Vespers on the Lanai is a casual event which combines great music with an opportunity for spiritual reflection. We host great local bands and intersperse the music with readings and poetry: a chance to think and connect. We explore a variety of musical genres and think broadly so those of any religious tradition or no religious tradition should feel comfortable. Vespers events are typically on the second Friday of certain months from 7-8pm, so check back on this page for updates about what's coming up!
OUR CURRENT IN-PERSON AUDIENCE PROTOCOL:
- We no longer require proof of Covid vaccination nor have an RSVP process.
- Masks are optional both indoors and outdoors, and picnics are welcome.
- While we will not limit the audience size, we highly encourage leaving space between separate parties both indoors and outdoors.
- Please bring a lawn chair or blanket for outdoor seating.
- If rain moves us indoors, we can seat some indoors with the remainder on the lanai (which is covered but narrow) and lawn. So please be patient and understanding should that occur, and be prepared for foul weather if you end up on the edge of the lanai or on the lawn
For those at home, we will continue to livestream Vespers online on our CCU Facebook page from 7-8pm; just click on the live video on www.facebook.com/christchurchuniting which will appear just before or at 7pm. NOTE: You do NOT have to be a Facebook member to watch; anyone can access the page and video.
To watch later (along with all our previous Vespers on the Lanai videos), click on the Past Vespers on the Lanai button below, or access our CCU YouTube Channel by clicking here. Catch up and enjoy them anytime!
To get the latest updates on our events, click here to join our email list so you can receive our Vespers announcements.
Foreign Exchange is Anita Trubitt (accordion), Lisa Gomes (fiddle), Ernie Provencher (bass) and Marcia Kemble (percussion). With special guest Souren Baronian, they'll be playing music from the Balkans and the Near/Middle East, particularly Armenia, Turkey, Macedonia, Greece, and Bulgaria. Besides traditional ethnic music, the group also mixes some jazz styling and original compositions into its playing. Improvisational segments are incorporated within many of the tunes, a common practice in both Balkan/Near Eastern music and jazz.
Guest musician Souren Baronian of New York, an Armenian American, is a master player of G-clarinet, soprano saxophone, kaval (flute), dudook (double-reed instrument), dumbek, and tambourine. His playing and his compositions are a true synthesis of jazz and authentic Near Eastern music, born of his extensive experience in both areas. On the ethnic side, he trained with the renowned Turkish master Safet Gundeger, and on the jazz side with the legendary Lennie Tristano.
NOTE: We will be INSIDE: seating is provided, picnics are welcome, and masks are optional.
Note: No Vespers on the Lanai in April. See you in June, for sure, and possibly in May (pending).
Friday Jan. 13th brought us the flower-empowered music of the Love Generation with The Peter Apo Band. Peter and friends took us on a musical journey back to the days of peace signs, flower children and the songs of the '60s and '70s.
Click below to view past recordings of Vespers on the Lanai events.
Vespers on the Lanai - July 8, 2022
Featuring the The Bus Boyz
The Bus Boyz pulled up to the Lanai for an evening of Hawaiian classics and plenty aloha! Formed initially as a way to support Hanahau'oli School's Give Aloha Program at FoodLand and SacNSave Hawai'i stores (their donation # is 77501), the group consists of musicians who are "Dad-connected" to the school. The group also annually headlines Hanahau'oli's fall Children's Fair and winter Malama Na Keiki auction extravaganza. The Bus Boyz have since traveled beyond their school route to pick up a wider following at a variety of private functions, transporting audiences to a place of feel-good community connection. With their broad and deep makua kāne sound made up of 5 to 12+ voices and strings and a kanikapila vibe, you'll feel like you're at the best backyard family gathering where every uncle knows how to jam and does so with all their heart and aloha. So hop on the bus and enjoy the ride! Artist album at https://soundcloud.com/bus-boyz.
Upcoming Events
Mark your calendars for these great upcoming events.
