Hickory Hill Park opens 27th season
Hickory Hill Park in Hot Springs will open its 27th season at 7 p. m. today. The Park opened in June 1987 with three summer concerts. Today’s season presents concerts from May through September featuring some of the top gospel artists from around Arkansas.
The park was built by The Hawkins Family of Hot Springs. The family has celebrated more than 50 years in gospel music, and recently received the Legend Award from the Gospel Music Artist’s Association in Dallas commemorating their many years in gospel music.
The opening concert features special guests, Junction 5, from Hot Springs. Members include brothers, Ron Ford, Dwight Ford, Terry Ford and Steve Ford, along with Ron’s grandson, Nathan and friend, Gene Hendrix. Their band features lead guitar, keyboard, bass guitar, rhythm guitar and drums. They have performed across Arkansas plus multiple performances at Magic Springs, a variety of conventions for the Arlington Hotel and the former Majestic Hotel, charity performances for Winthrop Rockefeller fundraisers for Muscular Dystrophy at his estate on Petit Jean Mountain, numerous churches and were the main group for the County Music Jamboree Show that ran for several years in Hot Springs.
The Messengers of Song will also be featured. The group was formed in 2001 after a ministry of song for both. Teresa Higginbotham was with The Messengers of Hope and The Heritage Quartet. Doug Higginbotham was formerly with The Shining Thru Trio. In 2004, the duet had a song called " Mercy Called Me By Name" that went to number 19 on the nationwide charts. They have been nominated for numerous awards including Duet of the Year by the Texas Gospel Music Artists Association. They have recorded numerous projects.
Lawn chairs or blankets are encouraged for seating in the outdoor amphitheater. Parking and admission are free.
Concerts are held the fourth Saturday night each month.
For a brochure of the summer schedule contact Lou Tabor, 216 Bryant Road, Hot Springs, AR 71909 or call 623- 8068.