Keith Lancaster » AVB

New ACAFEST Dates Announced

Keith — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 12:29:29 +0000

UPDATE: The dates for ACAFEST and Acappella’s 30th Anniversary that were previously announced have been changed and expanded. The new dates for ACAFEST 2012: June 30 – July 3. We are excited to be adding one day to the celebration, with plans to kick off the 30th anniversary activities with a concert on June 30. Join us and a host of others at Lipscomb University for a reunion like no other.

This Month’s Download to Benefit Miller Family

Keith — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 14:06:57 +0000

This month’s Single Of the Month is the song, “More” written by Gary Miller. This version is a tribute song, performed by AVB alumni including: Aaron Herman, Luke Brown and current Vocal Union bass, Josh Harrison. Also, a choir of people was assembled to sing on this unique version of Gary Miller’s song. I can picture him singing it with the angels in Heaven. All proceeds for this download will go to the Miller family. Please tell everyone to pass the word along. Here’s the link, found at The Acappella Company Store http://theacappellacompany.com/avb1.html

Once-In-A-Lifetime Reunion

Keith — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 12:49:27 +0000

Photo by Brooks Brown – 2012 is shaping up to be the mega-reunion and “once-in-a-lifetime” event. How about an Acappella reunion to celebrate the 30th Anniversary? Did you get to attend the 20th or the 25th reunions in Tulsa and Nashville, respectively?

In June of 2012, we are planning a “mega” reunion on Lipscomb’s campus in Nashville, Tennessee. In addition to inviting all the singers who traveled with Acappella over the years, what about combining that with a Durant / X-Changed reunion? Plus, a Vocal Union reunion? How about a complete AVB reunion? We’d love to reach out and include the New Life Quartet of Williamstown Bible College and His Image Quartet roots. While we are at it, we must spread the word to all the former studio and Acappella Ministries office team and interns that they are invited to join the celebration. What about all the Praise & Harmony singers? Of course! Since there will be quite a bit of congregational singing during our celebration (in addition to concerts), that would be very appropriate.

Please go to Acappella’s facebook page to let us know you will be attending. What are your ideas of what you’d like to see during this 30th Anniversary celebration? Keep checking my blog for updates and news about the celebration in 2012. Bring the whole family. Celebrate ministry. Come ready to sing with us. This can’t compare to the ultimate heavenly reunion, but I guarantee there’ll be a bunch of similarities!

Special ACAFEST Moments

Keith — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 11:47:44 +0000

Photo by Shane Miller – Here is Wes McKinzie, belting out the bass part on the song, “King James.” Guess which fast food chain they stopped by before the concert?

AVB singing in Brazil in 1995

Keith — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 19:11:46 +0000

F.H. Gates shared this photo of AVB singing in 1995 in Belo. We have enjoyed such great reception in Brazil over the years with Acappella Ministries groups.

20 Years ago this week – the Berlin Wall came down

Keith — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:49:00 +0000

What does that have to do with AVB? The Acappella Company sponsored a serious radio – markeing push for the song “Roll That Stone Away,” written by Danny Elliott. Included with the campaign, we had purchased pieces of the actual Berlin Wall to include with the radio single, commemorating the fall of the iron curtain. Of course, we were celebrating a much more significant and earth-shattering event – the day that Jesus “rolled the stone away” and overcame death once and for all!

As we celebrate milestones like this one, I don’t want to appear to be living in the past. Far from that notion, my dream is for Acappella Ministries to continue serving people until the Lord returns (not sure that would be in 2012, ha) We were reminded of the vast amount of great music we have in our catalog as Acappella CLASSIC were trying to choose the song list for the South African tour. Steve Maxwell said we should write a book about the beginning years and experiences as Gary Moyers even began recording stories about these challenging times.

Speaking of the Berlin Wall, hearing the news and commentaries from around the world surely provides additional insights to world events and the varying perspectives. While listening to a British media report about the Berlin Wall coming down, I was amazed to discover that such a large percentage of the East German residents wish the wall had never come down. That’s perplexing to me, as many others died trying to cross the barrier. Could this be similar to our reliance and comfort with the bounds of religious legalism? Isn’t it easier to disavow others than to attempt to relate to and understand their viewpoint? Brings me back to another AVB message about “Legalistic Tendencies . . .”

Tell me where companssion went when you condemn the innocent?

You search for reasons to accuse – the brotherhood you will abuse!

Their eyes are closed they cannot see their legalistic tendencies.

The news report continued about how little things have changed in 20 years after the wall came down. In a parallel notion, as I consider how much I mercy that’s been granted to me, it would behoove me to be compassionate and understanding of others who, in my eyes, are falling short. Sermon over today. This is Keith Lancaster in downtown London – sharing my thoughts with you. Have a blessed day!

AVB Reunion concert stirs great ministry memories

Keith — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:47:50 +0000

The AVB reunion concert this past July stirred countless memories of AVB’s full-time travels around the world. Like Acappella, AVB has been blessed with quite a number of talented vocalists across its history. The concert was amazing – all three hours plus! After I return to our country, I hope to find time to post some photos that Randy Glover captured of the guys in AVB. This motivates me to plan a complete Acappella Ministries anniversary reunion – complete with Vocal Union, Durant, AVB and Acappella. Maybe we should not limit the celebration to one concert? Now that would be quite a variety of high energy, soul-impacting music and ministry! Probably the best time would be during our annual July Acafest – perhaps in 2012? (our 30th anniversary)