CONTRIBUTED

The Mark Trammell Quartet will return to Moore County Saturday, Nov. 26, performing at North Moore High School's auditorium beginning at 7 p.m.

The concert is a benefit for BackPack Pals (formerly a program of Moore County Schools), now administered by the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina.

BackPack Pals started with one school in December 2005. Eleven schools were added in 2006, six in 2007 and four in 2008, for a total of 22 schools. The program is designed to provide nutritious foods to children identified by school staff to have little or nothing to eat over the weekend.

The Mark Trammell Quartet (MTQ) is a full-time professional Southern gospel group based out of Gadsden, Ala. >They perform annually at 200 different venues throughout the United States, Canada and abroad. The quartet's style of music is largely influenced by Mark Trammell's early days with legendary groups such as the Cathedrals, the Kingsmen, Greater Vision and Gold City. >

Trammell has been described as one of the best baritone singers in the business and a master at orchestrating tight four-part harmony. The group has quickly become a favorite of gospel music fans across the country, and over the years, they have experienced success on the gospel music charts. >

Most recently, the song "Testimony" spent four months in the top 10, and MTQ's current single, "It's Almost Over," is at No. 6 for the month of November. >

"Moore County actually has a part in the history of our group," says Trammell. " When we began this ministry 10 years ago, our very first concert was in Southern Pines (Pleasant Hills Baptist). We've come back to this area a number of times since, and last year we had the opportunity to be part of the first BackPack Pals concert in Carthage (Emmanuel Baptist). >We are truly honored to be come back again this year and help raise funds for this very worthy cause. >In this day and time, it is important to support efforts like this and help make a difference. > We hope everyone will join us and share in the spirit of the season."

Admission is free, and a love offering will be taken. All proceeds will go to support the BackPackPals program.