Janna Tull Steed

On Saturday, June 30, at 7:00 PM in the Art Gallery, we’ll be introduced to Ellington’s sacred music, learn what led to the first concert, and hear and see examples. Leading us will be Janna Tull Steed, a United Methodist pastor from the Iowa Annual Conference, a jazz singer, and author of Duke Ellington: A Spiritual Biography. Accompanying her will be pianist Dan Knight, another Ellington expert. Dan will be playing some never- before-heard Ellington compositions he just uncovered at the Smithsonian, music that Ellington planned to incorporate into future Sacred Concerts. Also on hand will be Richard Waggoner, who was Minister of Music at Hennepin in 1968 when Ellington performed here. Dick will help us recall that evening and share his personal recollections of “The Duke.” On Sunday, July 1, Janna will speak at the 9:30 AM Sanctuary service, reflecting on Duke Ellington and the theme of freedom in his music.

Phil Mattson

Joining her will be vocal arranger and conductor Phil Mattson and his acclaimed vocal jazz ensemble, VoicesIowa (named Vocal Group of the Year by Downbeat Magazine). Then that same evening, at 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary, there will be a concert featuring VoicesIowa, Dan Knight, Janna Tull Steed and the local orchestra, Ellington Echoes, under the direction of Percy Hughes. The program will include many Ellington standards, such as “Satin Doll,” “Take the ‘A’ Train” and “Mood Indigo,” selections from his Sacred Concerts, and more new music discovered by Dan Knight. There is a suggested donation of $10 per person for the Sunday evening concert.

Duke Ellington has been named by many as perhaps the most important American composer of the 20th century. He himself regarded these Sacred Concerts as the most important work of his lifetime. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear this inspiring music.

Steve Blons is the Jazz Events Chairperson for Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church in Minneapolis and the leader/guitarist for the ensemble Soul Café. This article is reprinted with permission from The Spire (an edition of the United Methodist Reporter), June 15, 2007 issue. Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church is located at 511 Groveland Av, Minneapolis, just off Loring Park; 612-871-5303.

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