By Morgan Mizell
The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — The Natchez Church of God at McNeely Road in Natchez will host the Lee University Singers at a free concert Sunday.

The Rev. Brian Monehan, an alumnus of Lee University, says he is excited to have the group in Natchez.

“The choirs of Lee University  are on fall tour and this will be their first time in Natchez,” Monehan said. “There will be no charge for admission, but an offering will be received.”

According to the school’s website, the Lee Singers have built a reputation of proclaiming the gospel of Christ through song all over the world. The singers had the opportunity to join the Lee Festival Choir at the

Presidential Inauguration in 2013 in Washington, D.C. They traveled to Vatican City in May 2015 to sing Sunday Mass at St. Peter’s Cathedral.

The group performs a diverse music selection including sacred choral, praise and worship, patriotic songs, and gospel favorites.

“I wanted to have the singers here for a few reasons,” Monehan said. “One of the main reasons being I am a graduate of the school and the music program is one of the finest in the country. The other reason is to encourage and inspire those in attendance.”

Monehan said people may remember a famous Lee singer alumnus named Jordan Smith who was the winner of “The Voice” in 2015. In an interview of Smith with Lee University after his win, he talked about his grandfather telling him when he was in middle school about a concert in his area featuring the Lee Singers. A few years later, after a visit to the campus, he chose to go to school there and follow his love of music.

Other Lee University students to take on singing competitions include Clark Beckham, Phil Stacey, Chase Guyton and Jermaine Purifory. The Voices of Lee, an a capella ensemble, competed together and finished third in NBC’s “The Sing-Off.”

Monehan hopes to see a great attendance Sunday night and anyone with any questions can contact the church at 601-445-5135.