On the Trail with Barry "Bear" Ward ...stops along the road

Barry Ward wins the prestigious Male Vocalist Award from the Country Gospel Music Association

The Western Division of the CGMA Convention was held in Ridgway, Colorado on May 19-24, 2008 at The Ridgway Christian Center. Present were all the association performers from the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and certain areas of Texas.

"I honestly never thought that I would win anything", exclaimed Ward. "I came here mostly just for the experience and to meet other musicians, and was blown away by some of the talent that I heard. What a blessing this has been".

Barry will now represent his title of Western Male Vocalist against similar winners of the Central and Eastern United States, plus Canada and the Philippines at the International Convention in Branson, Missouri from October 13-18, 2008.

 


photo by Don Kallaus, truck courtesy of Scott O'Malley
& Associates

Barry drives the Hoot Gibson truck for the Cattle Drive down Tejon St. in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs. The Cattle Drive is part of The Ride for the Brand Ranch Rodeo.

 


            Barry in performance at Carnegie Hall, New York City, NY


            Barry and Denise Withnell of Cowboy Celtic visiting at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, Cody, Wyoming, April, 2007

Barry helping round up cattle on the Adams Ranch.

Barry, his wife Victoria, and friend Tony

Barry joined by Jon Cunningham on bass and Kerry Grombacher
on mandolin.

Barry and his sweet friend, Melody Cole, who suffers from spina bifida,
the inspiration for his song "Melody's Arms".


Barry and Caleb Gregg performing for the Yuma Co. Gospel Concert - two years in a row

 

Spending a week in New Mexico with Guitar Theory teacher Ron Rowland and an unidentified student