Last Updated on June 22, 2023 10:16 am
VALLE CRUCIS, NC – The 12th anniversary season of the popular Summer Concert Series athistoric St. John’s Church in Valle Crucis continues with a choral performance at 5 p.m. onSunday, July 2 by the acclaimed Junaluska Gospel Choir . It is the next event on a series ofmonthly concerts planned through August 2023.
A summer mission of Holy Cross Episcopal Church, the picturesque St. John’s chapel,consecrated in 1862, is located in the Watauga County countryside and provides marvelousacoustics for music with its wooden walls and floors forming a natural sounding board for liveperformances.
The concerts showcase some of the High Country’s finest musicians along with regional artistsof national prominence. Attendees linger until sunset to mingle with the artists after theirperformance. All concerts begin promptly at 5 p.m., are approximately 60 minutes in durationand followed by a potluck supper. Admission is free, but a suggested contribution of $5 will helpthe parish offset artists fees, with children 12 and under admitted free of charge.
Back on the concert series by popular demand, the Junaluska Gospel Choir from BooneMennonite Brethren Church brings an evening of spirituals and gospel music the concert series.Nestled within the Junaluska neighborhood, one of the oldest predominantly African Americancommunities in western North Carolina, the “little white church on the hill” has been home tosome of the region’s most talent-rich gospel ensembles, and over the years the Junaluska GospelChoir’s unique and eclectic sound has evolved into a passionate blend of gospel styles.
Having performed at Boonerang and MerleFest, among many other engagements, the choir isfamous throughout the North Carolina High Country for their passionate and upliftingperformances in the Black Church and Old-Time Gospel music traditions, the choir featuressingers who come from multiple generations of choral artists. They will be joined by some ofthe region's best rhythm and blues musicians, and audience members will find that it's nearlyimpossible to sit still during a choir performance.
Attendees traditionally bring their favorite dish to share during the potluck supper on the lawnthat follows every summer concert, with dozens of folks arriving early to begin the social aspectof the evening’s festivities. Many audience members prefer to set up lawn chairs near the openwindows of the chapel and listen to the music as it resonates throughout the valley. All arewelcome as High Country residents mingle with newcomers and visitors to the melting pot thatis historic St. John’s.
St. John’s Chapel is located at 645 Herb Thomas Road, off Mast Gap Road in the Sugar Grovecommunity near Valle Crucis, NC. Signs are posted throughout the valley directing audiencemembers to the concert location. For more information, please visit the concert website atwww.holycrossvallecrucis.net or call 828.963.4609.