'Shoutin' gospel tour stops in Yuma

The Hoppers have a string of music hits and played for a president, yet it has been 10 years since they had their own concert in the West.

The Christian music group is bringing its "Still Shoutin'" tour to Yuma on Feb. 13.

"'Shoutin' Time' is one of our big songs, so people recognize the title," said Dean Hopper, lead vocalist with the Southern gospel group. "'Still Shoutin'' was a play on the name of our song our manager came up with. Gospel people will know who you're talking about."

The Hoppers was started by Dean's father more than 50 years ago. The elder Hopper was inspired by the well-known Speer Family.

Today The Hoppers include Dean and his wife, Kim; Claude and his wife, Connie; younger son, Mike, on drums; and Jacob Crisp on keyboards.

"(Kim) has a real dynamic vocal ability and is a great communicator," Dean said. "That's like my mom. They both have the ability to reach out into a crowd and paint a picture with a song. They really get across the message."

In 1998 Connie was presented with the Marvin Norcross Award, which honors contributions to the gospel music industry. Mike received Musician of the Year from the Singing News Fan Awards, and Kim was named favorite soprano by the same association for over a decade.

The Hoppers' concert tour starts in Mesa on Feb. 12 and arrives in Yuma the next day.

The Yuma concert begins at 6 p.m. at the Foothills Assembly of God Church, Foothills Boulevard and 41st Street. General admission tickets are $14, but there is also front-row VIP seating for $30. That option includes a reception and refreshments. For more information, call 1-800-965-9324 or go online to www.itickets.com.

"Shoutin' Time," recorded in 1997, includes the songs "Here I Am," "Milk and Honey" and "Heavenly Sunrise."

But The Hoppers have a whole new batch of songs that will give their audience the whole gamut.

"Since this is our own tour, we'll have more time for meet and greet with the so many wonderful people we've missed for the passed decade," Dean said. "I'm looking forward to reconnecting. We do a lot of towns in the Midwest and Canada, so I'm quite excited to see the scenery in Arizona again."

Dean stressed that Southern gospel music is different than country music, although he likes both. He explained that Southern gospel is more traditional and ranges from sacred music all the way through to new songs.

"'Jerusalem,' one of our biggest songs ever, has a powerful beat with big orchestration, drums and guitar. It has a broad brushstroke that reaches all generations, from kids to grandparents."

The appeal of Southern gospel music is the harmonies and lyrics that drive the listener, Dean says.

"We also lace our program with family humor. Humor opens up the heart and allows you to reach people on a level where they can be moved."

The Hoppers were honored by being asked to perform at the inauguration of President Ronald Reagan in 1981. But it is not accolades that keep Dean performing. He said if it weren't for the "cause" of the music, there would not be a reason to leave his home 200 days a year touring.

"We try to sing about our conviction of how God has changed our lives. There's no magic formula. But it's fun. There's lots of people dealing with family problems now, but through it all you can change. You're not alone. We're there to encourage you to see it through."

William Roller can be reached at wroller@yumasun.com or 539-6858.