Tickets go on sale today for the fifth annual Gospel Jubilee, an evening of gospel music performances sponsored by the Laurinburg Kiwanis Club.

This year's lineup of talent includes The Oxendines, The Hometown Quartet, and a 12-year old singing sensation who made a brief but memorable appearance during last year's event. WFNC radio personality Gary Gallman will be the master of ceremonies; the event takes place at the Scotland High School auditorium on Sept. 12 beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Event Director Cecil Daughtry said area gospel music fans should not miss this year's lineup.

"This is our fifth year of providing gospel-only entertainment, and it has been a big success," he said. "We are especially happy to bring back the popular group The Oxendines, singer Joy Rankin, and others, and this year marks our return to the Scotland High School auditorium in Laurinburg. I'm hoping the place fills up."

Several newcomers to the Gospel Jubilee will perform at this year's event, including Echoes of Faith and the aforementioned 12-year old, Alyse Player of Rockingham.

"At last year's Gospel Jubilee, an 11-year old girl approached and asked me if she could sing a song during intermission. I said of course, if it was all right with her grandfather, Gene Player of the Eastern Sonrise Quartet."

Player took the stage for the unscheduled performance, and what happened next both amazed and inspired Daughtry.

"She worked the crowd like a professional," Daughtry said. "She really put on a show, and by the time she was finished the crowd was overwhelmed," he said. "She really nailed the performance and received a standing ovation from the delighted crowd."

Also scheduled to appear is Stuart Carmichael, a member of the Hometown Quartet who will be performing both with the group and solo.

"The Hometown Quartet has performed at the Gospel Jubilee for the past several years, and it is always a blessed event," Carmichael said. "We get as much out of the experience as does the audience."

As a solo performer Carmichael will sing "It is Well With My Soul" by special request.

"With all the great talent that is lined up for this year's Gospel Jubilee, we hope to have a packed house Sept. 12," he said. "We all look forward to seeing you there."

Tickets go on sale today for $6 and may be purchased from any Kiwanis member, at the Gospel Music and Christian Book Store at 212 South Main Street in Laurinburg, or by contacting Daughtry at 280-9632. Tickets are also available at the door, and children 5 and under are admitted free.

All proceeds from the Gospel Jubilee will benefit Kiwanis Club community projects including Terrific Kids, Reach Out and Read, the Scotland House for Youth, the Boys and Girls Home of North Carolina at Lake Waccamaw, scholarship and book ship awards, and sponsorship of the Scotland High School Key Club.

The service theme of Kiwanis International is "serving the children of the world".