Benefit Concert Goes Gospel

The leader of the modern gospel ensemble The Kevin Sharpe Group will be the featured guest at NMH’s annual concert to benefit the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. The concert will take place on Friday, February 12, at 7:30 pm in the Raymond Hall of the Rhodes Arts Center.

The benefit concert is free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted at the door for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Franklin County.

Kevin Sharpe, a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, will lend his voice to the performance, which will also feature the NMH Singers, Select Women’s Ensemble, Hogapellas, Nellies, NMH Concert Choir, and the newly formed World Music Choir.

“Mr. Sharpe has been working with the concert choir throughout the winter,” said Sheila Heffernon, director of NMH’s choral and vocal program. “The students are looking forward to sharing their newfound love of gospel music.”

A native of Springfield, Sharpe has performed with jazz artist Archie Shepp, recorded with soul diva Betty Harris, and gone on tour with the Glory Gospel Singers. He has served as the music director for the gospel group Fellowship, for Morning Star church, and for the Smith College Gospel Choir. Sharpe has also been the guest conductor for the Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops concert.

Sharpe is currently the arranger and drummer/percussionist with the jazz K. Sharpe Project. He also plays bass for the Marla BB Blues Band, and is a producer and engineer at SwingHigh Productions.