carter was standing there and I asked him to pray with her so I could deal with the customer. As I turned back to that customer, he was already praying! All I could think was how blessed I was to witness that, to work in that kind of setting. We will continue to foster that atmosphere. As long as Rod and I are behind this convention, the glory of and service to God will be second to nothing – not ticket sales or headliners or anything else.

Secondly, we want fans to enjoy themselves. We believe we’re building a line-up that holds quality and variety. We believe people will be able to enjoy their long-time favorites and discover new ones. We also strive to have something for the entire family. Sky Angel, one of our sponsors, is helping us plan a special area just for kids this year. We’re passionate about fostering a future audience for southern and country gospel music.

Third, and I will conclude here: Branson is a really fun place! There are unique places to eat and shop and sleep at night! There are wonderful Christian people running many of the businesses there. We highly recommend you buy a weekly pass to Branson Gospel Music Convention and spend the weekend before or after exploring the other great sights and sounds there. That’s what our family will be doing, and we look forward to seeing you there!

Information, tickets, and artist registration can be found at http://www.bransongmc.com

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