Mike Parker: 2nd annual ‘Spirit of Lenoir’ Festival set for April 12
Nothing warms the heart and stirs the soul like gathering with friends, family, and neighbors for a night of faith-filled music under the stars. The 2nd Annual Spirit of Lenoir Christian Music Festival will be held on Saturday, April 12 at Pearson Park in Kinston.
The music starts at 4:30 p.m. but you may want to arrive early to get a prime seat. Just bring your favorite chair or a cozy blanket, grab your loved ones, and enjoy an evening of live music and worship. You can attend this music festival for no charge.
Don’t worry about dinner. Food vendors will be on site serving up delicious local dishes, so you can enjoy a great meal while soaking in the music.
Putting together this “free” concert is not free. The event is still in need of sponsors, so if you, your church, or your business would like to help sponsor this special event, please reach out to Allen O'Neal at allen@jacksonheightsmusic.com to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
This year’s line-up of Christian musical performers includes Chosen Road, Small Town Sunday, the Jason Lovins Band, and Jackson Heights – the headline performers.
Chosen Road, founded in 2009 by Jonathan Buckner and Zachary Alvis, is a band rooted in authentic Appalachian traditions and driven by a passion for faith, the local church, and community. Tyler Robertson, Christopher Stockwell, and Bradly Parsons joined the founders to complete the group.
Chosen Road has become a standout in the bluegrass gospel genre, blending world-class musicianship with a heart for ministry. The band’s latest album, It Never Gets Old, has further solidified their success in bluegrass music, resonating deeply with fans and critics alike.
Small Town Sunday is an award-winning country vocal band that always wants to tell the old, old story of the good news of Jesus Christ. This powerhouse trio made up of Matt Branch, Holly Branch, and Stephen Robertson have long clung to their faith in recent years.
Each of their lives has been touched by tragedy. From suicides to heart attacks and far too many losses for a heart to take, Small Town Sunday has experienced a series of painful moments that could cause anyone to cave emotionally.
“We want to tell the story of how God has restored us,” Holly says quietly. “And we want to do it through our music.”
The Jason Lovins Band has stayed true to their roots for more than 20 years. By combining a rich heritage of gospel and country music with contemporary worship, they connect with audiences of all ages. Founded in 2005 in Eastern Kentucky, Jason Lovins first shared his testimony in an old Baptist church. Now he continues to share that testimony on some of the biggest platforms in Christian music.
Jason and the band, featuring band members Rodney Mora, Aaron Crozier, and Jonathan Nicholson, travel extensively throughout the country sharing how God is constant in life’s mountain-tops and valley-lows.
Few in this area need an introduction to the headliners, Jackson Heights. The name may be new for some, but the band members bring a rich history to their sound. They emerged from the DMB Band. Allen O’Neal’s father was Ed O’Neal, the deep bass singer for the Dixie Melody Boys for half a century or more.
The original DMB Band formed when Allen O’Neal, Kent Humphrey, Olan Witt, and Frank Sutton wanted to create a fresh sound in Gospel music. With influences from country music of the day, they crafted a unique style that became known as Christian country. They released several chart-making songs, including “Last Train to Glory,” “Good Ole Boys,” and “Run Little Brother.”
In 2012, the band reunited for a special performance in Kinston. That performance rekindled their passion and showcased the timelessness of their music. The band continues to delight fans old and new with its innovative blend of country and Christian music.
Put April 12 on your calendar. Prepare for an evening of music that will stir your soul and bless your heart. Reach out to Allen O’Neal if you would like to learn more about sponsoring this event.
Mike Parker is a columnist for the Neuse News. You can reach him at mparker16@gmail.com.
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