Enjoy New-Orleans style jazz concert at Aurora church Feb. 13
An Aurora church will stage a New Orleans-style jazz concert to open Lent, the 40 days before Easter.
Fourth Street United Methodist, 551 S. Fourth St. in Aurora, will host the Matt Erion Dodeca Band, a 12-piece group, at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13 on Fat Tuesday - the day before Ash Wednesday. Co-sponsor is Flowing Grace UMC of Aurora.
The public is invited. Admission and parking are free. A freewill offering will be taken to support sponsoring churches' ministries.
The Rev. Deborah Tinsley Taylor, Fourth Street UMC pastor, said "It has been the custom in many Christian traditions to have a celebration of fellowship as believers make a final preparation for Lent. In our community of believers, we will come together for fellowship and a lively worship featuring a band playing classic spiritual music."
Erion, a Batavia resident, founded the band in 2016. He handles bass and vocals. He said selections will include a variety of spiritual music from Dixieland to swing to gospel and R&B.
Pieces will include "Precious Lord, Take My Hand," "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" and "Mercy Now," featuring special guest Tony Carmado of Aurora on guitar and vocals and "When the Saints Go Marching In" with Batavia's Andy Hix on drums.
Erion founded the band in 2016 and debuted its Fat Tuesday concert last year.
Erion said, "The opportunity for me to present jazz in a worship space is a treasured opportunity for me. I have always felt the sound of jazz is about freedom, democracy and learning to bridge the gaps and find common ground between people and cultures.
"The congregation of Flowing Grace is really looking forward to partnering with the wonderful people of Fourth Street UMC on what is sure to be a memorable night of worship and fellowship. "
In addition to Erion, band members are: Jeff Ford, Oswego, soprano saxophone; Roland Schuetz, Aurora, alto sax; Walt Howard, Sugar Grove, tenor sax; Randy Ream, Elburn, baritone sax; Nate Pritt, S. Elgin, lead trumpet; Mark Lathan, Bartlett, second trumpet; Keith Rogers, North Aurora, third trumpet; Tim Felts, Oswego, trombone; John Klatt, Aurora, tuba and trombone; Jim Abrahamson, Chicago, piano; and Andy Hix, Batavia, drums.
Call (630) 897-5257 for information.