The deadline for entries into Lincoln County’s first gospelmusic awards program is drawing near. Participants have until March31 to provide a CD, DVD or VHS of a performance.

The first South Mississippi Gospel Music Awards will bepresented May 5 at the Alexander Junior High School auditorium at 6p.m. The awards presentation is sponsored by South MississippiProductions, the “O” Foundation and Bank of Brookhaven.

“It’ll be just like the Grammy’s,” said Rose “Polly” Powell,South Mississippi Productions president and “O” Foundation founder.”This will be an event that people will remember.”

Regional and state celebrities, as well as public officials,have agreed to make the presentations of an 8″ angel statuereminiscent of an Oscar to the winners, Powell said.

The presentation will follow typical awards show-style withpresenters announcing the nominees and drawing the winning entryfrom a sealed envelope, she said.

Awards will be presented in seven major categories -contemporary Christian, gospel, Christian rock/rap, alternative,praise and worship, bluegrass and instrumental.

Each category will feature separate awards:

* Contemporary Christian: male and female vocalist of theyear

* Gospel: best choir/group/quartet in traditional orcontemporary gospel

* Christian Rock/Rap: best rock artist and best rap artist.

* Alternative: urban artist of the year

* Praise and Worship: a cappella groups and dance/step teams

* Bluegrass: bluegrass artist of the year

* Instrumental: musician/director of the year

A special award will also be presented. The first LifetimeAchievement Award will be presented to Lillian Lilly, ofBrookhaven. Lilly has been a member of the Mississippi Mass Choirsince its inception.

Entries must include a CD, DVD or VHS tape of a performance,short biography, 5×7 or 8×10 photograph and a $5 processingfee.

Entries for the awards show can be mailed in care of South MSProductions, South MS Gospel Music Awards, P.O. Box 953, Wesson MS39191.

For more information, contact Powell at (601) 643-1500.