Pine Ridge Boys News
August 2010
JIM STEWART HOSPITALIZED!!
After more than a year of no health issues bass singer extrordinair, Jim Stewart, was admitted to the hospital on Sunday, August 8th. The doctors believe he has either pneumonia or a growth on his lung. Jim has had a hacking cough for several weeks that got progressively worse leading to this diagnosis. The Pine Ridge Boys will continue their scheduled concerts with Jim's son Larry filling in when he can and as a trio. Please put Jim on your prayer lists.
June 2010
MY COMPUTER IS FIXED!!
Well we didn't fall off the face of the earth...I just fried my hard drive and couldn't make any updates or changes except the schedule. The Pine Ridge Boys have been quite busy since March. We continued to sing most weekends except Easter and Mother's Day and have traveled to Ohio, West Virginia and the Carolina Mountains. We recently received our latest CD, "What a Great Homecoming Day," and we are very happy with the songs on the project. Be sure to get a copy or two at our next concert or give Jim a call or send an e-mail and we'll get one out to you. Songs on the project are: "What a Great Homecoming Day," "Farther Along," "What a Meeting in the Air," "Amazing Grace," "Feeling Mighty Fine," "Sweeter as the Days Go By," Just a Little Talk With Jesus," "The Love of God," "Somebody Touched Me" and Big Jim singing "On the Jericho Road." Be sure to come see us when we're in your area.
March 2010
ALIVE AND WELL IN 2010
MOORESVILLE: Happy New Year everyone!! No we haven't fallen off the face of the earth yet. We have just been very busy singing and enjoying some family time. The Pine Ridge Boys will be traveling around the country again this year with trips scheduled to Indiana, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and of course Ohio. We will also be in North and South Carolina, West Virginia and Georgia. We are currently working on a new project and have selected some of your favorite requests to be on it. It should be available in a couple of months. The Singing News article has been delayed but look for it in a future edition. We still have a few dates open so give Jim a call if you would like to have us at your church or special event. Speaking of Jim, his health is the best it has been in several years. Praise God for answered prayers. Hope to see you soon at an event in your area.
December 2009
END OF THE YEAR UPDATE
MOORESVILLE: The Pine Ridge Boys thank God for another successful year in Southern Gospel music. We are especially greatful for Big Jim's improved health. He is actually feeling better than he has in several years and is singing better than ever. We thank God for answered prayer on Jim's behalf. God still answers prayer. We are looking forward to an outstanding 2010 with many dates already booked. If your church or group would like to have us for your event or service be sure to contact us ASAP to ensure we make your date. Be sure to check out the Singing News magazine in March for a feature on us. Jerry Kirksey is the author of our article. Continue to check for updates at our website and on www.gospelgigs.com. Thank you for all your prayers.
Fall 2009
AUTUMN IS HERE!!
MOORESVILLE: WOW, the summer sure passed by quickly and the Pine Ridge Boys were busier than ever. Thank you for your prayers for Jim and his son Everette. Jim is feeling better than he has in several years and Everette is back to work. God does answer prayers. We are now booking dates for 2010 and would love to come and sing at your church. We just added a date for an event that is near to my heart. On Friday, November 13, 2009 the Pine Ridge Boys along with Bluegrass Gospel group the Golden Valley Crusaders will be part of Parkwood Baptist Church's Veteran's Appreciation Day. The church is located in Gastonia, NC at 1827 Dixon Rd. Please come and help us honor our Veterans. Hopefully, with a lighter schedule I'll be able to update you more often.
August 2009
PINE RIDGE BOYS FACE A BUSY AUGUST
MOORESVILLE: Well July certainly flew by this year. We now come upon the busiest part of our schedule traveling to Ohio on the weekend of the 7th and then driving directly to West Jefferson. NC for a mid week service on the 11th. We then go to Georgia and back to Ohio. Big Jim is feeling much better and is singing better than ever. The congregations seem to like our new project and you'all need to be sure to get your copy of "The Pine Ridge Boys sing Southern Classics." Even better than that we now have a DVD version with 4 extra songs. You can watch us at home and not have to feed us. Be sure to keep Jim's son Everette in your prayers, he seems to have inherited some of Jim's health problems and is having some complications. I'm not sure when I'll have time to update this month but I'll try and keep everyone informed as I can.
July 2009
NEW PROJECT NOW AVAILABLE
MOORESVILLE: Our newest project, The Pine Ridge Boys sing Southern Classics, features Big Jim singing "Just A Closer Walk With Thee, is now available. We obtained our first shipment last Thursday and the new songs have been well received. Be sure to get your copy ASAP. You can get a copy at any of our concerts or by calling Jim at 704-892-1201 or e-mail me at pineridgeboys@gmail.com. We are singing at 3 new venues the weekend of July 11 & 12. Our new venture takes us to Maryland and Delaware. On Saturday we are at Holiday Park in Greensboro, MD and on Sunday at Friendship United Methodist in Salisbury, MD and New Life Baptist in Milford, DE. Pray for us as we present God in song to a new audience.
