Gospel singer Janet Paschal leads a weekend of five gospel concerts being held in venues around the region.
Paschal will present a free Christmas concert at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, in First Baptist Church, 108 W. Third St., Jasper, Tenn. Also on the program will be singers Sheila Sloan, Kay Loftis and Jeff Mitchell.
A native of Reidsville, N.C., Paschal was raised in a religious and musically gifted family. Following her high school graduation, she was invited to join the gospel singing family, the LeFevres. The group changed its name to the Rex Nelon Singers after the last LeFevre retired from the group.
From there, she became a member of televangelist Jimmy Swaggart's Crusade Team. In 1986, Paschal began her solo career, releasing her first album, "I Give You Jesus," on Jimmy Swaggart's ministry label, Shiloh Records.
Her 1997 album, "The Good Road," and a book by the same title (written by Paschal) put her on the map. Since then, she has released nine more albums, receiving numerous awards and Dove and Grammy nominations. She is consistently named one of Christian music's top female vocalists.
With more than 100 concerts a year, Paschal has performed in Carnegie Hall, Sydney Opera House, The Grand Ole Opry and The Kennedy Center.
In 2005, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and received 11 months of treatment. Following a clean bill of health, Paschal recorded a project of hymns, "Sounds Like Sunday," which benefits breast cancer research. Her latest releases include a CD, "Treasure," and a book, "Treasures of the Snow."
For more information: 423-942-2147.
OTHER AREA GOSPEL SHOWS
Friday, Dec. 15
» "A Night of Giving:" 7 p.m., North Georgia Convention Center, 2211 Dug Gap Battle Road, Dalton, Ga., $20, benefits drive to purchase 250,000 pounds of food for needy families. Performing: Karen Peck and New River, The Mays Family.
» Third Friday Gospel Singing: 7:30 p.m., New Salem Baptist Church, 541 Scenic Highway, Rising Fawn, Ga. Gospel singing with fellowship and refreshments afterward.
Saturday, Dec. 16
» "A Night of Giving:" 7 p.m., North Georgia Convention Center, 2211 Dug Gap Battle Road, Dalton, Ga., $20, benefits drive to purchase 250,000 pounds of food for needy families. Performing: The Issacs, Jason Crabb, The Mays Family.
» Soul Filling Station Revival Center: 5 p.m., 102 Mountain View Road, Sweetwater, Tenn. Performing: Fishermen's Quartet, Herb & Friends, Debby Faye East. Benefit for the church.