Vespers on the Lanai

VESPERS ON THE LANAI

Music. Community. Reflection.

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.
If the weather holds and we can hold Vespers outside, we will not limit the audience size outside and masks are optional.
Please bring a lawn chair or blanket for outdoor seating.
However, if rain moves us indoors, we can only seat 50 indoors (masked) with the remainder on the lanai (masked) (which is covered but narrow) and lawn (masks optional). 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.

October 14th, 2022 - Vibra Cubana

Join us INDOORS Oct. 14th from 7-8pm for jazz/exotica fusion as Vibra Cubana presents "The Music of Arthur Lyman." Featuring all-star musicians Thomas Mackay on vibraphone, Ernie Provencher on bass, Darryl Pellegrino on drums, and Tommy James on piano.

NOTE: we will be indoors this month, so please wear your mask while inside. There will be overflow seating on the adjacent covered lanai and lawn, where masks are optional. Seating is provided inside; if you prefer to sit outdoors, please bring a chair/blanket.

The Vibra Cubana story:

Vibra Cubana was formed in 2013 by vibraphonist Thomas Mackay whom at the time was residing in Oregon. The focus of this group was to explore the world of Latin Jazz namely Cal Tjader and Dave Samuels. In 2014 while on a brief tour visiting and playing on Oahu he met Harold Chang at Harry’s drum shop and was exposed to the great Hawaiian vibraphonist Arthur Lyman as he and Harold talked for a few hours. Harold gave Mackay a Cd of “Leis of Jazz” and that was it! He asked Harold if there was anyone that was bring on the legacy of Arthur’s music and from that conversation forward Mackay and his wife moved to Honolulu to reimagine the music of Arthur Lyman. Once Vibra Cubana landed in Hawai'i Mackay quickly rallied the best musicians that Honolulu has to offer and in 2015 to 2016 held down a monthly residency at Medici’s in Manoa. During that time period Vibra Cubana featured the likes of Tommy James, Gerardo Velez, Alika Lyman, Von Baron, Ethan Capone, Bobo Butires, and Lopaka Colon. In 2017 Vibra Cubana became a weekly fixture at the historic La Mariana tiki bar that allowed Mackay to transcribe and dive more heavily into the world of Les Baxter, Martin Denny and the sound of Exotica, while keeping sight on the exotic sound of Lyman. Also at this time Mackay enlisted Bassist Ernie Provencher and, along with Lopaka Colon, Vibra Cubana molded exotica into a new sound and recorded their debut album “IntoxiKA” in 2019; the album was nominated for "Best Instrumental Album of the Year" at the 2020 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards. Since that recording Mackay, Colon and Provencher decided to change the name of the exotica trio to “Intoxika.”Mr. Mackay kept the name Vibra Cubana as his original focus on “latin jazz” and in 2019 recorded a live performance from HPR's Atherton Performing Arts Studio - “Tribute to Cal Tjader”; this recording was nominated for “Best Jazz Album of the Year" at the 2021 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards. Vibra Cubana continues to keep the music of Arthur Lyman alive and well.

Past Vespers on the Lanai

Click below to view past recordings of Vespers on the Lanai events.

Past Vespers on the Lanai

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.