When I wrote last week's column on the busy LaPointe siblings a couple of weeks ago, prior to heading off on vacation, I had no idea this talented trio were about to add yet another gold star to their impressive resumé.

But sometimes, it seems, the universe unfolds just as it should for New Brunswick's first family of gospel music.

In case you haven't heard, the LaPointes were signed just last week to host and sing at Canadian Country Music Week's hallmark gospel showcase scheduled for Saint John's historic Imperial Theatre at 1 p.m. on Sept. 10.

Andy and Jeff LaPointe and their sister, Janice LaPointe-McLaughlin, who released a new 10-song CD titled I Love You So last weekend, were successfully wooed by the Canadian Country Music Association's host committee from the Port City.

They'll add their voices to those of four performers chosen by a national jury of their peers from among hundreds of Canadian recording artists who responded to an open competition to be part of the show.

As announced earlier, they will include New Brunswick's own Stephanie Mainville of Darlings Island.

Also taking the stage during the 90-minute show will be Saskatchewan native Eli Barsi, Edmonton's Adam Gregory and relative newcomer Kent Hodgin of Pembroke, Ont.

The showcase mixes contemporary country stars with current Christian music celebrities, plus stars on the rise.

The host committee is thrilled to have added the LaPointes to the stellar lineup.

"We have been very, very lucky to have the LaPointes join as hosts," Wendy Connors-Beckett, Country Music Week's event manager, said during a joint interview that included its marketing specialist, Nancy Moar.

"They wouldn't have submitted their names to the (jury) process," she added. "We had the opportunity to name a host and we chose the LaPointes because we see them as being probably, without a doubt, one of the strongest groups in the region. And we really wanted the opportunity to showcase the talent our region has."

Connors-Beckett, who has seen the LaPointes perform at past East Coast Music Awards showcases, said she counts herself among their legion of admirers.

"I'm a big fan of the LaPointes, I think they're tremendous," she said. "They're outstanding and I know how much they are revered in the Saint John area."

That fact, alone, should go a long way toward selling out the 500 Imperial seats made available to the public after 300 were reserved for paying delegates and celebrities. At $22 a pop for such a strong lineup of talent, they have to be considered a bargain.

They're available at the Harbour Station or Imperial box offices, or by calling Harbour Station at 657-1234 or 1-800-267-2800.

Connors-Beckett, who attended the CCMA gospel showcases in Edmonton in 2004 and Calgary in 2005, promises fans they won't leave the gospel showcase disappointed.

"I think among those of us from the committee who have been (in attendance) the past two years, I would have to say it's probably the favourite event we've attended," she said. "So, it has a lot of support from the Saint John committee and we just want Saint Johners to share that experience."

In choosing four competitors from among hundreds, she said, "What (the jurors) try and do is make sure that they are choosing Canada's best country performers who happen to have an inspirational message in their music. So, it has a spiritual theme to it, but they don't have to just be artists who are known as gospel singers. They are country singers who have inspirational messages in their songs."

Mainville, a mother of four and 2006 ECMA nominee, has earned wide acclaim since the 2004 release of her award-winning debut CD Family, a culmination of years of devotion, passion and a heart for all things eternal. Last year, she fiddled and sang her way into the hearts of many at the New Brunswick Gospel Music Hall of Fame's annual Mercy Awards.

Barsi, who was only nine when she performed for the Governor-General, has released 11 singles, three of which have reached the Top 20.

Gregory, probably the best known of all the performers, broke onto the country music scene at the age of 14. He recently released his long-awaited third album, Adam Gregory, has been touring non-stop in promotion.

Hodgin, who grew up in the Ottawa Valley listening to country music, released his debut album Wood and Stone in 2005.

"These were the four that rose to the top in terms of their inspirational messages and the quality of their music, etc.," said Connors-Beckett. "So, it will be a terrific show."

There's always been a strong link between country and gospel music.

"I think most people get their first experience singing in church," she said.

"Country music is sharing the experience of just everyday life. And so when you look at gospel music that is about sharing a special part of people's lives. And it only makes sense it would be part of country music."

While early ticket sales for the event were reportedly moving well and the feedback has been good, Moar said Debbie Russell, the committee's marketing chair, has been working with area churches and pastors get word of this rare national gospel showcase to the people in the pews.

"We don't want them to miss out on it," said Moar.

"Plus, you get to share that experience in the Imperial Theatre with those beautiful acoustics," said Connors-Beckett.

Not only are there two N.B. acts among the five chose to perform, but the host committee co-chairs are Port city residents Jennifer and Glenn Ingersoll, who also volunteered at the ECMAs in Saint John in 2002.

"Glenn is a sound man. He owns Hit Media," said Connors-Beckett. "They both have a strong background in volunteering and assisting with productions, whether they be theatrical or musical."

That experience could be put to good use.

"Right now," Connors-Beckett divulged, "they're working on the possibility of all five of the groups to culminate on the end of the show with a joint performance."

For fans of gospel and country music, it could be one of those special Imperial moments that last a lifetime.

Those seeking more information on the CCMA gospel showcase or other Country Music Week events, including the televised CCMA Gala on Sept. 11, are asked to visit www.ccma.org on the Internet.