GRAFTON-On Sunday, Aug. 10, at 5:30 p.m., Bard Owl - T. Breeze Verdant and Annie Landenberger - will be featured in the Grafton Community Church's (GCC) 2025 Evensong Music Series.
In lieu of morning worship that Sunday, the church offers Evensong coordinated by GCC Music Minister Ken Olsson.
Of the series, Olsson said in a news release "we wanted to offer to the community a concert series with a touch of worship." Pastor Bill Watson added, "In the longest season of the liturgical year, it's wonderful to change the pace of worship with these Evensong presentations. They add a fresh perspective to spirituality."
Bard Owl's focus for the Sunday event will be "Voices Unheard," with songs of Woody Guthrie and others resonating with those in our times who struggle to be recognized. Adding to that will be a mix of "upbeat, spirit-lifting tunes," said organizers.
Evensong, originally an Anglican tradition, has come to be heard in many churches as a combination of scripture and song. As GCC's Watson recalled, "Ken came up with the idea of combining readings from poetry and scripture with music"- all linked with a theme.
Their hope is that all feel welcome, said Watson. "I would love to reach a broader audience" well beyond parishioners since "Ken and I share the opinion that, no matter what kind of music it is, music brings you into a special spiritual place," a commonly shared space not linked to any particular faith, he said.
"That's exactly what I think we're doing here with this program," said Watson. "Hopefully everybody walks out having received some message that resonates with them."
Following Evensong, all are invited to a community supper - first-come, first-served - in the lower level of the church. The event is free, though offerings for both the concert and the meal are appreciated and encouraged. Grafton Community Church at 55 Main St., Grafton is wheelchaor accessible with an elevator.
For more information on Bard Owl, visit bardowlmusic.com. For the Grafton Community Church Evensong Series, go to graftoncommunitychurch.org.
This Arts item was submitted to The Commons.