20 years of Jazz in WORSHIP

The sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church will be swinging at 10 a.m. Sept. 6. For the 20th year in a row, the congregation welcomes a team of world-class musicians to lead an annual Jazz Communion service.
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The tradition of a jazz worship service began in 1992 when the church sought a substitute organist for Labor Day weekend. The worship leaders turned to their pastor, Rev. Bill Carter, a seasoned jazz pianist. He invited other musicians to join him in leading the service. It has become a standing-room-only event, and has continued as an annual musical tradition on Labor Day weekend.
The renowned musicians who will take part in this year’s celebration include Jeff Stockham on trumpet, tenor saxophonist Michael Carbone and vocalists Warren Cooper and Tim Norton. The core of the band will include the highly respected Presbybop Quartet, with Tony Marino on bass, Ron Vincent on drums, Al Hamme on alto saxophone, and bandleader Bill Carter on the piano.
Music for the event will be drawn from the Presbybop Quartet’s eight CDs, along with music specially prepared for this anniversary celebration. The band has garnered praised from jazz icon Dave Brubeck, who said “I love what they are doing to get churches to swing.” The group has performed all over the country, with recent concerts at Marywood University, Scranton Jazz Festival, and the main stage at the Chautauqua Institution.
The music will begin around 9:45 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 300 School St., Clarks Summit. All are welcome to attend. For details, contact the church at 570.586.6306 or via www.fpccs.org

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