Q&A with country gospel artists Taraleigh & Noteworthy

Suffolk's Taraleigh & Noteworthy is a traditional and country gospel quartet.

Taraleigh Casteen, who spoke to The Pilot, started the singing group with Mary Joyner and Denise Jones, members of her church at Bethlehem Christian, in 2004.

Before that, Casteen was singing with the group Living Proof.

“After Living Proof went defunct, we had the opportunity to buy their trailer full of equipment,” Casteen said. Courtney “Missy” Russell is the newest Noteworthyette.

By 2005 the ladies released their first CD, “It Ain’t Gonna Worry Me Long …” The disc contains 11 traditional songs.

Casteen started writing original material for the group within the past year and is working out of Amerisound Studio in Smithfield. “It takes so much effort and money … that it just takes a while,” the Portsmouth-born singer said.

The group has a full schedule that supports both public and private events. You can see them Sunday at the Chesapeake Jubilee. This is how Casteen answered our questions:

Has the band played outside Hampton Roads?

Although Taraleigh has performed all over the country, including Nashville, Noteworthy typically travels within the Tidewater region and Richmond.

Does the band have a pre-gig ritual?

Before we leave our dressing room, we always pray for receptive hearts and that the evening be placed in God’s hands.

What’s the best and worst thing about the Hampton Roads music scene?

There are so many gospel-music-loving people here, but unfortunately a lot of churches don’t sponsor concerts.

If the band could write its own headline, what would it be?

Who says Christians can’t have fun?

What’s one thing people should know about the band?

We always have a great time in concert. We each have such a passion for what we do that we can’t help but celebrate.

Reach Patty Jenkins at (757) 446-2298 or patty.jenkins@pilotonline.com

IN PERSON 

Noon Sunday, Chesapeake Jubilee, Jubilee Stage, Chesapeake City Park, Greenbrier Parkway. $1. (757) 482-4848.

ON THE INTERNET

Web site: www.taraleighcasteen.com