After much hype and preparation, it’s go time for JP Miller’s 10th Annual West Virginia Homecoming. Be at the Benedum Civic Center by 5 p.m. and you would not only walk home with some prizes, but an encouraging, heartfelt message through song.
Much like the Oprah show – perhaps on a smaller scale – the event promises some pretty cool surprises, gifts – and, of course, entertainment and applause.
In addition to the signature gospel vocals of the Sevierville, Tenn. recording artist and radio show host, will be nostalgic performances; even a little comedy and a mini magic show.
The first 60 people in the door win a prize and additional prizes will be awarded to attendees upon completion of a quiz page in the program book.
Miller’s silent auction will include signed, framed art work, authentic gemstones, Christian novels and children’s books, gift baskets and an all-expense-paid trip to the Smoky Mountains.
Free to the public, the concert is Miller’s way of saying thank you for more than a decade of support.
The homecoming concert is a true family event, complete with country-style concessions and ongoing children’s games and crafts. In addition to merchandise sales – including the official 10th Annual Homecoming T-shirt, just off the press – Saturday night’s gig will feature a “Music, Miles & Memories” display, showcasing concert memorabilia from throughout the years.
And, of course, there will be trivia, contests and lots and lots of prizes.
A graduate of Liberty High School and Fairmont State University, Miller is based in the Sevierville area, where he has had a number of successful gospel ministry endeavors. Included has been a worldwide-televised gospel talk show and sharing stages with some of the biggest names in the gospel industry.
Among those with whom Miller has crossed professional and personal paths include Bill and Gloria Gaither, Ricky Skaggs, the Crabb Family, the Isaacs, Dottie Rambo and Vestal Goodman. He has worked closely with Sonya Isaacs, who wrote the Martina McBride sensation, “I’m Gonna Love You Through It” and with “The Voice” contestant, Justin Rivers.
“He was the piano player for the Crabb Family. We rode on the same tour bus and did some shows together,” said Miller, who will soon welcome Rivers as a guest on his live radio talk show.
Former “American Idol” finalist Bryan Walker was a guest artist on Miller’s last album, joining him to record the contemporary Christian praise song, “Shout to the Lord.”
Memorabilia of some of those performers will be included in Miller’s “Music, Miles & Memories” display.
“Vestal Goodman is the queen of gospel music and all of country music loved her,” said Miller. “She led George Jones to the Lord and always sang with a hanky. I have one of her hankies.”
For the past several years, Miller has hosted a West Virginia Homecoming at Lincoln High School in Shinnston. He decided to switch things up this year, offering a more up-close-and-personal venue for what may very well be his final homecoming extravaganza.
Miller and his wife Tyanne have both worked closely with the Smoky Mountain Children's Home. They now have a family of their own - a daughter, Macee, and son, Micah.
Serving with a listening ear and a heart to encourage, Miller’s motto is to search the heart and follow God’s lead.
The positive feedback and unconditional support he has received from his fans and friends back home have played a major role in Miller’s professional and personal life, he said.
He hopes those friends and fans – and new ones – will join him at Saturday night’s celebration. Doors open at 5 p.m. with music beginning at 6 p.m.