Jazz Worship at First UU Church In Orange

The First Unitarian Universalist Church of Essex County, located at 35 Cleveland St. in Orange, NJ, will present its annual Jazz Worship service Sunday, January 29, 2012 at 10:30 AM. The public is invited.

Performing will be pianist Dave Braham, drummer Diego Lopez, bassist Bob Funesti and multi-woodwind specialist Ray Johnston. Braham and Johnston are members of the congregation and frequently provide music for worship.

Dave Braham has performed and recorded with many well-known jazz artists. His most recent recording as a leader is “To Be Free” on Random Act Records. Diego Lopez has accompanied many blues greats, including KoKo Taylor. He has toured for many years with saxophonist Gato Barbieri. Bob Funesti studied bass with Mike Richmond and performs with the Silver Starlight Orchestra. Ray Johnston also performs with Silver Starlight, at Harlem’s Cotton Cub and with the 63^rd Army National Guard Band.

The congregation has been located at the same address just off Main Street in Orange since it opened its doors in 1893. Jazz Worship Sunday has become a popular annual event. The church believes that music, and especially jazz, holds a special place in the American spiritual experience, and is a key component to Black History and racial and economic justice. The Rev. Darrell Berger will preach on “How Doo Wop brought Harmony to the Street.”

For more information call 973-674-0010, email info@essexuu.org or go to www.essexuu.org.