PineCone and the North Carolina Folklife Institute (NCFI) have partnered to present a powerful lineup of gospel music performances and dynamic panel discussions as part of the Raleigh Wide Open Festival, taking place October 3–4, 2025 in downtown Raleigh.
The gospel programming at Raleigh Wide Open has been developed under the artistic curation of Jared Payton, a Fayetteville-based musician, educator, and founder/director of The Legacy Chorale.
See below for the full schedule of performances:
Gospel Performances Full Schedule
Friday, October 3
6:30 -7:15 pm | Jared Payton & The Legacy Chorale | PineCone Stage
The Legacy Chorale is led by its founder, Jared L. Payton. Based in the Fayetteville area its members draw from a wide range of North Carolina gospel traditions in creating the ensemble’s choral arrangements.
8:45-9:30 pm | The Gospel Jubilators | Davie Street Stage
This Piedmont area a cappella group has been singing together since 1972. The group sings in the traditional jubilee style which dates back to the 19th century. Groups like the Fisk University Jubilee Singers brought the style to a broader audience.
The Gospel Jubilators opened PineCone’s 2024 Down Home Concert Season at the AJ Fletcher Theater. Chester Mayfield, Danny Massenburg, Don Adair, Fred Tyson and Fulton Waddell received a standing ovation from the sold out audience. “The guys enjoy what they do,” said bass singer Fred Tyson. “It’s been a rewarding experience.”
Saturday, October 4
1:30-2:15 pm | Chris Johnson & Freedom | PineCone Stage
Chris Johnson was born on April 20, 1976, in Fayetteville, North Carolina. While growing up in the church, Chris discovered his love for music and singing. He attended Terry Sanford High, where he was a leader in the marching band and later marched in college at UNC Chapel Hill. In 2007 he decided to start his own music organization called Unbridled Praise. Like anything else, it came with its ups and downs. So with direction from God, the group later became Freedom. Freedom, a gospel ensemble that is free to sing, praise, and worship God, has ministered throughout the region and has had opportunities on some major platforms.
2:15-3:00 pm | Jalessa Cade | City Plaza Stage
Jalessa Cade is a passionate vocalist from Dunn, North Carolina, known for her heartfelt delivery and strong roots in gospel music. She draws inspiration from her faith and community to uplift and connect through song.
3:45-4:30 pm | The Gospel Jubilators | Davie Street Stage
7:45-8:30 pm | Kingdom Voices United | PineCone Stage
Kingdom Voices United was established in spring 2023 by Visionary Minister La’ Wanda Leggett. This community choir is comprised of members from diverse denominations within Harnett County. Throughout 2023 and into 2025, the choir actively ministered at various community events, consistently maintaining a membership of at least 25 singers whose mission is to unite and uplift the community through music.
The gospel artists and panel discussions are presented by the North Carolina Folklife Institute in partnership with PineCone, with support from the National Endowment for the Arts and the North Carolina Arts Council.
