Jazzin' with the Stars Inspires, Excites

Heartbeat Dixieland Jazz Band performs at Jazzin' with the Stars Concert.

Jazzin’ with the Stars 

at First Church on Court Street

Saturday was a wonderful afternoon for a concert—sunny and warm. First Church doors were open wide, welcoming all who came for Jazzin’ with the Stars, a full house. Organized by musician and philanthropist, Mr. Bill Logozzo, the Concert's proceeds will go to two Connecticut charitable organizations—the Hole in the Wall Camp and the Channel 3 Kids Camp, through Mr. Logozzo's charitable foundation, Musical Dreams for Human Harmony. 

Saturday's stars were there: Jimmie Rogers, Ronnie Spector, Mr. Marshall Lytle of the Comets, and Canadian chanteuse, Michelle Berting. But the main attraction for me was Mr. Logozzo and his Heartbeat Dixieland Jazz Band and friends, with their rich and exhilarating sound. Even if Dixieland is not your favorite jazz language, with Heartbeat, this music has great appeal. As Dee-jay Jimmy Jay (so-called DJ to the stars) opened the show, Heartbeat lead with a selection of New Orleans classics: “Bourbon Street,” “Basin Street Blues,” Louis Armstrong’s “Swing that Music,” sung by Dr. John Clark, and “Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gave to Me,” sung by the incomparable Skip Hughes. Then Ms. Berting sang with style, and with Heartbeat backup, “Georgia” and “Sentimental Journey.” 

Several HB regulars stood out, including the versatile Sherman Kahn on clarinet and sax, sounding not unlike one of our legendary jazzmen—Benny Goodman and Stan Getz come to mind. (Yes readers, he’s that good!) With trumpeter Jeff Hughes, Gim Burton on banjo, Al Bernard on tuba, and moonlighting, our First Church Minister of Music, Shari Lucas, all top notch musicians.* Their sound filled the Sanctuary, as half the audience was on its feet, dancing in the aisles. One dancer exclaimed, "This is the first time I’ve ever danced in a church!" Oh my, what would our prudent Puritan ancestors say?

Next up, Jimmie Rodgers and Ronnie Spector were inspiring, both coming back from nearly crushing setbacks. He is in ongoing recovery from a nasty episode that left him severely beaten; and she is a survivor of marriage to the once-great rock impresario Phil Spector. Both singers performed with recorded backup that was satisfactory but less so than live.

The singular star of the show (in my view) was Marshall Lytle, a name I didn’t recognize but won’t soon forget. Recently inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, Mr. Lytle, a double amputee, put on a stirring. show. Alternating between his personal rock-n-roll history and wildly rousing tunes, his voice rang out with conviction and authenticity, "Rock This Joint!" yes, it rocked! (See youtube Rock This Joint. Marshall is the one swinging the bass.) Mr. Lytle flaunted his Hall of Fame trophy and mentioned the recent amputation of one of his legs as if it were a trifle, like being bald or having green eyes. With Triple Play Band backup (Bill Logozzo, Dave Spitzer, and Sal Basile, as a trio) and a formidable set of lungs, Mr. Lytle came across with great pizazz—sounding for all the world like Bill Haley and the Comets!

Musical Dreams for Human
Harmony board members,
inc. Bill Logozzo (u. right)
 and Shari Lucas (l. left).  

Toward the end of the afternoon, several performers mentioned the generosity of Mr. Logozzo and his charitable foundation, Musical Dreams for Human Harmony. Proceeds from the concert make possible their gift of support to The Hole in the Wall Camp—represented at Saturday’s concert by Matthew Cook, and the Channel 3 Kids Camp—represented by Denise Hornbeck. Mr. Logozzo’s gift to Middletown was a first-rate show! As performers and audiences alike seem to feel that First Church is a superior concert venue, I wonder who we’ll see performing at First Church next?
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*Google any of these names or bands and you’ll find a long list of associations & credits for performances at some of New England’s best venues & festivals, & numerous youtube clips

Sunday at First Church ~ Second Sunday of Easter

Mortally wounded, but spiritually alive.

First Church of Christ
Congregational (UCC)
190 Court Street
Middletown, CT

April 15, 2012
10 o'clock a.m.


