By Kevin Pollard

WHEN Ernie Haase & Signature Sound make their B.C. stops in Kelowna, Chilliwack and Langley later this month, it will have been five years since they last performed in this province.

The past few years have been a whirlwind for this popular southern gospel quartet. Their 2008 album, Get Away Jordan, received multiple Dove Awards. Their follow-up Dream On project was nominated for a Grammy; it also won another Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year Dove Award for 'Reason Enough.'

I caught up with Haase at home in Ohio, while he was taking a short break from touring.

I asked him what it was like touring on their own, after the last few years of sharing the stage with the Gaither Vocal Band at many Homecoming events. Haase responded:

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"Obviously, touring with Bill [Gaither] has many benefits, and provides the opportunity to sing for thousands of people. But being out on our own gives us the chance to share a lot more music with our fans. Rather than only having a time slot to share a few songs a night, we now can offer up two-and-a-half to three hours of our music."

Haase, the group's founder and leader, was a long-time member of the renowned Cathedral Quartet, headed by the late George Younce. As his group was in the process of preparing for their Cathedrals Tribute Concert & videotaping, I asked him what was going through his mind.

"I have been waiting nearly 11 years for this opportunity, and feel that God has led us to this point. It will be a night full of memories, along with laughing and crying. We are blessed beyond words to be able to revisit 20 of The Cathedrals most popular songs."

The promoter was offering free tickets for anyone 18 years and under for these concerts. I asked Haase about this, and he replied:

"This is something that we have tried with great success in many cities. We want to introduce our music to a new generation, and have seen great response from people bringing their kids and grandchildren to our shows."

When I asked Haase what people who have never come to one of their concerts can expect, he summed it up with this:

"People need to come ready to hear a lot of music, as we will be drawing music from our entire catalogue -- and even our last Christmas project. We will offer up our brand of gospel music -- where you will hear theology, doctrine and the Spirit."

Ernie Haase & Signature Sound are scheduled as follows in B.C.:
August 19, Kelowna; August 20, Chilliwack; and August 21, Langley.
Contact: erniesigsound.com

August 2010