A Gazebo in Mintel Condition

On a night that happily reflected hopes embodied in the upcoming Summer season, The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain (PCOM) in Delaware Water Gap, PA presented the first installment in their 2013 series of Summer Gazebo Concerts on Sunday June 2nd. A moderately sized gathering came to listen to the music in the outdoor setting while sitting on their chairs or reclining on their blankets. The concert featured The Eric Mintel Quartet with Eric Mintel on Keyborad, Nelson Hill on Saxophone and Flute, Jack Heggi on Bass, and Dave Mohn on Drums.

Among other things, Delaware Water Gap, PA is well known for presenting an abundance of the musical form known as Jazz. In fact, the town is considered a Mecca for all who love the musical form as demonstrated by the existence of the Annual Jazz and Arts Festival which has been held in the town every September since 1977. The first gazebo concert of 2013 reflected the mood of the area as well established practitioners of the musical art form took the stage and shared their considerable talents with the gathering on the lawn.

The performance given by The Eric Mintel Quartet was smooth as silk coupled with the excitement one experiences while listening to the intricate modulations so indicative of the form placing new meaning to each musical phrase. Original compositions along with those written by established artists (including a tribute to Dave Brubeck passed away in December of 2012 and is best known for his compositions which include, “In Your Own Sweet Way,” “The Duke,” and “Take Five.”) carried the day and the audience who were comfortably embraced by the sounds. The solo performance of each musician led the audience on journeys to landscapes beyond the songs’ measures until the blending of all the instruments brought every traveler home to hear its resonance with refreshed ears. This adventure lead many to verbally respond to it by simply saying, “Yeah.” You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during The Eric Mintel Quartet concert in The PCOM 2013 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151682942230421.1073741834.636000420&type=1.

Pianist and composer Eric Mintel was born in 1967 and was known to create his own melodies on the piano at the age of three. By 1982, Eric was playing compositions such as “Blue Rondo a la Turk,” “Take Five,” and other demanding pieces. The Eric Mintel Quartet was formed in 1993. They have performed at the White House for President Clinton and opened for Dave Brubeck. A CD titled, “Just Around The Corner” was recently released containing original compositions written by Eric Mintel. You’ll be able to learn more about Eric Mintel and his music by exploring his Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Eric-Mintel-Quartet/67884606805?fref=ts.

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 evening throughout the Summer months until the end of 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 for 2013 is scheduled for Sunday June 9th and will feature the talents of Spencer and Nancy Reed. 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.