Dennis and Leslie McKay of Columbus each grew up worshiping through music. Dennis, originally from Vernon, Alabama, traveled the country for several years performing as part of The McKay Family. His father was, and still is, a minister. Leslie hails from Damascus, Arkansas, and sang in church while her father led singing and her mother played piano. Together, the husband and wife duo form McKay Project and bring a mix of blues and country to Southern gospel.
They have been blessed, they say, with opportunities, and they want to extend an opportunity to others. On Oct. 17, the McKay’s M.A.C. Records and Studio 115A present a Gospel Talent Search at noon at the Vernon City Complex in Vernon.
At 5:30 p.m. that same day, they host a Night of Worship event featuring the artists of M.A.C. Records and special guest Chuck Day.
Why a talent search?
“This whole area is so rich in talent,” Dennis said. “In the gospel arena, there is so much good talent that people don’t know about. We’re blessed that we have our own studio, and maybe someone out there needs help getting started; we want to try to help.”
The talent search is open to soloists, duos or groups that perform any sub-genre of gospel, from Southern gospel to country Christian. The deadline to enter is Oct. 10. Entry fee is $125 for soloists, $150 for duos or groups. The judges are gospel industry professionals from throughout the region.
“We can accept only about 12 acts total,” noted Leslie McKay. Judges will be looking at the whole package, she noted — not only performance but also dress, presence and how well acts connect with the audience, so participants should encourage family and friends to attend.
The grand prize consists of a recording package with Studio 115A, a national single radio release by Double E Promotions, an ad in SGN Scoops digital magazine and the opening slot at the Night of Worship concert at 5:30 p.m.
To register, email [email protected], or call 662-889-2829.
Night of Worship, on stage
Chuck Day’s accolades are too numerous to list. He is an ICGMA (International Country Gospel Music Association) Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and Songwriter of the Decade. He was inducted into the ICGMA Hall of Fame in 2000. He has penned more than 15 No. 1 songs, including “Midnight Cry,” recognized as the most recorded popular song in Christian music.
M.A.C. Records’ artists performing include The Reed Brothers of Louisville, ICGMA Vocal Group of the Year for 2015; Carol Barham; the Capstone Quartet; and Kenny Gardner. Also performing will be McKay Project, which was a 2015 ICGMA nominee for Duo of the Year, among other honors.
Socks-N-Souls
Admission to the Oct. 17 Night of Worship will be new socks to support Socks-N-Souls, a ministry to provide new socks for homeless communities.
“We found out that if given the choice between a pair of socks and a meal, most homeless people will choose socks,” said Dennis. “We realized we could make a difference with something we all take for granted every morning when we put on our shoes.”
A love offering will be received at the concert.
For more information, follow McKay Project on facebook or call 662-889-2829.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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