News Photo by Darby Hinkley A combined choir from area churches came together on Saturday for Inspiration Alcona’s GospelFest in Spruce.

SPRUCE ­– Inspiration Alcona offered a beautiful array of music at Alcona GospelFest on Saturday at New Life Lutheran Church in Spruce.

A talented choir featuring singers from area churches came together and sang a variety of both traditional and contemporary pieces. The choir received the music and rehearsed during the day Saturday before the concert. The church was packed with eager attendees who enjoyed listening and singing along during some of the songs.

The choir was directed by Jean Wilson of One Voice Gospel Choir in Saline, Michigan. Susan Armstrong, music director for Harrisville and Lincoln United Methodist Churches, provided piano accompaniment. Eric Dunkel accompanied on bass, and Jeremy Smith provided percussion accompaniment.

Soloists included Laura Frawley, Reeve Segrest, and Lisa Dellar.

In addition to the soloists, choir members included Christine Baumgardner, Roger Baumgardner, Kristin Benghauser, David Bird, Trish Bowers, Kim Greenfield, Lyn Heath, Autumn Kimberlin, Sandy Kindt, Linda Knight, Maria Lindbloom, Lois Marshall, Hazel Martin, Kristen Mikula, Les Miller, Debra Minkos, Meg Nisbet, Marion O’Bryan, Jesse Reinholz, Patty Richter, Sandy Ritchie, Stephanie Schmidt, Gerry Strenk, Karen Thompson, Thelma VanBrenk, Dave VanderLinde, Lynn VanderLinde, Carol Vollink, Lila Will, and Kay Zemke.

Rex Manning was sound system manager, John Heath was stage manager, and Venita Larson was the photographer.

The following people made the event possible: New Life Lutheran Church, Huron Shores Chorus, volunteers, Michigan Arts and Culture Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, and Inspiration Alcona.

Upcoming events by Inspiration Alcona include:

¯ Harbor Nights! Singers and songwriters gather at 6 p.m. on Friday nights starting June 14 at the Harrisville Harbor Pavilion.

¯ Harbor Nights Open Mic! Local musicians play at 6 p.m. every Tuesday in the summer at the Harrisville Harbor Pavilion.

¯ Sunrise Side Wine and Food Fest on July 13 at the Harrisville Harbor area.

¯ Alcona Arts Retreat Sept. 5 to 8 at Lost Lake Woods Club.

¯ Lost Lake Writers’ Retreat Oct. 10 to 14 at Lost Lake Woods Club.

For more information, visit InspirationAlcona.org.