Come visit First Church this Sunday for worship, with words of wisdom and scripture from our Interim Pastor, Rev. Brenda Pelc-Faszcza, and selections from Handel's Water Music, with Shari Lucas, our Minister of Music, on organ. First Church is an open and affirming congregation. Child care is provided and parking is free.

Music 

Prelude: Air, from Water Music, G. F. Handel

Hymn: Yours is the Glory, Resurrected One

Anthem: Cantate Domino, Giuseppe Pitoni

  The Senior Choir

Hymn: We Live by Faith and Not By Sight

Offertory: Hornpipe, from Water Music, G.F. Handel

Hymn: Now the Green Blade Rises

Postlude: With Trumpets and Horns, from Water Music, G. F. Handel

Scripture Reading: John 20:19-31

Sermon: The Opposite of Faith

  

Church School: K-5 ~ Powerful Play with Linda Heidorn

First Church Coffee Hour

That Spoon, That Spoon, That Spoonful

Little did I know when posting the Preview for yesterday's worship at First Church, that the medium would be the message. That is to say, the "Tackle Hunger" image pertains both to the Souper Bowl of Caring (charitable organization and the Super Bowl XLVI game, later yesterday evening, and to Pastor Brenda's message.

The pastor told of a United Church of Christ conference on the isle of Cyprus some years ago, where a colleague had been offered a communion "porridge" of bread and wine, to be shared by worshippers, one at a time, dipped and sipped from a common spoon, something few of us have done, except in a family group, I'd wager.

"Spoonful," brings to my mind the soulful Willie Dixon tune, asserting that a spoonful of a substance can make or break a person. Part love song, part hard-headed diatribe, part, plea, the lyrics seem to say that what you get depends upon what you've got in that spoonful. (Of course, with these lyrics, many other interpretations are possible, as well.) But let's say, for the sake of this case, that you are what you sip. And you are what you fight for to sip.

Lyrics from the chorus:

Some lies about it.
Some cries about it.
Some of them dies about it.
Everything's a-fightin' 'bout the spoonful.
That spoon, that spoon, that spoonful.

Pastor Brenda's story goes beyond the substance in the spoon to her theme: Unity. Unity in diversity. The act of sharing. Finding wholeness in being part of a group. The United Church of Christ (UCC), she pointed out, is made up of a number of denominations who decided to set aside their various original or sectarian views to unite for the greater good. She suggested that uniting for the greater good is a benificial way to come together, in this case, as a church. She pointed out that the UCC in the 1700s ordained a black minister, in the 1800s ordained a woman minister, and in 1972 ordained an openly gay person. Inclusiveness. That's what the UCC stands for. The motto on the UCC logo (above): That they may all be one.

Isn't that what we would wish for in our community? A way of sharing for the common good? That's what we say our democracy is: a way for all to pursue ... happiness. (whatever that is, within the bounds of our common laws). And doesn't that idea apply across the board? Uniting for the common good, judging for the common good, accepting for the common good, giving and taking for the common good.

Serving the common good. If you have concerns about the propriety of school board activities, or the appropriateness of the common council's rulings or actions, come to the meetings. Do the homework. Look at the documentation (or lack thereof). State your opinion based on facts. Join the discussion. Make a difference. Together. By contributing your 2¢. Contribute your spoonful.

If you're looking for a house of worship, come to First Church of Christ, Congregational (UCC), at 190 Court St., in Middletown. No matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here.

Candlelight Christmas Concert at First Church, Sunday afternoon, December 11

Annual Candlelight
Christmas Concert
December 11, 2011
at 4 pm

First Church of Christ,
Congregational (UCC)
190 Court Street
Middletown

You are invited to attend our Annual Candlelight Christmas Concert on Sunday, December 11, at 4:00 o'clock pm. Hear the joyous sounds of our Celebration Singers, Heart and Hand Bell Choir, and Senior Choir. Listen and be inspired by special holiday readings; and join in the congregational singing of traditional carols.

The concert is free and open to all; donations are gratefully accepted. First Church is handicapped accessible. Parking is free.

First Church Holly Fair — Saturday, December 3, 2011

FIRST CHURCH
Holly Fair,
Saturday!

9:30 am — 2:30 pm

First Church of Christ, Congregational (UCC), in Middletown holds its annual Holly Fair on December 3, from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm.

