(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- The Gaither Vocal Band will perform at Ocean Grove's Great Auditorium on Saturday, July 15 at 8:00pm.Reserved tickets are $69.50, $36.50 and $26.50. General admission is $25.  Led by Bill Gaither, the Gaither Vocal Band shares timeless gospel classics, as well as refreshing, inspiring new favorites embraced by audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Few events have the ability to unite individuals from all walks of life the way Gaither concerts do. The OGCMA concert will showcase many of the songs included on the Band’s latest recording, Better Together. Joining The Gaither Vocal Band for this special evening will be talented female vocalist Charlotte Ritchie, powerful male vocalist Gene McDonald, and guitarist/comedian Kevin Williams.

Bill Gaither was an Indiana-born kid with an insatiable love for music who grew to become an industry leader and change the course of gospel music history through the songs he has written, as well as his influence on other artists. An avid fan of gospel quartets throughout his childhood, Bill founded his first group in 1956 while still in college. He then taught English for many years because his music couldn’t support him full-time. However, when he married Gloria Sickal in 1962, he found both a life and creative partner. The couple spent the first five years of their marriage juggling full-time teaching jobs while also writing, singing, recording and publishing until music became their full-time career in 1967.

The collaboration of Bill and Gloria has resulted in more than 700 beloved gospel songs, including the hymnal standard “Because He Lives,” “The King Is Coming,” “Something Beautiful,” “He Touched Me,” “It Is Finished,” “There’s Something About That Name,” “Let’s Just Praise The Lord,” and “Loving God, Loving Each Other.” They have won eight Grammy Awards and more than a dozen nominations. They have also received over two dozen Dove Awards from The Gospel Music Association, earning the title of Gospel Music Association’s Songwriter of the Year eight times, as well as being named ASCAP's Songwriters of the Century.

“Our calling is not just making music, but communicating the reality of Christ,” says Bill. “That might mean birthing a song about Him or simply offering a cup of cold water to someone who needs it. Gloria and I have never claimed to have God figured out, but we do know that if He could use two imperfect people like us to communicate His Truth to the world, He can use everyone sitting in the audience, working on our staff or singing with us. I hope we have built bridges where people could connect with God and with each other. That is what started us writing and what will keep us going for the rest of our lives.”

For years, The Gaither Vocal Band has brought its popular Homecoming Tour to cities worldwide, performing to packed houses. Each concert showcases gospel music's finest talent and draws new listeners in every city. Says Gaither, “With all the musical choices that are available now, there is still a special place for the joy and optimism that reside in Gospel music. Good news never gets old.” Since 1992, when the Gaithers began recording their celebrated Homecoming series of DVDs and CDs, most every volume has gone gold or platinum with sales totaling approximately 100 million volumes. The programs appear regularly on television networks around the world.

Order tickets online at www.oceangrove.org or call 1-800-590-4064. The Great Auditorium is located at Pilgrim and Ocean Pathways in Ocean Grove, New Jersey, and is handicapped accessible.

Founded in 1869, the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association (OGCMA) is dedicated to providing opportunities for spiritual birth, growth and renewal through worship, educational cultural and recreational programs for all ages in Christian seaside setting.  OCGMA plays a unique role in music on the beautiful Jersey Shore, presenting an exhilarating line-up of family entertainment – made even grander by the splendid ambiance and acoustics of the 6,000-seat Great Auditorium.