provided to Santiva Chronicle
Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ will offer a new and different approach to a Christmas-season service: Jazz Lessons and Carols at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15 in the sanctuary. The program will include jazz arrangements of Christmas songs, readings from a variety of sources, and a chance to sing favorite carols.
All are welcome to attend and invited to enjoy refreshments afterwards in Fellowship Hall. While there is no charge, there will be a free-will offering.
Saxophonist and vocalist Shawn Allison, pianist Abbey Allison, and guitarist Dave Dust – all local professional musicians – will present upbeat pieces, beautiful ballads, and other Christmas music with the jazz twist the congregation enjoys at the church’s blended services at 9 a.m. each Sunday. Shawn will lead the carol singing, which will feature familiar Christmas songs. Also participating in the service will be the Rev. Dr. John H. Danner.
The trio has chosen readings from sources including Christmas sermons by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Archbishop Oscar Romero and Christmas poems by Langston Hughes and Maya Angelou. There will be selections by other poets, orators, and theologians, as well. The readings will emphasize Christmas miracles, peace, and the joy of the season.
Drawing on their diverse musical backgrounds, since January of 2017 the trio has brought an organic mix of musical styles to SCUCC’s blended services. They tailor their music to each week’s message and find inspiration for their selections in jazz, folk, rock, gospel, and classical music. The result is unique service music that pays tribute to traditional sources while presenting a fresh take on those sources.
The group loves playing and working together and is excited to offer this special Jazz Lessons and Carols service to the community during the festive Christmas season.
“Every year, we’re reminded of all of the fantastic holiday poems and writings there are, and we have all these great jazz Christmas arrangements we hardly ever get to use,” said Abbey. “The idea of presenting them together in one service is very exciting.”
SCUCC is located at 2050 Periwinkle Way on Sanibel, across from the main entrance to the Periwinkle Place shopping area. For more information, call 239-472-0497.
Leave a Comment