This holiday event features a wide selection of Christmas greens, vintage linens, jewelry including a collection of vintage costume jewelry, antiques and collectibles, ladies’ scarves, baked goods and holiday cookies, handcrafts, VT cheese and chocolates, and much more.

A gourmet luncheon of homemade soups, breads, and pies is one of the Fair’s most popular attractions.

Special vendors participating in the Holly Fair include Judy, with beautiful handmade Soaps; Kathy Scott, jewelry; Shari Lucas, original photography; M & P, handmade table runners, scarves, Santa Claus, and snowmen; and Handmade Baby Gifts by Rosemarie.

The First Church of Christ is located at 190 Court Street in Middletown. The Holly Fair is handicapped accessible, and there is free parking. For more information, call Lorel Czajka at (860) 346-6657.

All are welcome. ... Come to First Church — it's a good place to be!

Live Music In Town & Down the Road

My long-time friend and former Middletown resident Joe Fonda called the other day to remind me of the 7th Annual Composers & Improvisers Festival taking place Saturday October 15 in the friendly confines of The Buttonwood Tree, 605 Main Street in Middletown.  As usual, Mr. Fonda has organized an impressive lineup.

Opening the evening at 7:30 p.m. will be guitarist/composer Michael Musillami in a duo setting with bassist Rich Syracuse.  Musillami (pictured left) is a California native but has been plying his musical wares on the East Coast for nearly 3 decades.  He has worked with the late saxophonist Dewey Redman and organist Richard "Groove" Holmes but is best known for his musical relationships with Connecticut-born musicians Thomas Chapin (saxophones) and Mario Pavone (bass).  He started Playscape Records in 1999 not only to release his own music but also artists such as Pavone, pianists Ted Rosenthal and Peter Madsen and drummer George Schuller.  Schuller and Fonda have been the basis of the Musillami Trio for the past 8 years.  Bassist Rich Syracuse is best known for his long relationship with pianist Lee Shaw and is a strong as well as musical player.

Speaking of strong musical bass players, Avery Sharpe (pictured left) certainly fits that description.  After studying as UMASS/Amherst with bassist Reggie Workman, Sharpe "hit the road" with saxophonist Archie Shepp and then spent 2 decades with pianist McCoy Tyner.  He's released several CDs on his own JKNM Records and also composed the music for the one-person show "Raisin Cane", featuring Jasmine Guy. Sharpe also teaches at the Litchfield (CT) Jazz Camp in the summertime.  There is a good possibility he'll be playing solo but don't let that deter you - he's a bassist who loves melody.  Avery Sharpe's set begins at 8:30 p.m.

The evening closes with a quartet of impressive brass players featuring Stephen Haynes (trumpet, cornet - pictured left)), Bill Lowe (bass trombone), Peter McEachern (tenor trombone) and Ben Stapp (tuba).  Haynes spent many years working with the legendary trumpeter and conceptualist Bill Dixon (1925 - 2010) but also has created music with pianist Cecil Taylor, violinist Leroy Jenkins and modern classical experimentalist La Monte Young.  His Trio recording, "Parrhesia" (Engine Records), with Joe Morris (guitar) and Warren Smith (percussion) was issued just last year. Over the 4+ decades of his career, Bill Lowe has played with James Brown, Eartha Kitt, Dizzy Gillespie, James "Jabbo" Ware, and hed co-led bands with guitarist Andy Jaffe as well as the Boston Repertory Orchestra. He has taught at Wesleyan, University of Pennsylvania, the New England Conservatory of Music and elsewhere.  Peter McEachern also played alongside Thomas Chapin and Mario Pavone as well as the legendary Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown. He currently teaches at the University of Connecticut and the Litchfield Jazz Camp.  Like his cohorts, Ben Stapp plays all kinds of music, from brass band to classical ensembles to improvised jazz.

This unit performs at 9:30 p.m.  For more information and reservations (recommended), call 860-347-4957 or go to www.buttonwood.org.

The trio of Amanda Baker (flute, voice, percussion), Beth Meyers (viola, voice) and Nuiko Wadden (harp, percussion, voice) performs under the name Janus and they are appearing Sunday October 16 at First Church of Christ, Congregational, 499 Town Street in East Haddam.  The concert is part of the Church's "Music at the Meetinghouse" series and is part of the Daniel Pearl World Music Days (to read more about that, go to www.danielpearlmusicdays.org.)

