Jazz Vespers

You may have heard about Jazz Vespers, but if you haven't experienced it, you should give it a go, even if you aren't churchy or much into jazz. This programme, wrapping up its ninth season at Christ Church Deer Park (1570 Yonge St. at Heath in Toronto), is the original jazz vespers, although some other offerings are springing up in other parts of the city. I have been going for some years now. Here's why: At 4:30 two Sundays per month, CCDP invites a professional, well known jazz artist or ensemble to play at the 'service'. Well, it is a service, but only if you want it to be--lots of people who would otherwise never set foot in a church go and do not feel proselytized or uncomfortable with liturgy. The artists introduce the time with about 10-12 minutes of jazz, when you can close your eyes and unwind. There follow times of candle lighting, a psalm reading, a brief chat by the very unchurchy clergy, general prayers for the world, all interspersed with jazz sets. At the end there is a chance to sing a familiar tune with the artists improvising; refreshments follow. You'd think a bass, drums and piano (for instance) would not harmonize visually with this traditional building, but the vibe is so good, it just all seems to meld together naturally. People are grooving to the music, many of whom are very hip seniors, but the 20s & 30s flock there for the music too. You can watch for the scheduled services either in WholeNote Magazine (http://www.thewholenote.com) or at the church website (http://www.christchurchdeerpark.org/musiclist.htm); I believe the last one this year is Sunday June 24th at 4:30. It's about 45 minutes and there is a truly-no-pressure collection which supports the programme. Do yourself a favour and try it out. You will walk out of there with lower blood pressure and a lighter spirit.