Published: May 09, 2008 01:50 pm         

Musician/comedian will appear at The Church Triumphant

RIDGELEY, W.Va. - Larry DeLawder, a musician, singer, songwriter and comedian, will appear at The Church Triumphant, Route 2, Ridgeley, on May 18 at 6:30 p.m.

DeLawder impersonates Barney Fife, the bumbling but lovable deputy made famous by actor Don Knotts on "The Andy Griffith Show."

Larry DeLawder Ministries, based in Branson, Mo., has taken him throughout the United States and Canada. He currently travels as a solo ministry with his wife Sara and their daughters, Hannah and Faith.

He has traveled and performed with several well-known artists beginning in 1987 with the Dixie Melody Boys. He spent the next 8 1/2 years playing harmonica and percussion was a part of the Singing at Sea gospel cruise.

In 1997, DeLawder began traveling with Gary McSpadden full time and continued for four years. During that time, he also performed on McSpadden's popular TV show "Gary McSpadden's Gospel Jubilee" playing harmonica and performing his impersonation of Barney Fife. He also has appeared on the popular show "Swan's Place" hosted by Dennis Swanburg.

DeLawder contributed to two Gaither videos, "Hawaiin Homecoming" in 1998, and "A Homecoming Concert" in Lakeland, Fla. He has performed in the Barbara Fairchild Show in Branson as drummer and comedian as well as the Branson show "Magnificent Seven," where he played harmonica, drums and sang.

He was nominated as instrumentalist of the year for seven years at the Singing News Fan Awards at the National Quartet Convention in Nashville, Tenn.

He received the Hearts Aflame Award for instrumentalist of the year and has produced three solo harmonica recordings.

The service is open to the public and a love offering will be received. For more information, call the church office at (304) 738-3368.

The church is located between Short Gap and Wiley Ford, W.Va., just off state Route 28, Plum Run Road, beside the Mountaineer Mart.