Southern gospel quartet to play Aurora church benefit

Acclaimed Southern gospel group Glory Way Quartet--Justin Sayger, from left, Donnie Abraham, Justin Crank and Royce Taylor—will headline a Spring-spiration fundraiser at Aurora’s Fourth Street United Methodist Church, 551 S. Fourth St. in Aurora, May 19.

In a second annual concert, the Mansfield, Ohio-based group will headline a Spring-spiration fundraiser to benefit the church. The event opens at 6 p.m. with an ice cream social, hot dogs, sloppy Joe sandwiches, cake walk and silent auction.

The concert begins at 8 p.m. Food is included in ticket prices.

Tickets are $15 at the door, $12 in advance for adults; $8 for children under 10 and $30 for a family of four with children under 10.

Advance tickets are available at the church office. Hours are 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday through Friday. For phone sales, call (630) 897-5257.

Rev. Deborah Tinsley Taylor, church pastor, invites the public. She said the quartet is returning by popular demand after performing during an April 2016 worship service.

GWQ members are Donnie Abraham, baritone; Justin Crank, lead/manager; Royce Taylor, tenor; and Justin Sayger, bass.

Founded in 2002 by Crank, GWQ signed in 2014 with Capitol Artists, a prestigious booking agency in the world of Southern gospel entertainment. The group has released eight recordings, including a Christmas CD.

The quartet travels nationwide, averaging more than 200 concert dates annually.

GWQ became popular on nationwide radio with releases that include "It's So Peaceful" and "Live With Jesus."

The group has participated in numerous national quartet convention showcases and in 2014 was nominated for the GME Top 10 for Quartet of the Year.

GWQ headlined and helped to launch landmark fundraisers such as Autism Awareness and Celebrating U.S. Veterans in eastern Kentucky.

Additionally, Glory Way participated in the "Is What It Was Elvis Show," working with Elvis' band leader Joe Guercio. The group also performed at the Columbus Clippers Baseball Faith and Family Night and Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Va.

GWQ is no stranger to nationwide radio, with several popular releases including ‘It’s So Peaceful’ and ‘Live With Jesus’. GWQ has participated in numerous ‘NQC’ showcases down thru the years, and in 2014 was nominated for the GME ‘Top 10’ for ‘Quartet of the Year’.

GWQ is no stranger to outdoors events such as state fairs and festivals including Punxsutawney, Wayne County and Hancock.

Call (630) 897-5257 or email FourthstUMC@SBCglobal.net for more information.

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