A Spirited Gazebo

The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain (PCOM)* in Delaware Water Gap, PA presented another installment of their Summer Gazebo Concert Series on Sunday July 26th featuring some delightful melodic sounds performed by 3Spirit (formally known as “Girl Talk“) featuring Nancy Reed*, Vicki Doney*, and Valerie Hawks*. A gentle combination of some jazz classics along with some original works greeted the modest crowd who gathered upon the familiar hill. An introduction by The Presbyterian Church on the Mountain (PCOM)* Concert Committee Chairperson Bonnie Childs* concluded their initial greeting and the music began soon afterwards.

The music proved to be a rich variety including some jazz versions of Joni Mitchell Classics along with some original works composed by Valerie Hawks*. In fact, some classic pieces were enhanced by some additional lyrics composed by Valerie*. This was especially true of the song entitled, “Girl Talk” from which the trio got their previous name from. Another enjoyable aspect of their performance was the conversation among the women between the songs. This provided a delightful insight to the creative process which made the performance all the more meaningful.

The history of 3Spirits holds much interests for local Jazz enthusiast. They began as back up singers for the Jazz Great Bob Dorough* who is best known for the songs he composed and performed for the ABC Network “Schoolhouse Rock” Series presented Saturday Mornings between the cartoons. At this point, the trio was known simply as “The Bobettes.” Although Nancy Reed*, Vicki Doney*, and Valerie Hawks* were and still remain to be considered quite renowned in their own right with multiple bookings to reflect that, they decided to remain a trio while pursuing their individualistic endeavors. They changed their name to “Girl Talk” and performed in several venues including The Tapestry Corner* located in Stroudsburg, PA.

It was during the intermission of one of these performances at The Tapestry Corner* I interviewed them for a new internet television station called, “Bridge TV.” During that interview, they announced their contemplation of exploring an alternative name for the group. It was soon after that performance did they come up with the name they’re currently using. As the performances they give provides their listeners with an ethereal experience, the name “3 Spirit” seems quite fitting.

The crowd gathered upon the PCOM* lawn included Arline M. Smeltz*, Bob Dorough*, Dan Dunn* of The Pocono Community Theater*, Jim Pallitto*, Gary Lambert*, Spencer Reed*, Michael and Barbara Wetmore* of Support Your Local poet - Hooray (SYLP-H)*, and Pastor Karen Nickels* of The PCOM*.

The Next performance in The Presbyterian Church on the Mountain (PCOM)* Gazebo Concert Series will be The Celebration of the Arts* presentation featuring those participating in their CampJazz* on Sunday August 2nd beginning at 6pm. The event showcases a number of ensembles created through the educational process consisting of young people who came to learn more about Jazz performance by many of those known throughout the Jazz Community. Please Contact Bonnie Childs* at 570-992-3934 for more information.

Here are links and contact information to those I mentioned in this article for you to explore. Nancy Reed* www.reedmusic.com, Bob Durough* www.bobdorough.com, Vicki Doney* www.myspace.com/vickidoney, The Tapestry Corner* www.tapestrycorner.com, The Pocono Community Theater* www.poconocommunitytheater.org, and The Presbyterian Church on the Mountain (PCOM)* www.churchofthemountain.org.

You’ll find more photographs in The Forwardian Arts Society The PCOM Gazebo Concert Series 2009 Gallery. vwww.myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.