July 20-21-22, 2001

FESTIVAL

"The Jones Family" from Atwood has been ministering through their Southern Gospel music since 1988, when Reverend David Jones, his wife Sharon and a friend began traveling and playing gospel music around the Southeastern United States--in Tennessee, Virginia, and North and South Carolina. They recorded their first album locally in 1989.

In 1991, their children began joining in with the group. Son Christopher was then 8 years old. That same year, the family planned to record professionally with Son Sound Studios in North Carolina--and 1500 radio stations were awaiting the release of their album. However, the day before their recording was to be made, the family cancelled their project--feeling called to come to Kansas to build churches here. They moved to Columbus, Kansas in 1992.

In 1995, the children became a more important part of the family group and their lively gospel renditions have been an uplift and inspiring family ministry ever since. The group is now ready to record their first family gospel album, and is waiting on funding to do their project.

The Jones family is comprised of Reverend David Jones, father, who plays guitar and sings lead vocals for the group, his wife Sharon, who plays piano, son Christopher, age 17, who sings tenor and plays mandolin, bass, acoustic guitar, banjo and harmonica (and may soon take up the fiddle), and daughter Erin, age 15, who plays piano and sings alto. Youngest daughter Sarah, age 11, also occasionally joins in the fun, singing alto.

In June, the Jones family celebrated their 5 year anniversary of residency in Atwood, KS, where David is pastor of the Atwood Baptist Church. Their traditional, southern gospel music is joyful, powerful and moving, with tight family harmonies and an incredible blend of lively, intricate musicianship that will touch your soul and leave your feet tapping and your heart dancing!