Gospel benefit concert with Nancy Unsworth

Homelessness, prostitution and drug addiction are not visible on the streets of St. Albert. But they do exist.

Large portions of society view these issues as canker sores so large they are impossible to eradicate.

St. Albert gospel singer Nancy Unsworth has a different outlook. When Kindred House, a safe house and resource centre for women and transgendered individuals involved in street prostitution, asked to put a table up at one of her concerts, Unsworth offered to do more. She booked a benefit concert.

“What struck me was how vulnerable these people are. I have a blessed life. I know where I eat, sleep and where my children are. I’m not scared by predators. People work so hard to get out of this life, but may not have the education or know where to go and this is one way I can help,” Unsworth said.

Called the Gospel Benefit Concert with Nancy Unsworth and Ransomed Union, it will be held at the Sturgeon Valley Baptist Church on Friday, Oct. 3.

In her discussions with Kindred House, she came to realize there were large numbers of St. Albert residents, mostly women, who provide multiple layers of support mainly through their own pockets.

“It’s a very complex issue when you talk about these different groups that need help. They are not always visible, but they can impact people and the concert provides a few different ways people can get involved.”

Now a St. Albert resident for five years, Unsworth was born in Surrey, British Columbia and raised in Blackfalds, Alberta. She obtained a teaching degree at the University of Alberta and followed her husband, Larry, to eastern Canada and later to the Boston area where he taught at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

After leaving Alberta, Unsworth, who has a six-octave range and is classically trained, immersed herself in Celtic-Gospel songs touring for an entire summer with Newfie Gospel.

Later, during her Boston stay, she joined the MIT Choir and was commandeered as a soloist for its operatic works and American folk tales.

Checking out a different slice of life, she joined Blues Stew.

“I love the blues. I learned the growl and the different slides.”

Although the dynamic couple had carved exciting careers for themselves, they returned to Canada to raise their children near their extended families.

Upon her return, Unsworth met musicians with the same outlook that organically nurtured Ransomed Union. Of all the genres she dabbled in, gospel stole her heart.

“Partly it’s my faith. But I think there’s a purity in gospel. Every person is spiritual. It’s more than entertainment. I love the purity. I love to see people cry in the audience. Gospel has strong messages. When I think of Christ in music, I find it very empowering. And I love what you can do vocally with such a large range.”

By 2011, she had released the 16-track It Took a Miracle. In 2013 it was followed by Kingdom’s Comin’, a 12-track recorded in Nashville using backup musicians from the Grand Ole Opry Band.

“These people were incredible. They pulled out all the stops. It was well so received.”

At the concert Unsworth will be joined by Keith Harvie (bass), Esther LaPlante (piano), Matt Brzezicki (drums), and Adam Rice (vocals-whistle). Rounding out Ransomed Union are guitarists Ken Olson and Fritz Figueroa.

“Even if you can’t give, please still come.”