‘Signature Sound’ Prepares to Take over Loma Linda in Gospel

Online and telephone ticket sales have opened for a first Inland Empire concert appearance by popular gospel recording artists ‘Ernie Haase and Signature Sound.’ The quartet will perform at Loma Linda University Church in Loma Linda on Saturday night, Aug. 1. Known to millions for their Grammy-nominated and Dove award-winning recordings and their televised appearances with the Gaither Homecoming Tour and Gaither Vocal Band, the gospel artists’ local concert is co-sponsored by the host church and the Calimesa Community Concert Series. Signature Sound co-founder Ernie Haase knew his life ambition from early boyhood in Evansville, Indiana: It was the desire “to sing for Jesus.” His favorite quartet was the legendary Cathedrals, whose concerts he would attend anytime they were near his hometown. As a teenager, he recalls, “I would always show up early – sometimes even before they did – and help them unload the bus. It was my dream to sing with them one day.” That opportunity came in the Spring of 1990, when Cathedrals bass singer George Younce heard Ernie sing a solo at Oakland City College in Evansville. Within a week, young Haase was on the way to his first performance as the Cathedrals’ new tenor, a post he held until the quartet’s final tour ended in 1999. Haase and others started touring as Signature Sound in 2002, quickly building a huge following and a reputation for thinking and performing “outside the box.” In addition to traditional gospel concerts and recordings that include gold and platinum DVDs, the quartet introduced high-energy harmonies and messages of hope to NASCAR crowds and corporate events, touring from Latvia to India and South Africa to New Zealand. Quartet personnel in 2015 are tenor and front-man Haase; lead singer Devin McGlamery, bass Paul Harkey, and baritone Doug Anderson, the only continuing original member along with Haase. However, Anderson last month [April 28] announced plans to leave the group in order to concentrate on his successful solo career. Wayne Haun will play with the quartet on piano and keyboards in the Loma Linda concert. The all-reserved seats cost from $10 to $30 depending on seat location, explains concert series coordinator Dr. Bob Soderblom. Prime-seat VIP tickets are $50. Early ticket buyers have access to preferred seat locations in each price category. Popular credit cards are accepted, and concertgoers will enjoy free parking in a structure across the street from the church, Soderblom says. Tickets can be ordered online from iTickets.com or by phone at 800-965-9324. Doors will open at 6:30 for the 7 p.m. event. Tickets are not available at the church, and no tickets will be sold at the door.