George Jarrell, president of the Jamestown Harmony Express, announced the trip to perform the National Anthem and represent the state of New York during the Fourth of July parade in Washington, D.C., in 2026 during a concert Saturday.

“This is a great honor for all of us (singers), and for our area, to be chosen to sing the national anthem celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the United States,” Jarrell said.

Jarrell said the choir will begin fundraising efforts to offset the cost of Harmony Express members attending the upcoming event.

“It’s a privilege and honor to perform at this concert for the express,” said Daniel Scapelitte, a Jamestown Harmony Express member. “Now, we will be performing nationally; this is amazing.”

The Jamestown Harmony Express performed Saturday night at the First Presbyterian Church, 509 Prendergast Ave., to a crowd of more than 300 event goers at its 27th Annual Gospel and Sacred Hearts Concert. During the show, it was announced that the JHE was invited to perform the National Anthem and represent the state of New York at Washington, D.C., during the nation’s July Fourth, 2026 parade. P-J photo by Christopher Blakeslee

Saturday’s concert was held at First Presbyterian Church, 509 Prendergast Ave., and featured 11 other musical ensembles and groups. Money raised from Saturday’s concert will support the United Christian Advocacy Network’s City Mission (UCAN).

More than 300 attended the concert, which featured the Jamestown Harmony Express Chorus; Christ First United Methodist Church; Lake Erie Sound Chorus; Signed with Love Trio; Piano Soloist- Aubrie Newburg; Beauty and the Directors- Quartet; John and Kenzie- Duet; St. James Church Choir and a final combined choir of the JHE and the LES choruses.

“We were at this show last year, and this year the sanctuary is full,” said John Donohue, choir director of the Lake Erie Sound,.

Donohue said this year’s show featured more musical acts and various sacred musical interpretations, possibly leading to the ‘packed house.’