About Me
The 2nd Annual
Fort Gibson
Southern Gospel Music
Festival
will be held at the Fort Gibson High School Auditorium located at 500 S Ross St. in Fort Gibson, OK on July 18th. The July 19th concert will be held at Trinity Family Worship located at 500 E Poplar.
The Carpitchers
The Carpitchers' MySpace
A LITTLE MORE ABOUT US...
Rick Carpitcher has been involved in Gospel music for over 14 years. He is originally from Konawa, Oklahoma, and has been playing the piano for over 22 years. After playing and singing for regional groups, he began to play professionally in 2001 with the Toney Brothers Quartet from Dallas, Texas. While with the Toney Brothers, he performed live at venues such as Dollywood, the Gospel Music Television World Premier, and the annual Jubilee At Sea cruise in 2002 and 2003. One of his most cherished moments was performing on the main stage of the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, KY. Rick's experience on the road has shown him how anointed music not only motivates a change in one's life, but how that victory can come to an individual through living a praise life. He sings the lead vocals and is the pianist and manager for the group. Rick is a member of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma.
Singing soprano for the trio is Andrea Carpitcher. She grew up in a small community called Lost City, Oklahoma. Andrea has spent many years perfecting her craft. Her first experience came with singing in the regional group Cross Road. Later, she and Rick performed in the talented group Native Voice out of Hollywood, Florida. Over the years, she has shared the same stage with a number of award winning groups, and she too has a number of accolades to her name. Many testify of how her songs have touched their hearts and stirred their souls. This is because of the Lord's calling on her life. Andrea is a member of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians.
Rebecca Carpitcher sings the alto part for Native Witness. She is Rick's youngest sister, and she currently resides in Konawa, OK. She began playing bass guitar at an early age and later traveled with Rick in the group The Revelators. With their sister Rachel playing the drums, the Revelators ministered all over Oklahoma. In the summer of 1997, they ventured out of state, playing in New Mexico, California, Florida, and North Carolina. She recently graduated with a degree in music from Messenger College in Joplin, MO. She is honored to be the very first Native American to graduate from Messenger! The anointing on her life is evident in her singing and testimonies. She truly brings a worship style to Native Witness. Becca is a member of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma.
Melissa Harjo is the drummer for Native Witness. She, too, is originally from Konawa, but now resides in Broken Arrow, OK. She began playing at an early age with her mom and dad in the group known as the Harmonettes and Company. While with the Harmonettes she was able to do some recording work and traveled throughout the region, displaying her unique God-given talent. Melissa also plays the piano and guitar. She doesn't take her ministry lightly, and it's her prayer that listening ears will receive something special through every performance. Melissa is a member of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma.
The Jenkins Sisters
As daughters of a country preacher, Angie & Nella grew up singing. Their dad was a pastor & their mom was the song leader. They would sing as a duet, blending their harmony while Dad strummed the guitar. It was inevitable that their seven children would learn to sing. During that time, the Sisters began singing outside their home church. In 1984 they recorded their first album, “Stickin’ to the Purposeâ€. Nella being a middle child was feisty and always getting them involved in something. The Sisters found themselves busy singing at Malls, Retirement Centers, Outdoor Camp Meetings, Fairs, Oprys and many churches. They became involved in the Southern Gospel Music Association of TX as well as other regional music associations winning many awards for their talent and song writing abilities.
As time moved forward, Angie & Nella felt a calling into full time ministry. They had to make a choice to cut back on their schedule or get more involved. After many months of prayer, the decision was made to step out in faith of full time ministry beginning June 1, 1995. Angie left a secure position as a Personal Banker and Nella was Manager of two successful Health Food stores.
The next 12 years, the group traveled to 42 of the United States, including 3 trips to Alaska. They sang on the Jubilee at Sea Christian Cruise from 1997-2005; sang on an Alaskan cruise; were featured as guest artist in NASCAR chapel services; opened for country artist, Shenandoah; traveled to 7 of the Canadian provinces singing in many First Nation Camp Meetings. They have recorded 18 projects; watched as their music reached national and international charts; released a concept video to TV, released numerous singles and sang at National Quartet Convention Artist Showcase. The Sisters feel an urgency to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with those seeking peace and salvation. Their mission is to also encourage the body of Christ by bringing words of hope and inspiration thru song. Their anointing and sensitivity towards the needs of their audience leaves one feeling blessed and refreshed, yet entertained.
