If country gospel music is your thing, then Cranbrook will be the place to be next week as the Country Gospel Music Association has chosen the Key City as the location of its annual convention taking place June 7 to 12.

Close to 200 artists, singers and musicians are expected from around the world for the event, which is being held in the New Life Foursquare Church at 308 – 10th Avenue.

On Monday and Tuesday at 6 p.m., artists will render one song each and share in their ministry. Wednesday to Friday at 5 p.m. will feature nominees in 38 categories and the Annual Awards Program will follow 6 p.m Saturday, featuring the 2008 Canadian awards recipients and visitors from other divisions.

There will also be worship Tuesday through Friday at 10 a.m. and at 2 p.m. the same days there will be teaching time related to music, ministry and spiritual well-being.

The convention will feature some of the very best country gospel talent in Canada, including local Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Ed King will be participating. Refreshments will be available all week and door prizes will be presented.

There is no charge for any of the convention’s events but offerings will be taken to cover expenses.

According to Wikipedia, the roots of country gospel go back to the 18th century and came out of an oral tradition. Gospel music typically utilizes a great deal of repetition, which is a carryover from slavery times in the U.S. The repetition of words allowed those who could not read the opportunity to participate in worship. During those times, hymns were lined and repeated in a call and response fashion and the Negro spirituals and work songs emerged that so strongly influenced country gospel and many other forms of modern music.