A Jazzy Songbird Sings

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 17th featuring Najwa Parkins and the After Hours Trio. The group consists of Najwa Parkins on vocals, Luke Brandon on trumpet, Ian Hooper on guitar, and Justin Sekelewski on bass. I first experienced a performance by the group about a year ago. At the time I wrote of how the youth of singer and musicians challenge their audience to believe they were old enough to comprehend the range of emotions presented in their songs. However, that speculated challenge shortly diminished to the point of oblivion as the performance got underway. Ms. Parkins’ vocal rendition of each piece as well as the soulful accompaniment of her band transcended all boundaries including those presented by age.

Listening to Najwa Parkins and the After Hours Trio perform nearly a year later, one can still experience the timeless nature in their performance. However, one can also hear an additional dimension and depth in the songs performed as a collective musical voice touched with a year’s worth of experience brings them forth from a soul filled with new understandings. These understandings creates a new texture to their performance permeating the memories of those who have enjoyed them in the past with an awareness of a subtle growth enabling each listener to reflect upon how their lives had been changed over the years.

Najwa Parkins and the After Hours Trio performed a number of Jazz Standards along with some original works to a moderately sized audience who not only soaked up the sun offered on a beautiful Sunday Afternoon but gladly absorbed all the musical offerings of the band as well. While there was some speculation that the modest size of the audience was due to many celebrating the US holiday known as “Father’s Day” (aka “National Pull My Finger Day”) customarily in local restaurants or on backyard grills, there was no room for speculation in regards to the self evident effect Ms. Parkins’ voice and vocalizations had upon all who heard her. It was soothing, mystifying, hypnotic, and all the good things anyone could aspire to experience from a well crafted jazz performance. In other words, it was very cool. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during The Najwa Parkins and the After Hours Trio Concert in The PCOM 2012 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151016062390421.483748.636000420&type=1.

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 24th featuring Jazz Juice. 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.