Facts
Appeared 10 years on the “Jubilee at Sea†Christian Cruise hosted by Templeton Tours
Guest singers at various US & Canadian camp meetings
Appeared at MRO Chapel services for NASCAR Busch and NASCAR Truck Races
Each member awarded Kentucky’s highest honor as a Kentucky Colonel
Endorsements
We have been blessed to know the JENKINS SISTERS our entire ministry of almost 13
years. These ladies show such love for the Lord thru their music, testimonies and most of
all their walk. Angie & Nella sing from the deep place within their souls and all who get to
hear them are touched. We love these precious sisters dearly.
- Karen, Kathy & Diane, Southern Charm, Alvarado, TX
Our church family highly recommends JENKINS SISTERS as a vibrant source of Christian worship. Our folks have been blessed by their sincere walk with Jesus Christ. Because of their lifelong trust in God, they will deepen and sharpen the perspective of many of the believers in your congregation. You will be truly blessed by having JENKINS SISTERS at your church.
- Pastor Harvey Patterson, Luella First Baptist Church, Sherman, TX
JENKINS SISTERS are more than just a gospel singing group. They are friends. Over 10 years ago they came to minister for the first time and their music and testimonies were a blessing to our congregation. Their work among the American Indian Tribes was an inspiration also. But, it was after the concert that we discovered a group that loved God and people with all their heart. We fell in love with their humble spirit and compassion and the way they made you feel like lifelong acquaintances. Don’t hesitate to invite them to your church but take caution as you may end up an old friend!
-Rev Charles Spencer, Senior Pastor, Riverdale Assembly of God, Riverdale, CA
I highly recommend the JENKINS SISTERS. Your church will be blessed by their Southern
Gospel Music. Our church has them annually and they have blessed us each time they have ministered.
- Pastor Rod Messer, Abundant Life Church, Nocona, TX
The Hawkins Family
History of the Group...
This year commemorates a lifetime of music and praise as The Hawkins Family celebrate 50 years in gospel music. In 1958, Buddy and his wife, Imogene, formed the quartet with their two young daughters, Lou and Norma. The family started out in singing conventions and monthly singings around Hot Springs. They soon became a familiar sight at local churches and began to sing throughout Arkansas and surrounding states. Today, the group members include Morris Tabor, Lou (Hawkins) Tabor, Terry LeMay, and Valerie Oliver. Dan Henderson playing lead guitar and Paul DeWeber playing mandolin and fiddle also travel with the group. The group recently became members of the Texas Gospel Music Artists Association (GMAA) and the Coastal Bend Gospel Music Association (CBGMA).
Our Mission...
Our mission is Mark 16:15 "Go ye into all the world" We sing gospel music because we're being used of God to fulfill that commission and accomplish all that God gives us to do through Christ. We're glad that we are privileged to travel many miles every year to take God's message in song to people who are looking for something real.
Special Places...
The group is very active in spreading the gospel through their musical talents. They have sung in many revivals, special services, homecomings, and concerts. They have also appeared in concert with The Cathedrals, Lewis Family, The Isaacs, The McKameys, The Freemans, and Gold City Quartet. In their willingness to help others they have participated in numerous benefits throughout Arkansas.
Hickory Hill Park...
In addition to singing and being a part of these activities, in 1987 they built Hickory Hill Park located just off Highway 7 North in Hot Springs. It is dedicated solely to the promotion of gospel music and Christian fellowship. Nestled among shade trees in the heart of the Ouachita Mountains, the hillside amphitheatre provides an intimate view of the central stage with its earthen floor banked by a wall of natural mountain stones. The park offers a monthly schedule of downhome, southern gospel concerts from May through September each year. One of the highlights of the summer season is the Hawkins Family Homecoming Celebration held each year in July.
Radio, TV, Records, Tapes...