The indie-classical chamber ensemble, formed in 2002 by Ms. Baker and Ms. Meyers, plays a heady and attractive repertoire of (mostly) 21st Century composers, folks such as Jason Treuting (from So Percussion), Caleb Burhans and Sofia Gubaidulina), with many of the works commissioned by Janus. It's important that the repertoire for flute, harp and viola began in the early 20th Century with a work by Claude Debussy.  Their debut CD, "I Am Not (blank)", took 3 years to come together and was released late last year on New Amsterdam Records.  For more information about the ensemble, go to www.janustrio.org. To purchase tickets, call 860-537-2052.

Ms. Baker, a alumna of the Yale School of Music and the Coast Guard Band, has been a guest on my radio show twice this year (she's a resident of Bozrah) and is informative, intelligent, fun and willing to put up with my silliness.  Here's a link to our January 2011 interview - www.archive.org/details/Nshoma-AmandaBakerjanus-1.31.11.  

This post is a combination of 2 different columns on my music blog, Steptempest.

First Church Sunday: Disabilities Awareness Week

Sunday, Oct. 9, 10 am
Observing Disabilities Awareness Week

First Church of Christ
Congregational (UCC)
190 Court Street
Middletown, CT


Come for worship as our Guest Minister, The Rev. Ineke Mitchell, Regional Minister, Connecticut Conference, UCC, leads our service, along with a beloved service dog named General.

Sermon: "Breaking Silence." In observance of this Disabilities Awareness Week, we examine our role in making the world, and our churches, more hospitable for all people... It really is about "extravagant welcome? the Rev. Mitchell, asks.

Music is offered this Sunday by Susan Knapp Thomas, chamber, orchestral, and solo concert artist and teacher, well-known in Connecticut and Southern New England. Ms. Thomas will perform the Prelude, Offertory, and Postlude.

Music
Prelude--Bouree's Double, from Violin Partita No. 1, J.S. Bach, arr. M. Grandjany
Hymn--All Things Bright and Beautiful, Royal Oak

Anthem--Psalm 139, Allen Pote
The Senior Choir and The Celebration Singers

Offertory, Prelude, from Suite for Classsical Harp Alone, L. Palmer
Hymn--O Grant Us, God, a Little Space, Winchester Old

Hymn--God of Change and Glory, (Tune: Katherine)
Postlude--Allegro Moderato, from Concerto in Bb Major, G.F. Handel


Scripture: Psalm 23; Mark 10:46-52

Sunday School: K-5th, Powerful Play! with Linda Heidorn.

Child care is provided every Sunday at First Church--just ask about it as you enter. Parking is available on Court Street & in the surrounding neighborhood.

___________________________
The mission of First Church is to engage and support people in worship, learning, fellowship, and service, so that all may find in our community the Spirit of the living Christ.


First Church is an Open and Affirming Church: All are welcome into the full life of our community regardless of their race, age, gender, nationality, marital status, economic situation, mental or physical ability, or sexual orientation.

No matter where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome.

Palm Sunday at First Church

Festive Procession: Will Liz Taylor Lead the Way?

First Church of Christ,

Congregational

190 Court Street

Middletown

As Easter draws near, this coming Sunday—Palm Sunday, reminds us of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey and of the crowds of people who greeted them along the way. First Church Palm Sunday festivities this year bring a donkey into our midst to lead our own Palm Sunday procession.

We expect two groups to form in front of First Church. One group will follow the donkey in procession from First Church on Court Street, to College Street, then proceed along Main Street, back to Court and the Church. A second group assemble at the corner of Court and Main to greet the crowd and the donkey and wave banners and palms.

Petters & Photographers Gather at 9:30

The donkey will be stationed in front of First Church from a little after 9:00 a.m., and will be ready to greet petters, walkers, and maybe even a few photographers at about 9:30. The procession will set out from Court Street at about 9:45 a.m.

Walkers & Wavers at 9:45

Walkers and wavers of all ages are invited for this commemorative procession: the palms, the singing, the banners, the thrill of the morning light, and . . . to see if the donkey actually cooperates and leads the way!

Worship Service at 10

Sunday worship inside the church will begin at about 10, depending upon the pace of the procession . . . and the cooperation donkey, who by the way has a name—it's Liz, Liz Taylor. Elizabeth Taylor, actually. She's a two-year-old mini donkey, lent for the occasion, courtesy of Patty Stickney. You might want to bring Liz a carrot.

