National Education Association Jazz Master, saxophonist David Liebman, is appearing at Zion’s ‘Liberty Bell’ United Church of Christ twice on Sunday May 7, for the morning worship service and then again in the afternoon for one of the featured concerts in Allentown’s JazzFest. 

“Expansions: The Dave Liebman Group” will play “A Love Supreme” by John Coltrane at the church’s regular Sunday service of worship. The church’s “gathering music” begins at 10:30 a.m. with Coltrane selections such as “Dear Lord.” The service itself, led by the Rev. Bob Stevens, begins at 10:45 a.m.  

“The Sunday worship experience will be shaped around the four movements of Coltrane’s classic ‘A Love Supreme,’” explains Rev. Stevens, senior pastor of the historic church.  

Although Zion’s Church has incorporated jazz music in worship before, including during last year’s JazzFest, Stevens says, “this is the first time I’ve created worship liturgy to complement jazz. ‘A Love Supreme’ is noted for its spirituality, and I hope the words of liturgy and images from the 1960s accompanying these selections will prepare us to hear Coltrane’s poem at a deeper level.”  Dave Liebman himself will recite the poem included in the liner notes of the original Coltrane album, released in 1965.  

In addition to Liebman on saxophone, “Expansions: The Dave Liebman Group” includes Bobby Avey on piano, Matt Vashlishan on reeds, Alex Ritz on drums and Tony Marino on bass.  

The Sunday service also includes Jane Knotek, director of music ministry at Zion’s church, and Dr. Neil Wetzel, Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Jazz Studies at Moravian College, who will be playing “jazzier versions” of songs from the church hymnal. 

The public is invited. A free-will offering will be received. Zion’s ‘Liberty Bell’ United Church of Christ is located at 620 W. Hamilton Street, Allentown.  

The afternoon concert is the final presentation in Allentown’s JazzFest and spotlights Liebman and the Moravian College Big Band at 3:00 p.m. in Zion’s church sanctuary, with more of the music of John Coltrane. This concert comes at the culmination of Liebman’s his year‑long position as artist-in-residence at Moravian College. Tickets are $20 and available at www.allentownjazzfest.org

 

Information & Image Provided By:
Debbie Baldree
Administrative Secretary
Zion’s Reformed U.C.C.
Liberty Bell Museum
620-622 W Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101
http://libertybellchurch.org/

 

 

 

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