Mark Hayes is in Manassas this weekend

By Bennie Scarton Jr.

Published: March 7, 2008

Internationally known musician Mark Hayes is in Manassas this weekend to participate in a series of events.

He will conduct Voices United 2008, a choir of 150 singers, in a concert at Stonewall Jackson High School tonight at 7:30, lead worship Sunday at Manassas Baptist Church and play a piano concert at the church Sunday at 7:30 p.m.

Tonight's concert also features the Manassas Community Chorale, directed by Rebecca Verner, and the Stonewall Jackson High School Concert Choir, directed by Wandalyn Boley.

As a young piano student in northern Illinois, Hayes had little idea of the foundation he was laying for his future career in music. Since then, his career has blossomed into international tours to Europe, the Far East, Australia, Singapore and Brazil.

In addition to his involvement in the sacred and secular choral music fields, he is increasingly sought after as an orchestrator and record producer and his album, "I've Just Seen Jesus," received a Dove award, the gospel music equivalent of a Grammy.

Tickets for tonight's concert, $10 for adults and free for children under 12, are available at the door; there is no admission for the piano concert, but a freewill offering will be taken. Stonewall Jackson High School is at 8820 Rixlew Lane in Manassas and Manassas Baptist Church is at the corner of Sudley and Stonewall Roads in Manas-sas.

Staff writer Bennie Scarton Jr. can be reached at 703-369-6707.