AUBURN - The Court Street Baptist Church will present national award-winning singer and songwriter Diane Muise of Auburn on Sunday, June 1, to present a special Gospel concert. A professional singer for many years, Muise has toured extensively across the United States and Canada.

Though she began singing at the age of two, she didn't consider doing it professionally until she auditioned for a Gospel singing trio called the Majestic Singers back in 1970. After being hired, she traveled with that group for four years. She had the privilege of sharing the stage with many well-known Gospel groups like the Gaithers, the Speers, the Blackwoods, the Oak Ridge Boys, the Kingsmen and many others. She began her solo ministry in 1985. She presently performs about 150 times a year.

She has won numerous awards over the years for both her singing and her songwriting and has performed on both national and Canadian national television. She has recorded numerous times in Nashville and has authored a book, "God Takes the Broken Pieces of Our Lives and Makes a Stained Glass Window." Her concerts feature different types of Gospel music interspersed with humor, caring and sharing of real-life experiences.

Her outstanding, powerful voice is only one of her many gifts. She is a gifted storyteller and she weaves her concerts as masterfully as a basket maker. Invariably, those attending leave the concerts feeling refreshed, encouraged and strengthened.

Although Diane is originally from Georgia, she has made Maine her home since marrying Maine native Leo Muise in 1975. He acts as her booking agent, business manager, and sound technician. Together, they travel approximately 20,000 miles a year.

The public is invited to attend the 6 p.m. concert. A freewill offering will be received for the Muise Music Ministry. Following the concert, an ice cream social will be hosted by the Music Committee of the Court Street Baptist Church, 129 Court St.

For more information, call 784-6661 or visit www.CtStBaptistChurch.org.