A Gazebo Filled with Reeds

The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain (PCOM) in Delaware Water Gap, PA held another installment in their 2012 series of Summer Gazebo Concerts on Sunday June 10th. The inclement weather of the previous week gave way to the warm rays of a Summer day as the chairs and blankets concert fans brought to relax upon began to fill the church’s yard. The concert featured a performance by Spencer and Nancy Reed whose musical stylings have become well known and loved by those who have become denizens in the loving community of jazz lovers within the Delaware Water Gap area and beyond. It wasn’t long after the performance began that the warmth of the sun was outdone as the duo shone their musical energies upon the gathering.

The smoothness and gentleness of each note played upon their guitars were enhanced by their voice and vocalizations. Many found themselves relaxing to the point of experiencing a dreamlike serenity until a certain chord or harmonized wording brought one back to the wonderful realities a wakened person can partake of. And, there was much to partake of as the songs and their renderings just felt good.

To add to the enjoyment of the evening, violinist Mark Woodyatt of Gypsy Jazz unexpectedly came by to join the duo. He was performing at the neighboring Deer Head Inn during the time of the Gazebo Concert but decided to take advantage of a break in the show to lend his musical skills to the lawn’s gathering. This added a certain dimension to some of the pieces whose tonalities were deftly blended together to create a renewed atmosphere to the concert. It was very cool. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during The Spencer and Nancy Reed Concert in The PCOM 2012 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151016062390421.483748.636000420&type=1.

The story of Spencer and Nancy Reed began in New York City where they grew up together commencing their musical collaboration with one another as teenagers in the Bronx. Besides performing in venues in Delaware Water Gap, PA and surrounding communities, they have performed internationally in countries which include Italy, Japan, and Mexico. According to their website, their musical influences can be traced to Sarah Vaughan and many other classical Jazz performers. You can learn more about Spencer and Nancy Reed by exploring their website at www.reedjazz.com.

According to their website, The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain is "… a community of disciples illuminated by God’s love who care for others spiritually, emotionally, physically, and financially as we explore new avenues of grace and grow in faith through worship and service." In an endeavor to manifest the goals of this statement, they hold weekly services every Sunday beginning at 10am, providing a hostel for those hikers who travel along the Appalachian Trail as well as holding a Hikers’ Dinner every Thursday evening throughout the Summer Months to replenish their energies, supporting the Kenyan village of Amilo by providing a school feeding program for 15 orphans, a well, housing, and simple medical care and information to the villagers, and by sharing a partnership with the Reformed Church located in Cardenaz, Cuba. They also support the local Fire Company and Women’s Resources Center as well as provide community aid funds for residents who are suffering economic burdens. The size of the congregation is approximately 200 people.

The Summer Gazebo Concert Series began in 1990 and is presented every Sunday evenings from June through August in order to support the local musicians and provide a venue where all ages could learn to appreciate Jazz and acoustic music. In reflection of Delaware Water Gap, PA being considered a Mecca for Jazz, the concerts has a great number of Jazz performances in their schedule. However, all musical styles are showcased during the summer which includes Blue Grass and Classical Music. The next installment in The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain Summer Gazebo Concert Series is scheduled for Sunday June 17th featuring The Najwa Parkins Trio. The concert is free to the public and begins at 6pm. Please Explore The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Presbyterian-Church-of-the-Mountain/234593743269661 for more information.