All Saints' and St. George's to host jazz events Oct. 19-20
The Episcopal Parish of All Saints' Church & St. George's Chapel will add its own upbeat touch to celebrate jazz fest weekend in Rehoboth Beach.
In conjunction with the Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival, All Saints' Church will welcome back the Moravian University Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Tony Gairo, for a special performance at 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 19, in the church sanctuary at 18 Olive Ave., Rehoboth Beach.
The church will hold its first of two special Jazz Masses at 5 p.m., Saturday, including music by Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday and other jazz, swing and gospel greats. Also featured at the service will be a piece that was commissioned by the parish in 2005, “The Mass of St. George and All Saints',” written by the late Dr. Horace Boyer. A former professor of music at UMass in Amherst, Mass., Boyer earned a reputation as one of the foremost scholars in African American gospel music. Popular local talent and Cape High graduate Jackie Johnson will be among the performers for this service. The parish adult choir will also perform under the leadership of Jon Rania, director of music.
The second Jazz Mass will take place at 9:30 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 20, at St. George's Chapel, 20271 Beaver Dam Road near Harbeson. Following that service, the Moravian Jazz Ensemble will offer a jam session in the parish hall across the road from the chapel. Refreshments will be served.
These events are offered free and open to the public; there is no admission charge and freewill offerings will be taken. The parish has been a part of this special weekend for more than 25 years and is always happy to open its doors to the wider community, all year round.
The church and chapel are handicapped accessible, and there is ample off-street parking at St. George's. Parking in Rehoboth Beach is free during the off-season. For more information, email info@allsaintsandstgeorges.org or call 302-227-7202.
