Program Overview
This event is jam packed with worship, sermons, comedy, dinner theaters, and a free ticket to Dollywood. This event will challenge you, encourage you, and increase your faith in Jesus! Below you’ll see a list of everything that’s a part of this incredible program!
Musicians
Jimmy Fortune
He’s gonna’ be at The Ultimate!!! You remember the famous Jimmy Fortune, the high tenor singer with The Statler Brothers, as he sang “Elizabeth, I’m so in love with you”. Now he is a featured artist on the Gaither Homecomings, and is the high tenor singer with the highly acclaimed “Brotherly Love” quartet. You don’t want to miss the 2026 Ultimate as Jimmy brings his whole band for the Wednesday Celebration when we’re in Dollywood. This is a private concert just for our event.
Ernie Haase and Signature Sound
We call it “A Christmas Spectacular” because nobody does a Christmas Concert like Ernie and the guys. This will be an awesome “stand alone” full concert on Monday night with just Ernie Haase & Signature Sound. This is Ernie’s “A Jazzy Little Christmas” on steroids. If this doesn’t start your engines… I don’t know what will. We had Ernie come a couple of years ago and everyone kept asking, “When can you get them back?” Well….. this is the year!!! Don’t miss it!!!
The Blackwood Brothers
So often I hear folks saying, “I miss the way we used to sing with all the great old-style Gospel Music and Hymns. Well, I heard you and we are answering your requests! We are bringing you “The Best-Known Name in Southern Gospel Music”…. The famous Blackwood Brothers. For over 80 years, they have kept the style and the heartbeat of the old time, cherished music alive! They are going to take you back and help you remember the great “all night sings.” You’re going to hear that bass singer take it to the basement and the high tenor take the paint off the walls. Oh yeah….. this is going to be good…..soooo good! We’re binging back the great memories.
The Sound
They’re Back!!!! When we started The Ultimate 9 years ago, we had The Sound each year for a number of years. BUT……Then Bill Gaither found them and started taking them on his cruises and featuring them on The Homecoming series. Then Mark Lowry said, “Them there boys are GOOD!” So, he was having them at all his Mark Lowry concert events. Then they won a Dove Award. So…. it was harder and harder to book them for our event. Well… we have them back this year!! Their tight family harmonies just can’t be beat. They just keep getting better…. So buckle up sister and pass the Almond Joys…. cause this is going to be M’m M’m good!!!
Authentic Unlimited
I first saw them at The National Quartet Convention and everyone was blown away. This group was formed from the final lineup of the famous Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver band. They play the Grand Ole Opry and were awarded the IBMA Vocal Group of the Year in 2023, 2024 and 2025. Their authentic sound, rich harmonies and energetic performances with all the acoustic instruments is no less than amazing. So, I said to myself, “Self…This can’t get any better.” Then I said, “OH YES IT CAN!” How you might ask. Well…after their concert, we are going to produce a high energy Grand Finale combining Authentic Unlimited with The Sound. OH YEAH…. I bet even The Grinch will be diggin’ this.
Gordon Mote
Talk about “Happy Feet”. Gordon can make even the grumpiest curmudgeon crack a smile and tap their toes. (You know that curmudgeon… the one that you are so happy you didn’t marry). When Gordon is done… the keys will be “smokin”. You see him on all The Gaither Homecomings and playing and producing music for all the famous groups. AND…. You know, some of the best music is when he sings and plays his own famous music. But… we’re not stopping there. We’re even gonna’ make this pop the rest of your bulbs. We are pairing Southbound and Jimmy Fortune with his band together with Gordon for a Grand Finale in Dollywood that will pop your socks right off in the aisle. (You just may not want to wear socks on Wednesday… just saying).
Southbound
I simply don’t know how they do it! I truly believe this is the highest energy group in Southern Gospel today. Yet, they are so versatile. They can be “peeling the paint off the walls”… then sing an a cappella song that will bring tears to your eyes. This group hasn’t been around as long as most, but they are making everyone stand up for an encore. When you leave you will be talking about Southbound and look to see when they will be in your neighborhood. Their tight blends of harmony in the higher octaves are shockingly amazing. Look out Bertha…. They’re Southbound and rolling!
Voices of Lee
I don’t know what else to say but…WOW!!! If you have never heard Voices of Lee in person, you are in for the best treat of your Christmas! These are 15 of the most highly trained voices anywhere. When I first heard them at The National Quartet Convention, I simply could not believe their pure, precise, sustained, amazing quality of tight harmony. Danny Murray is the premier director of this choir and he knows how to always brings out the best. You are going to want to take them home with you. I don’t think there is any group out there that does what they do at this level. You will hear them come to the end of a song that has you on the edge of your seat…. and then…quietly… almost unnoticed, but yet right there in the background… you will hear the most beautiful female voice put the icing on the cake with this ultra-high, sweet, pure note. Ah…… that was just what it needed. “Yeppers…… stick me with a fork Bertha…. I‘m done!!!”
Jimmy Fortune and His Band
Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
Blackwood Brothers
The Sound
Authentic Unlimited
Gordon Mote
Southbound
Voices of Lee
Comedian
Taylor Mason
It just does not get any better than Taylor!!! It was many years ago that I first saw Taylor at a live Gaither Homecoming. I said to myself, “Self… someday we gotta have Taylor Mason at The Ultimate. And I’ve been blessed to have him many times since and he is back this year. You may have seen him recently on a Gaither cruise or Homecoming show. This guy is a riot!!! He can hit a mean lick on the keyboard, tell the best clean jokes and stories and make you believe his puppets are so real you will be talking to them. You will laugh, giggle, chortle, snort and maybe even swallow your gum. Bubba is going to get a kick out of Taylor Mason this year… I guarantee it!!!
Taylor Mason
Preacher
Andrew Nelson
Andrew has worked as a youth pastor at a Vietnamese Church and has planted a church on the campus of the University of Central Florida. He will bring a powerful and dynamic Christian message that will grow your faith!
Andrew Nelson
Dinner Shows
Dolly Parton's Stampede
This incredibly fast paced dinner show will fill your belly and get your blood pumping! This show will feature a live nativity, and game that the audience is included in as well as a delicious dinner you'll absolutely love!
Pirate's Dinner Theater
You'll absolutely love this dinner show! This fast paced dinner show will feature acrobatic actors, and other entertainers that will leave you saying "wow!" all night long. Not only will you be entertained, you'll leave with a fully belly!
Dolly Parton's Stampede
Pirate's Dinner Theaters
Dollywood
Dollywood
On Wednesday morning we'll have a Gospel sing in one of Dollywood's theaters. After that finishes you'll have the rest of the day to enjoy all that Dollywood has to offer. A free parking pass and a $15 meal voucher is included with every event ticket.
