The spirit lifting vocals of Amanda Vernon and her choir “Unplugged” resonated throughout our church on Friday night, April 8th and entranced the parishioners of Our Lady of Good Counsel and those of neighboring parishes. Focusing on the theme of mercy, Vernon’s songs and moving anecdotes of her personal experiences reflected the theme of “receiving God’s mercy and sharing His mercy.”

Not only can she sing and belt out the lyrics, but Vernon also is an accomplished pianist, pounding the ivory to such Bible related songs as “Elizabeth’s Song” or the audience’s sing-a-long “I’m Not in Heaven Yet.” Her heartwarming story of a dying husband’s love for his wife and the subsequent song that Vernon wrote and recorded (“Valentine”) as a tribute to the husband and a gift to his wife brought tears to some of her listeners.

Beaming a radiant smile throughout her concert, Vernon showed her diverse talent in her repertoire of selections that ranged from spiritual soul to jazz and pop. She even interspersed her music with some joyful rapping.

Vernon is a resident of Hayward, CA and her music company is “Joyful Noise, Inc.”. This concert was sponsored by the OLGC Youth and Family Ministry. (Reported by Arlene Aranita, Photo by Bernadette Cabe)