Samaritan Caregivers Gospel Concert Aug. 18

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The Samaritan Caregivers helps many in the community who are elderly, income-restricted, and homebound. It is there for those who are unable to help themselves. It’s not the most glamorous work, but it makes a huge difference in many lives.

This Sunday, the community can help the organization continue its mission while listening to some good old gospel music. The 10th Annual Samaritan Caregivers Gospel Concert takes place on Aug. 18 at 6 p.m. at One Church, 2734 S. Washington St.

In addition to the collection of local singers who will take the stage much as they have for each of the previous iterations, this year the gospel concert will feature a headlining artist, recording artist Josh Townsend.

Townsend was named Gospel Music’s 2018 Favorite Young Artist and was a 2022 Dove Award recipient. His performance on the piano and in song includes traditional church hymns along with new arrangements of favorite gospel music classics.

Samaritan Caregivers executive director Jamey Henderson explained that the concert began in 2014 with the aid of local nurse practitioner and singer Lisa Owens. It quickly grew into an event deserving of being circled on a calendar.

“Because Lisa is a nurse practitioner, she had patients that were the same people we were serving,” said Henderson. “It just seemed like a really good fit. She didn't get the opportunity in the office to talk a lot about God and Jesus, and (her patients) sure didn't know that she sang like she did.

“So, she wanted to share that, but she was clear at the onset that there would be no admission, because that could be a restriction for some of the people that we all serve. So, every year we do free admission.”

A free will offering is taken at the event, however, and Henderson said there is always something left in the plate.

Owens eventually left the concert for a mission trip, and local singer Matt Gerhard stepped up to continue the event. Today, he coordinates the concert, and Owens is among the several local crooners who continue to perform.

Other singers who routinely devote their time and talent to the annual Gospel concert include Sally Duke, Cherresa Lawson, and Heather Schimmelpfennig. All will be featured at the Aug. 18 concert.

“We decided to do some different things this year,” said Henderson. “Matt and the ladies will perform the first 30 minutes of the concert. People love to hear those gals sing. And then we are bringing in Josh Townsend from Nashville, Tenn. He is a phenomenal southern performer.”

Henderson is particularly excited that Townsend has decided to spend a portion of his concert taking requests from the audience, which she believes will be a crowd favorite. The concert will be followed by a meet and greet with the performers.

One of the best parts about this year’s concert is its generous array of sponsors. Henderson explained that, thanks to All-Pro Plumbing, Stout Funeral Homes, Hampton Inn and Suites, and Yoke Social Table, 100 percent of the proceeds from the concert will directly benefit Samaritan Caregivers.

“We can say with all confidence that because of the generosity of these community partners, everything that's put into the free will offering plate will come to Samaritan Caregivers to help us continue to provide free help,” said Henderson. “That's great for people 65 and over living at home. What you’re putting in that plate, whether it's two cents or $200, it's going to help us continue to give free help to the seniors in Howard County.”

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and there is no admission. For more information, call Samaritan Caregivers at 765-453-7611.