It’s that time of year. The hills are alive with the sound of music as gospel music’s largest annual event once again takes over the Great Smoky Mountains. The National Quartet Convention kicks off on September 22nd, and Pigeon Forge is very blessed to have an event of this nature with such an incredible amount of extreme talent, all under one roof for an entire week!
Here in the Smokies, the NQC has pretty much become a tradition that ushers in the season of everything “pumpkin spice.”
The National Quartet Convention, also known as the “NQC” was founded in 1957 by gospel music legend and former backup vocalist for Elvis Presley, J.D. Sumner, who co-produced the event with James Blackwood.
The annual event spent many years in Nashville, and then moved to Louisville KY, where it was held for 20 years.
In 2014, the NQC was moved to Pigeon Forge, TN, where it is still currently being held at the LeConte Center.
If you’re planning a vacation in the Smokies this fall, you might want to consider the week of September 22nd through the 28th and add the NQC to your family’s itinerary.
While here, we also strongly suggest checking out two of the hottest new shows in town. “Array” and “Illusionation…..Featuring the Magic of Jason Hudy,” at the Mountain of Entertainment Theater on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge. (Maybe we’re a bit biased, but if you read the reviews from Google and Trip Advisor, you’ll see that countless guests feel the same way we do).
Make sure you ask about the “combo package” which offers discount tickets, and the best price available on both shows.
Anyway, back to the NQC. Here are just a small portion of the many groups scheduled to perform during the convention:
- The Hoppers
- Lauren Talley
- Gold City
- Greater Vision
- Karen Peck and New River
- Triumphant
- Jeff & Sheri Easter
- The Kingdom Heirs
- Brian Free & Assurance
- The Dixie Echoes
- The Kingsmen
- And, closing out the 2024 NQC with a Grand Finale – Bill Gaither and Friends!
You can check the full schedule, find nearby lodging, shop the NQC store and souvenir shop, purchase tickets, and more by going to natqc.com.
See you soon!