FYI... Jim is doing great healthwise. He seems to be getting stronger every week. We thank God for his healing power.
May/June 2009
WE ARE STILL SINGING!!
MOORESVILLE: Yes we are still on the road every weekend singing God's praises. I apologize for the lapse of time in updating you all about our activities. The past several weeks have been hectic. On May 21st and 26th we were in the studio recording a new CD and thank God everything went smoothly. We completed 10 new tracks in 10 hours. This was amazing considering the producer broke his hand and Jim had to have hernia surgery as soon as we finished taping. Jim had successful surgery on May 28th and spent another week in the hospital to bring up his cumadin level. Meanwhile, I had to return to Buffalo, NY to attend a wedding so the boys sang with 2 great fill-ins on May 31st. Thanks to Ron Bright and Jerry Jennings for being available and doing a great job at those Georgia singings. June has started out well and this coming weekend we wil be trying something new, singing at the Shatley Springs Restaurant in the North Carolina mountains. If you get the chance to get there the scenery is awesome, the food is great and the music will be well...praiseworthy. I will do my best to stay on top of the news and get it to you more regularly. We are still looking to fill dates in early September and November. Our new project should be available within the month.
Update April 2009
PINE RIDGE BOYS TO RECORD NEW PROJECT
MOORESVILLE: The Pine Ridge Boys will be going into the studio to record a new project in late May. This project has been delayed for a few months while Big Jim was hospitalized and the group is looking forward to completing it. The yet-to-be-named CD will include many classic songs that have been requested by our fans. It will also be the first recording with the group as it is configured now with tenor, Robert Belk, lead, Duane Rizzo, Baritone, Jerome Bush and of course bass, Jim Stewart. Please pray for us as we rehearse and record this project that we will pick songs that will bless our listeners.
HAPPY EASTER FROM THE PINE RIDGE BOYS
MOORESVILLE: The Pine Ridge Boys would like to extend their thanks and apreciation for all the prayers they received through Big Jim's hospitalization and recovery. Especially during this Easter season when Our Lord overcame the grave and defeated death for us all. It has been a busy time for the Pine Ridge Boys and I have been unable to write many updates so here is a synopsis of what's been going on since the end of March: 1 - Ron Bright of Gaffney, SC filled in for Jim as our bass singer and did a great job. It was amazing how the Lord provided such a quality person in our time of need. Thanks Ron!! Churches if you need a soloist for a special event be sure to look Ron up. 2 - On March 26th Jim was released from The Huntersville Oaks Rehab Facility and sang with the Pine Ridge Boys in Sylva, NC on the 29th (Mr. Timex) and each singin since. It is a tribute to his dedication to this ministry that he can do this. 3 - Unfortunately, during the first week in April Jerome came down with either some type of allergy attack or the flu which has put him on the shelf for the last 2 events. We are praying for his complete healing. Again we were blessed to have Ken Jackson of Lancaster, SC available to fill in. 4 - Continue to pray for us as we begin our out of state schedule at the end of this month.
Happy Easter!! May God richly bless each and every one of you.
The Pine Ridge Boys
Update March 2009
JIM STEWART TO BE RELEASED FROM REHAB CENTER
HUNTERSVILLE: Bass singer Jim Stewart is scheduled to be released from The Huntersville Oaks rehab facility on March 25th. He will still need some time to recuperate and rest from his hospital stay. His knee is still somewhat swollen but much better than its been in months. Hopefully, he will be back on the road again in a few weeks.
BIG JIM SINGS WITH PINE RIDGE BOYS AGAIN
HUNTERSVILLE: The Pine Ridge Boys had the priviledge of singing at The Huntersville Oaks rehab and retirement facilty on Wednesday, March 18th. They also received a pleasant surprise when Big Jim Stewart, who is doing his rehab there, sang the whole set with the group for the first time in more than a month. Jim said he was a little tired after the set but otherwise impressed the other patients and staff with his great bass voice. It was a pleasure to sing with him again.
Update February 2009
JIM STEWART ON THE MOVE
HUNTERSVILLE: Bass singer Jim Stewart is scheduled to be moved today, February 26, 2009, to "The Oaks" rehab facility in Huntersville, NC. Jim is being relocated there to continue an IV antibiotic regimen needed to clear up his blood infection. So far his blood counts have been steadily improving with the antibiotics. The rehab facility is closer to home for Eloise so the commute won't be as demanding. If and when I get a room number I will pass it along.
UPDATE ON BIG JIM
CHARLOTTE: The latest information on Jim Stewart's hospital stay is that he may have to be admitted to a rehab facility to address his blood infections as well as his knee issue. Doctors are discussing whether they may have to remove his artificail knee for a period of time and then whether to repair or replace it after the rehab is completed. We all know that this is in God's hands and his will. I will continue to update you as things progress. The Pine Ridge Boys will continue their scheduled events with Ron Bright singing bass. Thank you for your support and prayers.
