Apr 1

Apr 1 Mike Parker: ‘Spirit of Lenoir’ – Christian music in family-friendly atmosphere

Allen O’Neal is no stranger to gospel music. The son of Ed O’Neal, the bass singer with the iconic gospel quartet Dixie Melody Boys, he grew up with the harmonies and lyrics of Christian music reverberating in his ears, mind, and heart.

Allen, who sings with the gospel group Jackson Heights, and some key organizers decided to bring Christian music into a more public forum. At 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, the “Spirit of Lenoir” will fill the air with Christian music in a festival-like format.

“‘Spirit of Lenoir Christian Music Festival’ is a non-denominational effort to bring the churches of Lenoir County together, in one accord as the Bible teaches, to present the gospel in downtown Kinston through great, quality Christian music at a family-friendly free event!” he said. “What’s not to love about that?”

Joining Allen and the rest of Jackson Heights will be Chosen Road and a Wilkesboro group known simply as Chosen.

Jackson Heights may be a new name on the Christian Music scene, but the band has a rich history. O’Neal, Kent Humphrey, Olan Witt, and Frank Sutton all liked the style of country music of the 1980s, but as Christians, they did not embrace the lyrics or lifestyle. With the help of several producers and songwriters, they created the sound that launched the DMB Band. The music was pure country with a powerful message and positive lyrics.

The band worked with many acclaimed producers, such as Randy Scruggs, and continued to travel for eight years, but the financial burden of keeping the group on the road eventually became too great. In September 1988, the band called it quits, and all members moved on to pursue other interests.

In October 2012, after 25 years apart, the DMB Band gathered for a reunion in Kinston, where the band began. The guys renewed old friendships and reminisced about their days on the road. They also played the music they loved.

The band had no idea anyone would still be interested in their music after so many years, but friends and fans showed up anxious to hear the Christian country music the DMB Band pioneered. Once on stage, this “band of brothers” fell into their comfortable rhythm, vocally and musically.

In 2015, the guys changed the name and became Jackson Heights. Where did that name come from? At one time in the 1980s, all the guys lived in the Lenoir County community called Jackson Heights. The name was a natural fit.

The next group, Chosen Road, has carved a singular niche in the musical landscape with world-class Appalachian instrumentation and an unwavering commitment to spreading the gospel. Founding members Jonathan Buckner and Zachary Alvis, Tyler Robertson, Bradly Parsons, and Chris Stockwell have spent years perfecting their craft and delivering life-changing performances.

Their latest album, “It Never Gets Old,” debuted at No. 4 on Billboard’s Top Bluegrass Albums chart, a testimony to the band’s talent and growing popularity. The group’s previous albums, “Appalachian Worship” and “Appalachian Hymns,” each spent weeks in Billboard’s Bluegrass Top Ten.

Chosen Road’s music, a treat for the ears and a source of inspiration and hope, demonstrates the group members’ passion for living and dedication to sharing the gospel in every note they play and every word they sing.

“Chosen” is based out of North Wilkesboro. Although the group is grateful for the numerous awards and accolades, their biggest claim to fame is each person’s relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

During their 12 years of ministry through music, they discovered rich harmony and smooth music do not equal gospel ministry. Genuine ministry, they contend, takes place when souls are saved and captives set free.

“We live in a society of hurting people,” they write on their website. “Our goal is to spread the good news of Jesus Christ and His love for each and every individual that we meet.”

Chosen has ministered from New York to Miami and all points in between. Although the group has ministered on stages large and small, the members of Chosen never worry about numbers. Their motto is “Touching Thousands - One Soul at a Time.”

They want to execute their ministry faithfully and be able to say with Paul, the Apostle, “I have fought a good fight.” They understand life is short and only what is done for Christ will have lasting consequences.

If you want to be part of the Spirit of Lenoir, please donate to Jackson Heights, 4715 Hunter Creek Drive, LaGrange, NC 28551. Jackson Heights is a 501c(3) organization.

The event is free to the public, and concessions will be available. Although the event begins at 4:30 p.m. on April 20, you may bring chairs and set them up as early as 2:30 p.m.

If you enjoy gospel music in various genres, be sure to be in Pearson Park on April 20.

Mike Parker is a columnist for the Neuse News. You can reach him at mparker16@gmail.com.

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