Songs of Our Soil: A Celebration of Bluegrass and the Spiritual Concert

Name: Songs of Our Soil: A Celebration of Bluegrass and the Spiritual Concert
Start: 2026-05-03T15:00:00-05:00
Location: Parkville Presbyterian Church

Schedule

Sun, 03 May, 2026 at 03:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

Parkville Presbyterian Church | Riverside, MO

The Northland Community Choir is proud to present its upcoming concert, “Songs of Our Soil,” a vibrant musical celebration of two deeply rooted American traditions: the spiritual and bluegrass. The performance will showcase the expressive power, faith, and storytelling that have shaped these enduring musical forms.
The concert’s program features a selection of beloved spirituals that reflect the resilience, hope, and cultural heritage of African American sacred music. These powerful works will be paired with a performance of composer Carol Barnett’s acclaimed “The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass,” a groundbreaking work that blends the structure of the traditional Latin Mass with the energy and instrumental color of bluegrass music.
In a special collaboration, the choir will be joined by a full bluegrass band, bringing banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and bass together with choral voices to create a rich and distinctly American soundscape.
“Songs of Our Soil explores the musical roots that grew from the American landscape,” said Dr. Jackson Thomas, Artistic Director for NCC. “From the profound spiritual tradition to the lively storytelling of bluegrass, this program celebrates the voices and histories that helped shape American music.”
Through moving harmonies, spirited rhythms, and heartfelt storytelling, “Songs of Our Soil” promises an afternoon that honors the depth and diversity of America’s musical heritage.