For more information, call the First Church office at 860-346-6657.

______________

Child care is provided every Sunday at First Church--just ask about it at the front door; parking is available on Court Street & in the surrounding neighborhood.

The mission of First Church is to engage and support people in worship, learning, fellowship, and service, so that all may find in our community the Spirit of the living Christ.

First Church is an Open and Affirming Church: All are welcome into the full life of our community regardless of their race, age, gender, nationality, marital status, economic situation, mental or physical ability, or sexual orientation. No matter where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome. Come visit and see.

This Sunday at First Church of Christ, Middletown

A Farewell to Pastor Sue

Join us at 10 am for Worship, with Special Music chosen in farewell to Pastor Sue Latourette: Shout to the Lord; Lead Me, Lord; You Lift Me Up; and an Irish Blessing.

The sermon, “Branching Out,” is based on Jesus’ farewell discourse in John 15 and Deuteronomy 34. . . . Its message: Our common bonds of faith and the Spirit always keep us connected, no matter where life’s journey takes us!

After Worship: Join us after worship for fellowship and good food as we share the opportunity to bid farewell to Sue, as share reminiscences with old friends and greetings with new friends and visitors.

Note: This Saturday brings an Intergenerational Event – An Indoor Campfire and Pajama Party from 6 to 8 pm in the Memorial Room, for families and individuals! Wear your jammies, and bring a book to read or new pajamas to share with Middletown kids who have none. Snacks to share also are welcome.

Sunday at First Church: Snow or No Snow

First Church of Christ,
Congregational
190 Court Street
Middletown, CT


First Church lore has it that services have been held every single Sunday since the congregation first gathered when Middletown was settled by the English in 1650. That's what we're told when we trek in, shivering and shedding snow and moisture on a stormy Sunday morning when only a handful of the faithful show up. It makes one feel like a pioneer, a trailblazer, and a part of history, however modest.

The most challenging Sunday weather-wise was in mid-March about 8 years ago, when 24 inches of snow fell overnight and 12 determined worshipers trudged to the doors of 190 Court Street. That was our lowest attendance on a Sunday in recent memory.

Sometimes that's what it's all about: just showing up, snow or no snow. For those who come this Sunday, we have some favorite hymns lined up, and you can count of a lot of human warmth, tasty refreshments, and an opportunity to share joys and concerns with a wider community. Of course, we will be discussing John Hall's recent announcement that, after 21 years as the Senior Minister of First Church, he will conclude his ministry at the end of June this year.

Come visit and share the warmth of First Church this Sunday. There will undoubtedly be snow.
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First Church provides child care on Sundays, and parking is available on Court Street and in the surrounding neighborhood, between the ever-increasing piles of snow.

First Church is an Open and Affirming Church: All are welcome into the full life of our community regardless of their race, age, gender, nationality, marital status, economic situation, mental or physical ability, or sexual orientation. No matter where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome. Come visit and see. We won't bore you. We won't talk down to you. We will love you and respect your intelligence. We will give you tools to help you deepen and pursue your spiritual path.

This Sunday at First Church

This Sunday at First Church we gather in the warmth of community in the Parish Hall. With Scripture lessons from I Corinthians and Matthew, we will look at the idea of reclaiming the name “Christian” in its original meaning: a generous community, looking out for the welfare of others, selflessly “being Christ” to others without judgment or sentimentality.

Second Hour, 11:20. An inquiry into the Captivity in Babylon: we mention the Babylonian Captivity from time to time, but what exactly is it? Hint: Hebrews, exile, and longing for home. (no…not Moses and the desert…even more disorienting than that.)

Next Sunday: The Drums are Coming

Experience the energy of West African drums and dance! Stay tuned for more information.

First Church of Christ, Congregational, UCC
190 Court Street
Middletown, CT

First Church is an Open and Affirming Church: All are welcome into the full life of our community regardless of their race, age, gender, nationality, marital status, economic situation, mental or physical ability, or sexual orientation. No matter where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome. Come visit and see. We won't bore you. We won't talk down to you. We will love you and respect your intelligence. We will give you tools to help you deepen and pursue your spiritual path.

Child care is provided on Sundays; and parking is available on Court Street and in the surrounding neighborhood.