Talk about a spiritual win-win situation.
Music always has been an important part of North Apollo native Roy Waugaman's life.
So has his faith.
Waugaman happily is able to combine both as a member of the Butler County-based King's Men Quartet, the Southern gospel-style vocal group that shares their spiritual passion through song.
They have been performing in churches, car cruises, campgrounds and other venues for 15 years.
They make their debut at 7 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Pittsburgh-Tarentum Campmeeting Association grounds in Harrison. The performance concludes the summer concert series there, one bookended by Southern Gospel music. The Southernaires opened the season June 25.
"I feel so strongly about my faith, and I think it is most suited musically to express it through Southern gospel quartet music. It has a good, strong message to it, more so than some contemporary music," says Waugaman, a member of Mars Alliance Church. He grew up as a member of First Lutheran Church of Apollo, where he was in the junior and senior choir.
In addition to Waugaman, who sings baritone, the King's Men includes Richard Weaver, lead; Robert Irving, bass; and tenor Tim Green. Weaver is an alumnus of a barbershop vocal group. The quartet has recorded two albums.
On Aug. 19, they plan to offer a repertoire of standards and newer material, primarily sung against musical accompaniment tapes. The men do sing a few a cappella numbers.
"The blend of four voices together just kind of intrigues people," Waugaman says.
He says he always has loved to sing. "This is an excellent genre for us to present the Gospel to people, which is very important to me," he says.
The impact of his spirituality on his music is "like a two-way street" he says. "The music feeds me." He likes to express himself through it so people understand how important his faith is to him.
To those considering the Harrison concert, he adds, "They will be introduced to four men who have a deep spiritual background and who really enjoy presenting the Gospel through music."
Additional Information:
Details
The King's Men QuartetWhen: 7 p.m. Aug. 19.
Where: Pittsburgh-Tarentum Campmeeting Association grounds, 1451 Main St., Harrison.
Admission: Free-will offering.
How to get there: From Freeport Road, Natrona Heights, turn (left if northbound on Freeport Road; right if southbound) at the traffic light near Community Library of Allegheny Valley and St. Joseph High School, onto Montana Avenue. Proceed to dead end, turning left onto Fourth Street, then right onto Main. Campground entrance is a block down Main on the right.
Details: 724-230-0457.
