Grace Church Will Host Weekend Harvest Music Festival

Source: Grace Episcopal Church

Grace Episcopal Church is holding a weekend-long Harvest Music Festival on Saturday, October 21 and Sunday, October 22.

“We have three great music events planned,” said Mary E. Hocken, the festival chairperson.  “Not only will there be music of the season but there will be something for every musical taste gospel music, jazz, and a classical music concert.  Plus, the concerts will feature our own church choir along with talented local artists.”

The weekend will start off with a Gospel Sing on Saturday, October 21 at 10:00 a.m. Richard “Dick” Damon who is the church organist and who has extensive experience in playing gospel music with Horace Clarence Boyer, the foremost scholar in African-American gospel music, will lead participants in what promises to be a joyful and spiritual musical celebration.

“The Gospel Sing and other concerts will be taking place in our sanctuary which will be decorated for the harvest season.” Hocken added.

A jazz concert will take place later on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. This concert will feature John Clark on the horn, Jerry Noble on the piano, Kara Noble as bassist, and Richard Mayer on the drums.  “This will be a rare treat for jazz lovers and others to hear a quartet of outstanding musicians who have performed extensively on a national and international basis.,” said Hocken.

The festival finale will be on Sunday, October 22 at 4:00 p.m. with a classical music concert. Artists include Lynn Klock on the saxophone, Kell Julliard on the flute and organ, Miriam Jenkins playing the recorder, and Dick Damon on the organ and piano.  Jim Mead and Libby Maxey will be the soloists.  The concert will also feature, Cantabile, a regionally celebrated a cappella vocal ensemble specializing in vocal chamber music of the European Renaissance.

The festival will take place at Grace Episcopal Church at 14 Boltwood Avenue in Amherst.  A suggested donation of $15 will be collected at the door for each concert.