By Susanne Reynolds

Special to The Post-Searchlight

 

Through a testimony of love and devotion mixed with a little humor, the Grammy-Award winning Fairfield Four brought a message to the Bainbridge State College audience through traditional African American spirituals and songs from their first new CD released in over 20 years, all performed a cappella.

The legendary quartet that has been entertaining audiences both nationally and internationally for ninety years, can now add Bainbridge State College to their resume.

Thursday evening, the Fairfield Four opened the performance with an energizing version of “Come on In This House,” and later told the audience Biblical stories through song and personal testimonies of salvation.

According to Levert Allison of the Fairfield Four, their mission is to bring the world to God.

“We believe in the Creation and Jesus; and we try to bring the world to God through songs,” he said.

Based out of Nashville (Tenn.), the quartet felt an opportunity was given to them while visiting Bainbridge and claimed Bainbridge State College’s Kirbo Center was extremely impressive.

“I’m so impressed with this building and excited about being here,” said Larrice Byrd, Fairfield Four member. “The events that Bainbridge State presents to its community and students give performers like us an opportunity to reach out to everywhere, not just the college. It’s a vast audience that comes to the Carter Arts & Lecture Series. It’s a centralized location where many people can come to. It gives us a chance to share our message with many different people.”

Joe Thompson, who sings bass with the Fairfield, has been with the Fairfield Four through two generations. At nearly 80 years old, he is still touring and sharing the Gospel as he goes along. He commented on his first impression of Bainbridge State, “I’m so impressed by what the college stands for. It really reminds me of home.”

Bobbye Sherrell also felt the sense of home while in Bainbridge.

He said, “I feel a vibe here. It doesn’t feel like a strange place. It feels like home. Bainbridge is all about southern hospitality. And here at the Kirbo, it feels like learning is taking place and welcoming us.”

Before leaving Bainbridge State, the Fairfield Four brought the audience to its feet, clapping and singing along with them to gospels such as “Children, Go Where I Sent Thee” and “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.”

Upcoming Carter Arts & Lecture Series events include the Calidore String Quartet on March 12 at 7 p.m., and poet Noah Blaustein on April 14, at 6 p.m.