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According to the Thumb Gospel Music website, it was a life long dream of Lloyd "Chic" Severance to bring gospel music to the thumb area.

Lloyd and Esther Severance had four children, 13 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

He sang bass in a church quartet. He started singing in the 1930's and his goal was to provide quality gospel music that anyone could attend and enjoy without charge.

He was part of the original community men's group called "The Layman's Club" in Cass City where they began the New Year's Eve Gospel Sing.

According to the Thumb Gospel Music website in 1997, Chic and his son Art of the Gospel Committee Chairman visited with Lew Tibbits about bringing a gospel sing to Bay Shore Camp and having it be a benefit concert with all proceeds going to the camp. A committee was formed, which included Cliff Jacoby, Lloyd (Chic) Severance, Bob Bader, Les Severance, Art Severance, Donna Rhodes, Dan Grimshaw, Barbie Brooks and Lew Tibbits; and the first concert was held in August 1998.

After Lloyd's passing in 2000, the convention officials renamed the event to honor Severance's many contributions to gospel singing in the Thumb.

Now in it's 10th year and attracting upwards of 3,000 people over the three days of music, good food and great fellowship.

The schedule for performers includes Thursday's line up with Dennis Gwizdala and Blue Grass Revival beginning at 6:00 p.m. Friday's scheduled performers are Souls Harbor, Ron Elrod, Not Ashamed and

Courtney Lynn, the Heralders and the Heritage Quartet beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday's performances begin at 11 a.m. with Dennis Gwizdala, Higher Ground, Gospelmen, Royal Heirs, Blue Grass Revival, the Thurston Family, the Calvarymen, the Northmen, Master's Touch, Mark and Andrea Forester, the Sammons Family and the Browns.

Sunday morning starts with a community worship at 10:30 a.m. and performances by Mark and Andrea Forester at 2:00 p.m. with groups Joyful Sounds, Stronghold and the Grimshaws.

Bay Shore Camp has over 160 RV sites, most with full electric and water, facilities for showers, laundry and many food concessions, plus a playground for the kids. The Sebewaing City Park and the Sebewaing River Campground can also accommodate many campers and guests.

For more information contact Bay Shore Camp or Barbie Brooks at (989) 883-2501.