First Baptist Church of Chocowinity began hosting monthly concerts about 13 years ago, when Judy Sheriff, the current music director, first came to the church and started the music ministry program. The ministry will continue on March 13 when Captivating Keyboards comes to the church stage. The duo, made up of pianists Alan Curtis Tripp and Scott J. Griffin, first performed together in 2005 and began playing concerts together in 2007, according to their bios.

The pair presents uplifting programs, including arrangements and improvisations on classical, popular, jazz and sacred music, as well as melodies new and old and keyboard fireworks, according to their website. They also “perform with the goal of spreading joy to all ages with many musical styles for the glory of God and His Kingdom,” the website reads.

Sheriff said the concerts serve as an outreach program, to bring people into the church to hear great gospel music, a rarity for an outlying rural area such as Chocowinity.

“Most of the time, when people want to hear gospel music or concerts, they have to go to another town or even sometimes another state,” Sheriff said. “We just feel by having a concert each month, it’s a way to reach out and minister to (the community) through the music. There is very little offered around here. This is just a great opportunity.”

Sheriff said the church hosts musical performances unique to the area once a month. The performance on March 13 will be the first time Captivating Keyboard has been in the area, according to Sheriff.

“We decided we would do something to be able to reach out to the community and bring them in and hear good music,” Sheriff said. “It just exploded from that.”

Sheriff starts researching and booking acts for the monthly concerts a year in advance and tries to find groups that are not local. In searching for potential performers, she strives to book those who appeal to a wide age range and across southern gospel, bluegrass and contemporary genres.

“And sometimes when I’m traveling and I hear a group, I will go online and find their information and contact them,” Sheriff added. “I’m very selective. I have to be sure I’m bringing in people who will not just entertain, but also minister through the music.”

The concert on March 13 starts at 6 p.m., and there is no admission charge, though a love offering will be taken up. The church also invites attendees to stay after the show for fellowship in its family life center, according to Sheriff.

First Baptist Church is located at 230 N.C. Highway 33 West in Chocowinity. For more information, call the church at 252-946-0649.