Hickory Hill Park in Hot Springs opens its 29th season at 7 p.m. today.
The park opened in June 1987 with three summer concerts. Today's season presents concerts held 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. They recently received the Legend Award from the Gospel Music Artist's Association, in Dallas, commemorating their years in gospel music.
The opening concert features The Hendrix Trio, a Southern/Country Gospel group based out of Texarkana. Formed in 1992, the trio travels in the four states area on weekends. Over the years, they have opened for such groups as The Hoppers, The Nelons, Mike Bowling Group, and Greater Vision. The trio has hosted several successful Gospel Music Cruises and are founding members of The Four States Gospel Music Association and RDH Promotions.
Also appearing, is Justified Quartet, who originated in Hot Springs out of Center Fork Baptist Church in 2004. Their first official concert was given at a small country church in Hog Jaw. Since then, Justified has appeared at many churches and civic events all across Arkansas.
In 2007, they recorded their first CD titled "Justified." In 2009, they recorded their second CD, "Shoutin' Glory" with the Eddie Crook Co. in Nashville, Tenn. It is an all original project that was recorded at the TBN studios. In 2011, their third CD titled "From Here to Heaven" was recorded at Homeland Inspiration Group Studios in Nashville, Tenn. This CD contains the radio single "From Here to Heaven," that was released to more than 500 radio stations nationwide under the Heartwarming Records label. The radio single came in at number eight on different radio stations around the nation. In 2013, Justified recorded their fourth CD titled "Old Time Religion" containing some of the all-time favorite hymns people love to sing along with.
The park features a wooden stage which was expanded more than five feet from the original sawdust stage. The path leading from the parking area crosses an earthen bridge to a spot on top of the hill with a perfect view to enjoy the concert. Buddy's Barnyard Café offers soft drinks, coffee, nachos, caramel apples and more. The park is "kid friendly" for kids from age 2 to 92. Restrooms are available. Visitor's should bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating in the outdoor amphitheatre. Parking and admission are free.
Concerts are held the fourth Saturday night each month, May through September. Directions to the park: drive approximately six miles from downtown Hot Springs on Park Avenue. At the junction of highways 5 and 7 turn left on Highway 7 north and travel approximately one mile, watch for the park sign, turn right on Bryant Road and go two blocks.
For a free 2015 season schedule, contact Lou Tabor, 216 Bryant Road, Hot Springs, or call 623-8068.
Religion on 05/23/2015