'Beyond the Neighborhood' offers jazz musical tribute to Fred Rogers

Chicago-based vocalist Keri Johnsrud and Grammy-nominated pianist Kevin Bales will perform their latest engaging and innovative release, "Beyond the Neighborhood: The Music of Fred Rogers," during the next free Artist Series presentation on Saturday, Sept. 18, at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church in Huntley. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. at the church, 10805 Main St.

Hear fresh versions of the songs heard by numerous generations on the beloved children's television program "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood." The release was selected as a Top 10 Jazz Album of 2018 by Cadence Magazine, All About Jazz, and Chicago's esteemed jazz station WDCB 90.9FM.

Johnsrud and Bales reimagine and rearrange Fred Rogers' music as beautiful, sophisticated vehicles for jazz improvisation and innovation. In this collection, Mister Rogers' songs not only relate to adults; they seem to be have been written for adults in the first place. Joining them will be acclaimed musicians Dennis Carroll on bass and George Fludas on drums.

Johnsrud is a fresh and appealing jazz singer with a quietly expressive voice and a deep understanding of lyric interpretation. She regularly tours the U.S. with her own group and is an experienced music educator in both vocal and piano private instruction and a faculty member at the Shell Lake Arts Center in Shell Lake, Wis.

Bales, a gifted pianist since the age of 10, was a latecomer to jazz. At age 17 he encountered the sounds and structures and became captivated by the freedom and corresponding challenges of the music. He has toured with saxophonist Bunky Green, guitarist Nathen Page, and trumpeter Marcus Printup. Ten years touring with Rene Marie resulted in a Grammy-nominated album. He has performed around the world. He manages his own jazz program and oversees an ambitious schedule of jazz students at Georgia State University.

Admission to this live concert, an extraordinary treat presented by the church's ongoing Artist Series, is free. Donations are gratefully accepted.

For information, visit sotp.org or contact artistseries@sotp.com.

Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church, under the faith leadership of senior pastor Mark Boster, has served the Huntley community for over 20 years.