BIG NEWS! The second edition of Jazz for the Journey—a national jazz symposium about jazz in the church is scheduled for later this fall. The previous gathering was held in Cleveland three years ago with about fifty people from around the country in attendance. It was a great three days exploring jazz possibilities in the worship and ministry of the church—filled with keynotes, performances, workshops, creative connections and a concert featuring many of the event participants.
This follow up symposium promises to be even greater. We’ve expanded the schedule to include creative interpretations by storyteller Valerie Tutson and jazz vocalist Amanda Powell. Geoffrey Black, former UCC General Minister and President is both the keynote speaker and co-producer of the event. We’ll also emphasize the many jazz ministries that have burst upon the scene in recent years by allowing a time for sharing and interaction. The music of the Oîkos Ensemble (vocalists Kim Fuller and Arianna Aerie, trumpeter Tim Osiek, pianist Carolbeth True, bassist Glenn Smith, drummer Kevin Gianino, and yours truly on sax) will be the house band. Once again, we’ll expand the band to include conference attendees in an evening concert open to the public.
Our workshops will include:
- Developing Repertoire for Jazz Worship—Tim Osiek
- The Art of Choreographing Jazz Worship—Cliff Aerie
- Singing the Truth of the Gospel—Branice McKenzie
- Improvisation: the Language of the Soul—Chris Bakriges
- Arranging Hymns for Jazz Worship—John Dorhauer, Jr.
- The Hip Hop in Jazz—Geoffrey Black and Ben Sanders
For more information and to register please visit www.eden.edu/jazzjourney. Hope to see you in St. Louis in November.