Last Updated on May 28, 2023 5:00 pm
VALLE CRUCIS, NC – There is a framed needlepoint artwork in the choir room at Holy CrossEpiscopal Church that reads, “For heights and depths no words can reach, music is the soul’sown speech.” While the author of that phrase is unknown, the revered saying could well be themantra for an upcoming series of musical concerts.
The line-up of artists has been announced for the popular Summer Concert Series at historic St.John’s Church in Valle Crucis with monthly events planned from June 4 through August 6. Asummer mission of Holy Cross Episcopal Church, the picturesque chapel, consecrated in 1862,is located in the Watauga County countryside and provides marvelous acoustics for music withits wooden walls and floors forming a natural sounding board for live performances.
Celebrating its 12th Anniversary season in 2023, the concerts showcase some of the HighCountry’s finest musicians along with regional artists of national prominence. Attendees lingeruntil sunset to mingle with the artists after their performance. All concerts begin promptly at 5p.m., are approximately 60 minutes in duration and followed by a potluck supper. Admission isfree, but a suggested contribution of $5 will help the parish offset artists fees, with children 12and under admitted free of charge.
On Sunday, June 4, the annual Singing in the Valle concert begins the 2023 summer serieswith the vocal and hand bell choirs of Holy Cross Episcopal Church joined by singers from BannerElk Presbyterian Church. The venerable choral and handbell ensembles will perform bothindividually and together as a combined group. The choir directors include Nina Allbert fromBanner Elk Presbyterian Church and Elaine Kallestad from Holy Cross Episcopal Church in ValleCrucis. Organist David Soyars from the Banner Elk church will accompany the vocal artists.
According to Kallestad, the repertoire includes, “Music that spans the centuries, from the MiddleAges of England to contemporary Christian composers. Choral pieces include a cappella worksby Richard de Castre, and African American spirituals, as well as accompanied anthems byHandel, Pepper Choplin, Daniel Gawthrop, Wes Ramsey, Tim Sharp, and others.
“Handbell repertoire features a unique narration by Douglas E. Wagner, along with works bySusan Nelson, and Margaret Tucker. Special musical guests include Scott Kallestad (saxophone)as well as The Holy Smokes vocal trio. To round out the program, sing-along ‘old-time Gospel’hymns make for a rousing good time!”
The Junaluska Gospel Choir from Boone Mennonite Brethren Church will present an eveningof spirituals and gospel favorites on Sunday, July 2, 2023. Nestled within the Junaluskaneighborhood, one of the oldest predominantly African American communities in western NorthCarolina, the “little white church on the hill” has been home to some of the region’s most talentrichgospel ensembles and over the years, the Junaluska Gospel Choir’s unique and eclecticsound has evolved into a passionate blend of gospel styles.
Having performed at Boonerang and MerleFest and famous throughout the North Carolina HighCountry for their passionate and uplifting performances in the Black Church and Old-Time Gospelmusic traditions, the choir features singers who come from multiple generations of choral artists.They will be joined by some of the region's best rhythm and blues musicians, and audiencemembers will find that it's nearly impossible to sit still during a choir performance.
Wild Blue Yonder, An Appalachian Celtic Band closes out the 2023 season on Sunday,August 6, 2023. Per their press releases, “The Appalachian Celtic band Wild Blue Yonder takes‘roots music’ to a whole new level, performing songs of Appalachia and the British Isles withspirit and fire. Fiddle, whistles, bagpipe, mandolin, bodhran, banjo, bouzouki, and Celtic drumsblend to serve up a high-energy helping of Celtic tunes, as the group celebrates the rich ScotsIrish musical tradition of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Each performance features a bit of Celticlanguage, lore and attire.”
The band was formed in 1999 when musicians/songwriters Melissa Wade and Philip Cowardjoined forces to share their love of mountain tunes. Adding fiddler Cindy Wallace to their ranksin 2003, the group flourished in East Tennessee and Western North Carolina, releasing threeCDs that showcased a variety of bluegrass, Gospel, Americana, and original songs. Wallace wasborn in Mt. Airy and infuses the band with authentic Blue Ridge fiddling.
Attendees traditionally bring a dish to share during the potluck supper on the lawn that followsevery summer concert, with dozens of folks arriving early to begin the social aspect of theevening’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.