FURTHER TESTS BEING DONE
CHARLOTTE: Doctors at Charlotte Medical Center are performing further tests on bass singer Jim Stewart as he continues to have swelling and pain in his knee. The knee swells to more than 3 times it's normal size and fluids have been drained several times during his hospital stay. His original surgical procedure t replace his pacemaker and difibulator are healing quite well thank God. It is still undeteremined when he will be released from the hospital but after his release he will need to return daily for 42 days for IV antibiotics to clear up his infections. Keep Jim and Eloise in your prayers.
BIG JIM HAS FURTHER PROCEDURE
CHARLOTTE: Bass singer Jim Stewart had another medical procedure performed while in the Charlotte Medical Center. As I noted in January, Jim was having trouble with swelling in his knee and while recuperating from his pacemaker and difibulator replacement surgery the swelling popped up again. Doctors are draining the knee while they search for the cause of the repeated swelling. The swelling causes great pain and discomfort to Jim and really needs to be addressed. I will keep you all updated as things progress.
RON BRIGHT TO FILL IN WITH PINE RIDGE BOYS
MOORESVILLE: The Pine Ridge Boys announce that they have made arrangements for South Carolina's Ron Bright to fill in as Bass Singer while Jim Stewart recovers from surgery. Ron has performed Southern Gospel for many years with several quartets such as The Rebels and Heavenbound. "We are fortunate to get a singer of Ron's caliber to fill our need," said Jerome Bush, Baritone, "We appreciate his willingness to help us." The Pine Ridge Boys will continue their scheduled concerts during Jim's recovery and will continue to accept new dates.
SUCCESSFUL SURGERY COMPLETED
CHARLOTTE: On Friday evening doctors at Carolina's Medical Center completed successful surgery on Pine Ridge Boys Bass Singer and Manager, Jim Stewart, to replace his pacemaker and difribulator. It took approximately four and a half hours to perform the procedures. Jim was in recovery at 9:00 PM and doing well. Keep Jim in your prayers for his complete recovery.
BIG JIM TO BE HOSPITALIZED
MOORESVILLE: Jim Stewart, Manager and Bass Singer of the Pine Ridge Boys, will be admitted to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC on Monday, February 2, 2009. Jim needs to have his pacemaker replaced and with his other complications this process may take up to 10 days. They first need to balance his cumadin level and then perform the surgery. Please keep Jim and his wife Eloise in your prayers. The Pine Ridge Boys will continue their regular shedule during this period.
January 2009
NEW BUSH GRANDCHILD
GASTONIA: Jerome and Wanda Bush are proud to annonce the birth of their new grandson, Gavin Mathewson Bush, to the Pine Ridge Boys family. Gavin was born on December 17, 2008 and weighed in at a healthy 9lbs 4 oz. He is the son of Garrett and Anna Bush of Mount Airy, NC. The Bushes thank God for this wonderful addition to their family.
JIM STEWART RELEASED FROM HOSPITAL
MOORESVILLE: Bass Singer Jim Stewart was released from Lake Norman Regional Medical Center at 2:00 pm on Friday, January 16th. His hospital stay resulted in the finding of three bleeding ulcers and a blocked blood vessel in his stomach which caused a severe loss of blood. All of these can be treated with medication according to Jim's doctors. We are thankful for all your prayers and Jim expects to be singing tonight at Community Baptist Church in Mooresville and tomorrow in Hickory. He is truly "Mr.Timex." Continue to pray for Jim as he recovers from these ailments.
BIG JIM BACK IN THE HOSPITAL
MOORESVILLE: Jim Stewart was admitted to Lake Norman Regional Medical Center on Saturday, January 10, 2009 to determine why his energy level has slowly diminished. He is currently in the CCU and they are running tests on both his heart and kidneys. As of today, 1/13/09, we haven't had an update. Please keep Jim in your prayers and on your prayer lists. I will pass along any information as it comes available.
PINE RIDGE BOYS SCHEDULE RECORDING SESSION
MOORESVILLE: The Pine Ridge Boys are scheduled to go into the studio to record a new project at the end of the month. This will be their first project in a year and will feature the classic southern gospel songs the Pine Ridge Boys are known for. "We are in the process of selecting the right songs for this project out of the hundreds of requests we receive," said Big Jim Stewart the quartet's owner, "It will be the first project with our new lead singer, Duane Rizzo, and we are looking forward to the project." Be sure to check the website for the release of the new project.
BIG JIM UPDATE
MOORESVILLE: Big Jim Stewart continues to live up to his nickname as "Mr.Timex." In December 2008 Jim had cataract surgery, dislocated his knee and had a bout with the flu. With all this he only missed one singing and it was outdoors!!! Jim is still waiting for a date to replace his pacemaker and to have a second cataract surgery. He continues to covet your prayers.
FILLING DATES
MOORESVILLE: The Pine Ridge boys are looking to fill up their calendar for 2009. "We have several open dates and would love to have a singing in your church," said Jim Stewart. If you are interested in having a classic southern gospel concert at your church or social event please contact us by phone at 704-892-1201 or 704-488-4447 or by e-mail at pineridgeboys@gmail.com. Check our online calendar for available dates.