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Singer Offers Music, Laughs At A Great Price

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By MICHELLE BEARDEN

mbearden@tampatrib.com

Published: February 14, 2009

Ivan Parker

Think of him as an entertainer who understands your pain.

Award-winning Southern gospel singer Ivan Parker, a longtime fan favorite in the industry, is still a bargain. While some acts charge upward of $50 a pop, Parker likes to keep his shows affordable so anyone can attend.

And in these times, that's music to the ears.

The vocalist - who mixes humor, songs and contemporary worship in his live performances - comes to Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church in Tampa next week. Cost of a ticket: $10. Better yet, the proceeds go to UMC's Envision Fund.

"It's always been my objective to keep my overhead low so I can keep my costs low," Parker says in phone interview from his home in Nashville. "Things are tough now and people have cut back. But if there was ever a time we all need a little entertainment, this is it."

Parker is known for his versatility in music styles, from progressive Southern to inspirational, old-time standards and his own greatest hits. One tune audiences can expect to hear that sums up his feelings these days: "It Won't Rain Always."

"I think people are seeking joy and encouragement. That's what I try to give them in the short time we have together," Parker says. "I want them to laugh and loosen up. We've got to help each other through this."

The economy hasn't seemed to hurt his schedule. Between his solo act and performing with the renowned Gaither Homecoming Vocal Band, he's on the road about 200 days this year. No private jet for Parker - he travels in a fully equipped tour bus dubbed Big Red, along with his sound guy and the product manager who handles concession sales at the concerts.

"And we all share with the driving," Parker laughs. Most traveling is Thursday through Sunday, so he can spend the rest of his time in Nashville with his wife, Teresa, who handles the business side of his company. "She doesn't travel with me, which is one of the reasons I can't wait to get home."

For Parker, a father of two grown children and a first-time grandfather, this is the only life he's known.

His first stage gig was at age 2 in a Pentecostal church in Sanford, N.C. When the preacher asked if anyone had a song to sing, the toddler crawled out of his mom's lap, went to the microphone and started singing "On the wings of a snow white dove, He sends his pure, sweet love."

Problem was, the young tyke didn't want to stop. He was right at home. Finally, his father pulled him off, saying "OK, I think that's enough."

Now, as Parker likes to put it, there's no one telling him "that's enough." When he gets revved up during a performance, when it's just him and an appreciative audience, he doesn't have to stop himself. He loves to sing.

And, apparently, he does it well. He's won a bucketful of awards: Male Vocalist of the Year (Gospel Voice Magazine), Soloist of the Year (Southern Gospel Music Association), favorite Male Vocalist of the Year multiple years (The Singing News). Last year, his "Best of Ivan Parker" DVD topped Billboard Magazine's charts across all the gospel genres.

In some ways, he's reached a pinnacle that may be hard to top. About 10 years ago, he played the Ryman Auditorium, home of the Grand Ole Opry. Standing on stage and recalling the journey it took to get there, Parker thought, "Wow, I've made it."

But this is a business that goes up and down, and he doesn't take it for granted. To keep touch with his fans, he sends out a weekly e-mail, personalizing the greeting to those who sign up for it on his Web site (http://ivanparker.com). The chatty letter talks about his comings and goings that week, encounters with fans and experiences that touch him in his travels.

He says the e-mails keep him connected with his "community" - though separated by miles, "we still feel a part of each other."

"The best part about my job is all the contact I get with people," Parker says. "First I serve the Lord, and second, I serve them. I feel very blessed with this life."

IF YOU GO

IVAN PARKER IN CONCERT

WHEN: 7 p.m. Feb. 21

WHERE: Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church, 2902 W. Fletcher Ave., Tampa

COST: $10 for general seating available for purchase in advance at the church office or just prior to the concert.

INFORMATION: (813) 961-1254

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