They’re bringing their ringing voices to light up lives in Ponoka.
The Nancy Unsworth Gospel Band is playing the Kinsmen Community Centre on Aug. 10. The concert starts at 7 p.m. and doors open at 6:30 p.m.
“What our band does is we come to different towns and we try to support the town in whatever they’re doing,” said Unsworth.
A portion of the concert’s ticket sales will be donated to the Rising Sun Clubhouse. Nancy and the Gospel Band are also having the sister act of Deanna and Jennifer Henderson as their opening act.
Unsworth says the band, in conjunction with their mission of support, likes to work with other singers to help foster their passions. “This is sort of a big break for them …We try to find groups that aren’t as well known.”
This year both Henderson sisters made it to the top 12 of the Ponoka Stampede talent show.
Unsworth has been travelling with her current band for almost two years, since she moved back from the United States, and the band has always played with the purpose of giving back to host communities.
“It just gives gospel music a little vitality,” she explained.
The five-piece band consists not only of Unsworth’s fervent and trained voice but also a variety of instruments, including the drums, flute, whistle and guitar. “Our sound is blues gospel, southern gospel and country gospel.”
“All the music is live, we don’t use any recordings,” she added, referring to their mix of old, modern and original pieces.
The general admission includes refreshments during intermission and some of the band’s products will also be sold at the event. “All this goes to keeping costs down so we can continue to go on and do this.”
The concert is a family friendly event and Unsworth encourages everybody to come out and find a seat.
“Be prepared to have a good time; sing, clap along. If you need to get up and bust a move we’re OK with that too,” she said with a laugh.