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 2024 we raised almost $20,000 for food security and human rights nonprofits!