Juicing Up the Gazebo

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 24th featuring Jazz Juice with Vinny Bianchi on Saxophone, Marko Marcinko on Piano, Spencer Reed on Jazz Guitar, and Danny Gonzalez on Drums. A cool Summer evening met those who began to gather upon the lawn of The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain where a vacant Gazebo soon filled with electronics, musical instruments, and musicians endeavoring to prepare for the show. The church bells rang indicating the hour has arrived and, after some welcoming words were given by church member George Munn, the musicians began to touch their instruments in order to entice their notes from them.

The excitement emanating from the Gazebo electrified the crowd as one wave of sound washed upon them after another until they were swept away by its musical enormity. It became apparent to many that the group’s name may be derived from their ability to take a song and Juice the Jazz out of it by finding its essentials in order to give the song’s pulp a new beat through the deftly constructed syncopations and improvisations created by the musicians. From Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On?” to The Drifters’ “On Broadway,” the band was definitely had all of its lights “on” throughout the evening. Even as the concert drew to a close, there were flashes of lightning seen in the skies as if the heavens became hip to the performance and wanted to emulate it. In other words, it was a great show. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during The Jazz Juice 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 July 1st featuring Classical and Americana Music as performed by Calliope. 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.