Staff report

CHINA GROVE — The Price of Freedom Museum will present the Old School Gospel Series, a program of gospel music concerts.

The military-themed museum is at 2420 Weaver Road, China Grove, in the former Patterson School.

The first concert in the series will be at 6 p.m. April 27 with the Cockman Family of Sherrills Ford. It is sponsored by Shearer Presbyterian Church and Mooresville Bluegrass.

Admission is free; refreshments will be served.

The completed restoration of the school auditorium in December made way for the inclusion of music concerts among the museum’s activities. Great care was taken during the renovation to retain the acoustic qualities of the room, Strings of Victory musician Jeff McCorkle says.

The atmosphere and excellent sound qualities of the auditorium bring to mind the older style of gospel music that typically includes hymns, Southern gospel songs, camp meeting songs and more recent tunes, done in a bluegrass or acoustic style, the Price of Freedom said in a news release.

The use of older style gospel music housed in the old school building led to the name for the Old School Gospel Series.

Since launching their performing career in February 1988, the Cockman Family has developed the classic family harmonies and youthful flair that is their trademark.

Their bluegrass gospel style, original songs and original arrangements of old gospel songs have been immensely popular with their audiences, the press release said, adding, “This group’s family ties are strong and the warmth of that is conveyed in their performances.”

Future segments of the series include the Golden Valley Crusaders on Aug. 17 and Gospel Voices on Oct. 19.