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CHRISTIANS have always given voice to the spiritual
experience through music. One of the most enduring forms has been bluegrass
music – which has lately been undergoing a resurgence of
popularity.
Victoria music lovers have been enjoying the Mountain
Jubilee Show, whose organizers promise “both traditional and
contemporary performance styles in old-time and bluegrass music, from
national and international stars.”
The concerts take place in St. Andrew’s
Presbyterian Church, located at Douglas and Broughton Street.
The Jubilee has a strong element of gospel music, and
is the brainchild of Ray France – a bluegrass enthusiast.
“The Mountain Jubilee Show developed as a hobby/
passion that called for full houses at every show,” he states.
“The shows are produced by my partner and myself with the help of
over 30 great volunteers. We have invested thousands of hours and dollars,
and continue to do so.”
The concerts, he added, “would not happen,
if not for the appreciative efforts of all the volunteers, bands and the
wonderful audiences that fill each show.”
The venue of a church, appropriate for gospel music,
provides for a unique ambience.
France describes St. Andrew’s as “a
beautifully restored 1905 church with incredible natural acoustics, and
comfortable pew seating for 500. The Mountain Jubilee Show produces the
ambience of a Grand Ole’ Opry night at historic Ryman Auditorium in
Nashville.”
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Ray France’s passion for the music is apparent,
along with his knowledge. The Mountain Jubilee website helpfully provides
background to the music:
“The term ‘gospel music’ applies to
a body of music that was developed in the United States during the 20th
century – primarily in the southeastern part of the country, and in
portions of the midwest and east. It is a Christian music that was not
necessarily developed by the body of churches, but independently.
“In other words, the singers and performers
where church-going people; but their music wasn’t directly an
outgrowth of a church organization.”
One of the key styles which evolved from this
background was ‘mountain gospel,’ which came from the southern
Appalachian Mountains in Kentucky, southwest Virginia, northeastern
Tennessee and northwestern North Carolina.
This music “sprang forth from a people living
deep in the hills. Bible-believing and devoted, religious music formed a
major part in the life of these rural peoples not only in their worship
services, but as a part of their daily existence as well.”
France’s own faith informs his understanding of
the music. Indeed, he told BCCN that he ensure that all performers include several gospel
numbers in their sets.
Upcoming acts are Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain
(March 15); and The Charlie Sizemore Band (May 31).
Contact: bluegrassgospel.ca.
– Peter Biggs
March 2008
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