The Sacred Side Of Jazz, Featuring The OIKOS Ensemble

Rev. Cliff Aerie

Saxophonist John Coltrane, perhaps the greatest icon of jazz spirituality once said, “My music is the spiritual expression of what I am — my faith, my knowledge, my being… When you begin to see the possibilities of music, you desire to do something really good for people, to help humanity free itself from its hang-ups… I want to speak to their souls.”

Join us for an evening of great music, soulful conversation, and spiritual connections as we experience the Sacred Side of Jazz. Rev. Cliff Aerie, Artist in Residence at Liberation United Church of Christ, will lead the Oîkos Ensemble (www.oikos-ensemble.com) in a creative dialogue with United Church of Christ President and General Minister, Rev. Geoffrey Black. During the past several years Oîkos has performed at more than 250 venues around the country offering jazz worship services and sacred jazz concerts. Rev. Black has had a lifetime interest in jazz. Before becoming President of the UCC in 2010, he was the Conference Minister of New York where he also hosted a weekly jazz program on WRVO, the NPR station in Syracuse.

“Jazz has its roots in the church,” explains Cliff. “Spirituality and improvisational exploration are at the core of jazz. For years the church has been the formative foundation for many jazz musicians and yet the religious community has often failed to embrace this legacy. The Sacred Side of Jazz will offer an opportunity to reunite the spirit of improvisatory jazz and our quest for a deep connection with the Divine Spirit.”

This concert will be held at Liberation United Church of Christ, 13714 Madison Avenue, Lakewood, OH 4107, www.liberationucc.org, Saturday, May 7 at 7:30 p.m.

Free parking with shuttle service is available at Madison Park, 6 blocks east of the church next to the library. A free-will offering will be received.

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Volume 7, Issue 9, Posted 11:54 AM, 05.03.2011