NOLA String Kings will kick off Third Sunday Concerts

From an old-time string band, bluegrass and Latin jazz harps to classical guitar and a vocal chorale, the 2023-2024 Third Sunday Concerts season at Christ Episcopal Church, Covington, as always will offer an eclectic array of performances.

The season will kick-off on Sunday, Sept. 17, with the NOLA String Kings, featuring John Rankin, Don Vappie, and Matt Rhody performing Latin, Creole, and Americana influenced original works and New Orleans jazz classics.

The Third Sunday Concert Series, now in its 33rd year, is an outreach of Christ Episcopal Church, Covington. The one-hour concerts are free and open to the public and are followed by a wine and light hors d’oeuvres reception in the Parish Hall for the performers and audience. The performances begin at 5 p.m. (doors open at 4:30 p.m.) in the main church building.

The NOLA String Kings started performing and developing their sound at Tuesday night performances at the Columns Hotel in New Orleans and at other city venues. The trio pays homage to the history of string bands in New Orleans, especially in the early years when strings were predominant in music culture and the violin was the king of melodic instruments.

The 2023-2024 Third Sunday Concert Series will also include: Chris Talley and his bluegrass band, The Three Rivers Cooperative, on Oct. 15; harpist Patrice Fischer and her group Arpa performing Latin jazz on Nov. 19; the ever popular Louisiana Brass conducted by Erik Morales on Dec. 17; the New Orleans Vocal Arts Chorale (VOCA) led by Meg Frazier on Jan. 21; classical guitarist Jay Kacherski on Feb. 18; Robin Williams and friends performing classical piano and more on April 21; and award-winning New Orleans blues pianist Joe Krown on May 19.

Christ Episcopal Church is located at 120 S. New Hampshire, near the Covington downtown area and just before the entrance to Bogue Falaya Park. The handicap accessible entrance to the sanctuary is located on the park side of the main church.

For more information call 985.892.3177 or visit christchurchcovington.com.