African-American Heritage Festival benefit concert Saturday in Staunton

STAUNTON –– Maestro organist Joshua Goines is performing a concert to benefit the African-American Heritage Festival Foundation at First Presbyterian Church on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 7 p.m. in Staunton. There will also be a reception following the concert, according to a press release.

New Orleans native, Goines, has put together an eclectic program of old-time Gospel hymns, Black composers and classic organ favorites.

Goines first delighted the congregation of Staunton's First Presbyterian Church when he was an organist there several years ago. He then traveled westward to pursue a degree in choral conducting. Throughout his studies he played the organ and piano for local worship services.

Goines taught music and directed the choir at the Shenandoah Valley Academy in New Market; studied, taught, directed choirs and accompanied worship services in Berrien Springs, Michigan, South Bend, Indiana, and Cincinnati, Ohio; directed and accompanied musical theater productions; performed in Europe; and shared his talent for a variety of non-profit benefit performances. He is currently the Minister of Worship at the Tacoma Park, Maryland, Seventh-day Adventist Church.

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No tickets or reservations required. A free-will offering will be collected during the concert with all proceeds donated to the local African-American Heritage Festival Foundation, the oldest festival of its kind in the Shenandoah Valley, happening this year in Staunton Sept. 21-22.

Goines will also be playing the organ the following Sunday morning at First Presbyterian for the 11 a.m. worship service.

First Presbyterian Church is located at 100 E. Frederick St. in Staunton. The sanctuary is easily accessible by elevator. Parking will be permitted on both sides of Frederick Street and in the Mary Baldwin lot off Frederick Street.

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This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: African-American Heritage Festival benefit concert Saturday