Bill & Gloria Gaither Celebrate 50 Year Tradition

Alexandria IN – In 1972, the Mabee Center, on the campus of Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, OK, opened its doors for the very first time. Three years later, a popular trio, featuring Bill, Gloria and Danny Gaither, presented a musical evening, filling the 10,000-plus seat facility and kicking off a relationship that would carry on throughout the next five decades. “I remember the very first concert we did at the Mabee,” reflects music legend Bill Gaither. “Oral Roberts was there and I remember telling him how impressed I was with the acoustics and the set-up of the arena. He told me that night that it took an old tent revival evangelist to build this room. He wanted everyone up close where they could feel each other and the spirit.” The Gaither/Roberts/Mabee Center friendship has remained consistent as Gaither has had the privilege of performing at the Mabee Center more than any other artist on record, an achievement commemorated in 2023 when Gaither hosted his last two-day event at the historic facility. On August 15 & 16, Gospel Music legends Bill & Gloria Gaither will return to the Mabee Center as they host the Oklahoma Homecoming. Over the course of two days, more than a dozen Homecoming friends will gather for two exciting concert events. After decades of unprecedented musical success, in 1992 two former school teachers turned songwriters were on the verge of retirement when Gaither gathered his multi-talented quartet, The Gaither Vocal Band, and a few of his long-time heroes like Jake Hess, Hovie Lister, Howard and Vestal Goodman, James Blackwood, Glen Payne, George Younce and JD Sumner to record the classic song, Where Could I Go. “The plan was to go in that morning, record the song, eat some fried chicken and go home,” Gaither remembers. “We had a camera guy in the room video taping, really just for my own personal pleasure.” When Gaither got the video footage home, he showed it to his wife, Gloria, and the two decided it was something that needed to be shared with the world. Now, more than 30 years later the Homecoming music collection has become a phenomenon that has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. For over a decade, the Gaithers took their exciting Homecoming Tour on the road, touring internationally and enjoying sold out crowds in cities worldwide. Throughout the years, the Mabee Center has provided the perfect setting for Homecoming events. Gaither, who turns 90 this year and is recognized as one of the oldest recording artists still actively touring,  is looking forward to returning this summer to Tulsa with his many Homecoming friends. “It’s quite evident that we love going to the Mabee Center. It’s one of our favorite places, and it always has been. We are looking forward to once again bringing many of our Homecoming friends together again for this year’s Tulsa Homecoming. It’s going to be a great weekend of music, laughter and maybe a few surprises.” The Oklahoma Homecoming brings Gaither and many of his fellow artists on one stage for a weekend that has the promise of being quite historical. This special weekend will feature Gaither’s own Vocal Band, consisting of Wes Hampton, Reggie Smith, Adam Crabb and Todd Suttles, as well as Gaither Vocal Band alumi Mark Lowry and Gordon Mote and Grammy-winners Sandi Patti and Jason Crabb. Multi-award winning groups like Karen Peck & New River, The Hoppers and The Booth Brothers will also be featured. Additionally, popular Homecoming artists set to appear include Lynda Randle, Ladye Love Smith, Gene McDonald, Chris Blue, Joseph Habedank and Angie Primm,. This two-day concert event promises to be exciting for the entire family. Make plans now to be a part of the Oklahoma Homecoming in Tulsa at the Mabee Center August 15 & 16.  Ticket go on sale to the general pubic on February 20; however, individuals may sign up for the pre-sale event happening on February 18th at bit.ly/GVBHTSignUp. Visit www.gaither.com for complete concert information.