Mother’s Day Concert will be held May 13

The doors will open at 6:30 p.m. All mothers will receive a free carnation courtesy of a local greenhouse.

A free-will offering will be collected to benefit Mustard Seed Missions.

Mustard Seed Missions is a cooperative effort between local churches throughout Venango County and the Venango County Department of Human Services to provide meaningful help and the opportunity for spiritual support while meeting needs in any of three areas: doing home repairs and ramp installations for homeowners making their homes safe, warm, and dry; furnishing beds or other household goods based on need; and by providing rides to medical appointments outside the County. More information is available online at www.msmvenango.org.

Dennis Geib is a native of Franklin. He studied music at Chautauqua Institute of Music. Over the years Geib has performed in a variety of musical venues, including on television, radio and at universities. He is currently the pianist and organist at First Baptist Church of Franklin where he has helped orchestrate the series of Christmas and Mother’s Day concerts.

Kevin Downey is a 2011 Taste of Talent winner. He has become a familiar name in Franklin. His career started early when he booked his first gig at the age of 14. He topped charts in New York’s solo festivals at 15 and based on his talent, he was selected to attend private school at age 16 for vocal arts. He attended St. John’s University in New York, New York, and at age 21 he soloed in Carnegie Hall. At 22, he sang the national anthem for the USA Army Recruiters Ball, King of Prussia. He was the first St. John’s University Idol and has won multiple vocal competitions from Raleigh, North Carolina, to Cutting, New York. He was leading male vocalist opposite Tammi Dahl in “Dreamscape,” a 12-piece Big Band and performed at many black-tie events. He’s also been lead vocals in bluegrass to classic rock to opera and beyond.

Nicholas Nasibyan is a native of Erie and is attending Mercyhurst College where he is majoring in music education and composition. Nasibyan often plays his own renditions of popular music, especially music from the 1930s to ’50s. He also composes music, including “Would You Be Mine” and “A New Girl to Love.”

Tyler Carson is a 17-year-old senior at Rocky Grove High School where he is actively involved in the music program. He participates in numerous bands including Jazz, Steel Drum, Pep, and Marching bands and PMEA District and Regional bands. He also participates in the Senior High and Select Choir, and PMEA District and regional choir. He enjoys participating in the school’s theater program as well as the Barrow-Civic Theatre. He has had a lead role as well as several supporting roles. He has participated in Franklin’s 2015 and 2016 Taste of Talent vocal competitions. He placed as a finals runner-up both years. He took second place in the Barrow-Civic Theatre’s Celebration of Talent Competition earlier this year. Carson got his start in music at age 11 when he started learning his first instrument. He now plays a total of 11, including his voice. He is a member of a local youth band, Not Alone, and occasionally shares the spotlight with his duet partner, Kaylene Dunkle, as Air Mosaics. He enjoys performing at local churches, charity events, and public events. Upon graduation from high school this year, he plans to attend Duquesne University and major in music technology.

Kaylene Dunkle is a 13-year-old vocalist from Franklin, Pennsylvania. She is known for her big voice despite her petite size. It has been quoted that her voice is older and more mature in years than her actual age. She began her singing career age of 8 years old when she sang “Over the Rainbow” a capella to a packed gymnasium at the Sugarcreek Elementary talent show. Being a shy and quiet child she shocked everyone that night with her talents, including her parents. Through the years she has given back to God by performing at various local churches with the gift He gave her. High school musicals and shows at the Barrow-Civic Theatre has provided several avenues for her to perform with “Les Miserables” being her favorite. She performed as young Cosette at the age of 9. Musical bands and choirs at Rocky Grove High School have also contributed to filling her desire to musically perform. In 2015, Tyler Carson shared his stage with Dunkle in the Franklin Taste of Talent vocal competition. Since then Dunkle and Carson have sung at various venues as Air Mosaics. Kaylene continues to share with local churches, community events, weddings, and various other venues the music that she has in her heart.

Ashleigh Bennett, a western Pennsylvania native, is an aspiring songwriter with a passion for connecting with people through introspective lyrics and minor keys. She is a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist and teaches music lessons in the Franklin area. She has played in many local venues.

Brianna Erdman has been a top ranking and award winning soprano in Pennsylvania since attending Corry High School and has represented Pennsylvania in All-Eastern Chorus Competitions. She graduated from Mercyhurst College as a vocal major and continues to perform at ceremonies and events of all kinds. She recently welcomed her first child, Lena, with her husband, James, and continues directing music for St. Joseph’s Church in Erie and regularly performs for other churches of all denominations in Warren, Erie and Crawford counties.