Judson professor debuts new CD at release party Oct. 8

The Demoss Center for Worship in the Performing Arts will host a CD release party for English department professor Pat Hargis at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, in the Thompson Center, 1151 N. Route 31 in Elgin.

The event marks the official release of his debut CD, "Memories of Jesus," which retells the story of Jesus' life and ministry.

The music party will take place in the newly renovated Dark Room Studio B. It will include many of the 17 original songs on Hargis' album.

Hargis wrote all of the music on the CD, which ranges from acoustic folk to rock to blues. Among the tracks is a live performance by Hargis with the Judson University Choir during the DCWPA Concert of Worship last spring.

"I was raised in a church with a strong music program, and I benefited greatly from the hymns, other music from the Christian tradition, and the emerging music of the Jesus Movement in the 1960s and '70s," said Hargis, who has been an associate professor of writing and literature for almost 30 years.

His musical career has shadowed his professional one. "I began singing in church choirs during my elementary school years, started playing the guitar in college, and started writing songs shortly thereafter," he said. "There was a substantial hiatus while I was in graduate school, then started working full-time and raising a family. I started playing and writing again significantly in the late '90s."

Now, