Oct. 2 will mark the sixth year of Appalachian State University gospel choir’s “Midnight Musical,” a yearly addition to homecoming activities and this year’s “Spirit Under the Stars” events.

The event will be a large and energetic celebration, Gospel Choir director Keith McCutchen said, including the local Cornerstone Summit Praise Team, Gospel Choir Alumni and special guest and choir veteran Patricia Lacey-Aiken.

“We are hoping for a packed house this year and are very excited about our guest vocalist, Patricia Lacey,” McCutchen said. “She is a wonderful vocalist that has worked as a background artist for many groups including the late pop artist, Luther Vandross.”

McCutchen has been a close friend of Lacey-Aiken for many years, he said, since long before he began his career here at Appalachian. While a musical director in St. Paul, Minnesota, McCutchen worked on many theatrical and gospel projects together, including productions of Langston Hughes’ gospel-driven “Black Nativity.” This time, despite a different setting, a similar artistry will be revisited.

“The song that I’m most excited about is the Luther Vandross ballad, ‘So Amazing’ that has been remixed by gospel artist Darwin Hobbs,” McCutchen said. “I’m also excited for our students to be coached by Patricia. She is very good at relating to students and getting them to ‘turn on’ when performing.”

Shannon Alsobrooks, a junior pre-medicine student, is the current president of Gospel Choir. She also expressed her excitement about Patricia Lacey-Aiken, saying the event is one that students won’t want to miss.

Alsobrooks’ involvement with the ensemble has meant a lot during her time here, and she encourages students to come and feel what the Gospel Choir can provide.

“Gospel choir gives students the opportunity to fellowship through song in a welcoming space,” she said. “For me, gospel choir is the little piece of home that I’ve found at Appalachian.”

J.C. Knox, a junior history education major, shares this appreciation for the group’s warmth and plans to go to this upcoming concert.

“I’m very excited to see the Gospel Choir. I’ve been able to see them a couple of times before and they always bring a life and energy that is hard to find anywhere else,” he said.

The event is open to anyone wishing to attend, and doors open at Rosen Auditorium at 11:45 p.m. on Oct. 2.

Story by: Jordan Parkhurst, Intern A&E Reporter