THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, May 2, 1996 TAG: 9605010107
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 07 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY FRANK ROBERTS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: FRANKLIN LENGTH: Medium: 66 lines
Last year, the trio known as Just Friends sponsored a beauty contest. This year, it is sponsoring Christian Music Fest `96.
Proceeds from Sunday's concert at Franklin High School will go to the Southampton/Franklin Habitat for Humanity.
``A lot of our friends are involved with that, and I believe in their mission,'' said Vivian Christie, spokesperson for Just Friends. ``They need our help and support.''
Habitat for Humanity volunteers, who work Saturdays on low-income homes needing repair, are nearing completion of their second home and will soon begin work on another.
They need volunteers and money, which is where Just Friends comes in.
There will be no admission, but bring wallet or pocketbook for a love offering for the good cause.
``If the concert is a success, we'll have another next year,'' Christie said. ``We want to have a packed house. I think we'll get a good crowd. That's why I involved as many as I could. We'll see their family and friends.''
Here is a look at the performers, beginning with Just Friends - Christie, Mike Pollard and Jeff Joyner.
``Among other things, we'll do two original pieces written by Mike,'' she said.
Prayze of New Life Church: The church's minister of music directs this group, which usually sings only at church. A favorite selection is ``Come into the House.''
Franklin Community Male Chorus: The director is Reginald Woodruft.
Southampton Mass Choir: Whoever can gather, sings with them. Members ages range from 9 to 90.
The Rev. Mike Harrell, Pam Harrell and daughter, Abby: He is minister of Millfield Baptist Church. Husband and wife have been singing together 17 years.
Mechelle Savedge Blunt: The Franklin High science teacher was a winning vocalist on the nationally televised, ``Showtime At the Apollo.''
The Ensemble Of Praise: The group of young people was organized in 1994 when Bobby Foreman looked for performers who wanted to ``sing the gospel of Jesus Christ.''
The Joys: This Southern gospel trio from Chesapeake was established more than 30 years ago as the Joy Quartet. Four recordings are available in Hampton Roads.
Solid Rock Ministries: Their offerings are a mix of Southern and bluegrass gospel.
Hearts of Praise: There are six members of this Suffolk group, organized four years ago. ILLUSTRATION: Just Friends will perform at the Christian Music Fest '96 at 7
p.m. Sunday at Franklin High School.
AT A GLANCE
What: Christian Music Fest
When: 7 p.m. Sunday
Where: Franklin High School, 310 Crescent Drive
Free. Donations will benefit Southampton/Franklin Habitat for
Humanity.
Call: 569-4663
by CNB