North Chatham Free Library (NCFL) Announces “The Heavenly Echoes Gospel Band” Concert on September 8 at 3 PM at the Malden Bridge Community Center
This Free Event is Located at 1087 Albany Turnpike, Malden Bridge, NY 12115
North Chatham, NY (August 14, 2024) – Prepare to be captivated and charmed by this gospel band’s quartet style that is fun for all ages and family friendly. The core group includes several singers, guitar, bass, drums, and keyboard. Their extensive repertoire includes well-known traditional works such as, “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”; covers of songs that crossed over into pop music such as the Staple Singers' "I'll Take You There"; contemporary songs that are gospel standards in the church community; and a mix of some original pieces.
The Heavenly Echoes, founded by James Edmonds in 1965, has a long history of performing at fundraisers, neighborhood association festivals, First Nights in Albany and Saratoga Springs, Martin Luther King, Jr. events, summer arts concerts, and, of course, accepting invitations to perform at numerous churches and community organizations throughout the Capital Region and beyond.
In December 2023, The Heavenly Echoes Gospel Band released a CD of its original songs, entitled "Gospel Forward." The band performed live for WMHT’s special, ‘Echoes of Praise,’ which aired on January 22, 2024, to celebrate the rich tradition and legacy of gospel music in the Capital Region. WMHT described the program as “a moving tribute to this African American musical form that has enriched and defined the culture of our region.”
Present-day members include Earl Kornegay, guitarist, a member for about 27 years. Hayes Coleman, singer, a member for over 26 years. Joe Abbey, bass guitarist, a member for over 19 years who has written songs for the group. James Carr, singer, an original member of the Heavenly Echoes and a member for over 7 years since he rejoined the group. Decky Lawson, singer and drummer, a member for about 4 years. Louis Lawson, drummer and singer, is the group's newest member, who joined in 2023.
https://northchathamlibrary.org/
https://maldenbridgecc.org/