Bluegrass gospel music is a genre of American folk music that began in the 18th century. It is characterized by dominant vocals, often with a strong use of harmony, and Christian lyrics. It is rooted in mountain music, black spiritual music and folk traditions. Many bluegrass artists have turned to gospel music at times and among them are such recognizable names such as Ricky Skaggs, Carl Perkins, Flatt & Scruggs, Patty Loveless, B.C.’s Jim Byrnes and scores more.
On Saturday, Jan. 26, gospel music will ring out at the Sooke Baptist Church. Eric Day and his band, Just Us, will join New Kids on the Porch, vocalists Janet McTavish and Pearl Lacey for a evening concert.
“The last show at the church gave the kids from the Baptist Church an opportunity to put some tunes together,” said show organizer Eric Day. “They couldn’t do it then... they’re doing it now.”
The New Kids on the Porch will open the show and along with the vocals they will be playing guitar, mandolin and bass.
Just Us is Day’s group comprised of Day on guitar, Steve Harrison playing banjo, Paul Lange on mandolin and Jeff Ellis on bass. They come together through a mutual love of bluegrass music from points all over Southern Vancouver Island.
This is the first time for a strictly gospel show at the Baptist Church. Day said the community of Coombs has a gospel festival which is very well received and he feels people in Sooke could be equally enthusiastic with this music genre.
Day said their style of bluegrass gospel is “about the music, not religion.”
The concert at the Sooke Baptist Church, at 7110 West Coast Road, begins at 8 p.m. with doors open at 7.
Advance tickets are available at both People’s and Shoppers Drug Marts, and at the door.