Date: Sat, 7 May 2011 10:24:23 -0400
From: RRBC News
Subject: New Direction to play 3Sun on May 15
New Direction bluegrass band to play free concert on May 15
SILER CITY – New Direction, a bluegrass band featuring musicians from Siler City, Liberty and Durham, will play a free public concert on May 15 as part of the “third sundays @ rocky river” performance series.
All concerts in the series begin at 6 p.m. and are held at the Rocky River Baptist Church Fellowship Building, located behind the main facility on Siler City-Snow Camp Road. Casual attire is welcome.
Charity Gales, who lives in Liberty and plays bass, says the band was formed as a creative outlet for the musicians and as a ministry to serve others.
“It’s our goal to play and sing music that reflects what God has done in our lives through his grace and mercy,” she says. “We hope those who hear our songs will be uplifted and encouraged in their faith.”
Others in the quartet include Bobby Gales, Charity’s husband, on banjo; Billy Mickle of Durham on guitar; and Greg Burriss of Siler City on mandolin.
All members of the group contribute vocals.
Because of their emphasis on ministry, New Direction can usually be found playing church events – whether it’s a worship service, homecoming or some special program. But their bookings include community venues, as well.
Greg Burriss, the newest member of the group and whose “day job” happens to be pastor of Rocky River Baptist Church, looks forward to playing for the local audience.
“We’ve always had a great reception here and I’m sure it’s not only because people feel like the great reception is some sort of requirement,” says Burriss, joking because Charity and Bobby Gales also are involved in the church. “Really, it’s because bluegrass is such a joyful form of music. People enjoy the instrumentals and appreciate the message, too.”
Rocky River’s “third sundays” concert series continues next month – albeit on the second Sunday, not the third – when legendary bluegrass vocalist James King performs a free concert on June 12.
Rocky River Baptist Church meets at 4436 Siler City-Snow Camp Road, about three miles north of Siler City. Directions and information about the church are available at rockyriverbaptist.org.