Joyous jazz to fill church at Easter

Five sets of musicians who have wowed audiences at Jazz Vespers over the past few months are set to take the stage again for the final 2013-14 event this Sunday.

They are Deco Swing, with vocalist Lyn Ropiha, guitarist Andrew Davies and double bassist David Day, vocalist Margaret Kitt and guitarist David Kitt, vocalist Jim Gaudin and organist Barbara Dine, and vocalist John Redman with guitarist Anthony Mullany. Redman also appears with his own band, featuring Warren Sang on piano and Will McCee on drums.

There will be two congregation jazz items and opportunities for the audience to sing along to songs with an Easter theme.

Jazz Vespers has been well-supported, averaging more than 70 people each time and hitting a peak of more than 200 during Art Deco Weekend, said founder Reverend Tony Franklin-Ross. It was only made possible by the local musicians who volunteered, he said, particularly Day and Redman, who acted as musical directors and organised the performers.

Donations taken at the Vespers for the Let the children live project have so far raised $2000, to be shared between the Napier Family Centre and Napier Women's Refuge.

Jazz Vespers, a combination of a concert and a worship service, will return in October. The church is looking at holding a variation on the event in August, Gospel Vespers, in conjunction with Tony Backhouse and the Napier Gospel Choir.

The church is also exploring opportunities for music to be a means of connecting with youth, and helping people who are experiencing grief, Mr Franklin-Ross said.

"The Trinity Methodist church at 138 years old comes alive when it is filled with music. We look forward to hosting more music events."

Jazz Vespers, 7pm Sunday, Trinity Methodist Church, Clive Square, Napier. Supper to follow. Free entry, donations welcome for the Let the children live project.