The group produced weekly gospel radio programs for many years on local stations. In 1994, they put together a special two-hour live program for a Mississippi TV station which features religious broadcasting. In addition, they have produced eight projects presenting their unique southern style of music and close harmony. To commemorate 45 years in gospel music ministry in 2003 the project Amazing Grace was released containing 22 songs. The latest project entitled Gentle Shepherd includes 11 songs recorded by the current group. The project is dedicated to the memory of Buddy Hawkins (1924-2004).
Today, they share the warmth and sincerity of their desire to further the cause of Christ by opening their peaceful home at Hickory Hill to all who appreciate the beauty of voices lifted in praise. All other weekends away from the park will find this group traveling the highways sharing their music...southern style!
One Purpose
Founded in 1999 by Darin, Mary Kaye and Brian, One Purpose is a Southern Gospel Group dedicated to one purpose: seeing souls saved. We have had the opportunities to sing before large crowds with well-known artists and have been blessed to be before small country churches. Yet, the mission remains the same -- to obey the Lord and minister to hearts and lives through our voices and instruments.
Ever since she was a little girl, Mary Kaye Brunk knew she wanted to be in a gospel group when she grew up. Mary Kaye sings lead and harmony, and has been blessed with the ability to write songs as well. She lives in Roland, Okla. and attends Dora Assembly of God with her family.
Melinda Smith also knew from a young age she wanted to be in a gospel music ministry. Melinda sings soprano and harmony, and has also written a song. Melinda lives in Cedarville, Ark. with her family and attends Cedarville First Assembly.
Matt Nix plays the keyboard and sings lead and harmony. He has been playing the piano since he was four years old. He lives in Fort Smith, Ark. and attends Harvest Time Tabernacle with his family.
Brian Mattingly recently returned to the instrument his love of music started with. Brian has played the guitar since he was seven years old. He recently moved from the bass guitar to the lead and acoustic guitar. Brian lives in Sallisaw, Okla. with his family and attends Sallisaw First Assembly of God.
Darin Huggins has been playing the drums for over 24 years. While his steady beats get alot of attention, the role most revered by the other group members is the one of "Artist Relocation Specialist," AKA the Bus Driver. Darin lives in Muldrow, Okla. with his family and attends Lee's Chapel Assembly of God.
Jordan Taylor took over the bass guitar when Brian switched. She is the newest member of One Purpose, having joined in October of 2006. Jordan lives in Muldrow, Okla. and attends Lee's Chapel Assembly of God.
Terrill White
Terrill White is from Ft. Gibson, OK by way of Tahlequah, OK and has been singing Southern Gospel music for 17 years now and doesn't regret a mile of it!
Much of the time he have spent in Southern Gospel music has been spent traveling with regional groups including 1 year with "Freedom" from Poteau, OK; 4 years with "The Eleventh Hour" from Moody, OK; and 4 years with "Providence" from Tahlequah, OK. During that these years, he has sang in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Mexico and Missouri. He has also opened on stage for The McGruders and The Kingsmen. During his time with "The Eleventh Hour" they were selected as the 1 vocal group at the Oklahoma Pentecostal Church of God Youth Ministries Talent Exposition which allowed them a spot to sing at the Grand Palace in Branson, MO which was an unforgettable experience.
In 2006 he graduated from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK where he was a member of The Northeastern State University Chorus, The University Singers and The Entertainers. He also performed the role of Miles Gloriosus in the musical "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum". He also spent a season with the professional opera company, "Light Opera Oklahoma" where he performed in Gilbert & Sullivan's "HMS Pinafore" and "The Yeoman of The Guard" and Romberg's "The Desert Song".
Prior to his college days, he was a member of the award winning Tahlequah High School Choir which allowed him the opportunity to sing in some very famous venues such as The Alamo, The St. Louis Cathedral, The San Antonio Riverwalk and also allowed them the opportunity to share the stage with 50's music legends "The Letterman" and from the musical Oklahoma! and The Partridge Family "Shirley Jones".
He currenlty serves on the ministry staff at Trinity Family Worship (Pentecostal Church of God) where he is staff pianist and assistant praise/worship leader. He, along with wife Christie, are also assistants with the children's ministries. Together, the couple has one daughter, Jessica who is 7.
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