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Welcome!

The Joyful Noise! Gospel Singers is a community choir and 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded by director Benja Mertz that lifts up music of the Black Spiritual and Civil Rights traditions.​

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Benja is a professional jazz pianist, composer, and song leader who has studied in Dr. Ysaye Barnwell (of Sweet Honey in the Rock)'s Vocal Community and Bobby McFerrin's Circlesong School. He is an active nonprofit leader and Civil Rights activist in the Bay Area.

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For 12 years Joyful Noise has created a non-judgmental, non-denominational space for the rich harmonies of spiritual and civil rights music.  All are welcome!

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In 2025 we raised over $10,000 for food security and human rights nonprofits!

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Join Us!
Last Events of the Season!!

At First Presbyterian Church of Petaluma, 
939 B St, Petaluma, CA
1PM Saturdays:
Jan 24
Feb 21
March 21
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At St. Stephen's Church of Sebastopol
500 Robinson Road, Sebastopol, CA
4PM Sunday:
May 31st

Joyful Noise is in the News!

Read the Argus-Courier Sept 10th article by Beulah Vega 

Read the Argus-Courier Aug. 14th article by David Templeton

© 2025 Joyful Noise! Gospel Singers

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