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The Junaluska Gospel Choir Debut CD Release Party March 2

by Madison V. Fisler

Feb. 21, 2014. The Junaluska Gospel Choir will have a CD release party on March 2 at the Boone Mennonite Brethren Church. Their debut CD, Rough Side of the Mountain will be released with a concert at 4 p.m. with refreshments to follow. Admission to the release party is free and all are welcome. 

junaluskaCDcover

From a press release:

Nestled within the Junaluska neighborhood, one of the oldest predominantly African American communities in western North Carolina, the “little white church on the hill” has been home to some of the region’s most talent-rich gospel ensembles and over the years, the Junaluska Gospel Choir’s unique and eclectic sound has evolved into a passionate blend of gospel styles. 

Rough Side of the Mountain was recorded in Boone at Owens’ Lonesome Pine Studios and at the Boone Mennonite Brethren Church. The CD itself features a full 15 tracks which include soloists, R&B workouts and an original composition by choir director Danny Whittington. Copies of the CD are available for $15 at the CD release party. 

“The music is just very high energy, very inspirational and very uplifting,” said Danny Whittington, choir director for the Junaluska Gospel Choir.

“It is very unique and spiritually uplifting. It’s great music to have in your car to drive around and be uplifted.”

You can also purchase the CD online here

The Junaluska Choir sings every Sunday morning at Boone Mennonite Brethren Church at 11 a.m. The group can also be caught performing regularly at other churches throughout the whole High Country as well as the annual MerleFest. 

There are around 15 members of the choir currently, and there are 20 artists and singers represented on the CD.

Boone Mennonite Brethren Church is located at 161 Church Street in Boone behind the Watauga County Library. For more information, visit their website at www.boonechurch.com or call 828-263-0502. 

Check out a small sample of the Junaluska Gospel Choir’s singing:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfYEPHWYYPI[/youtube]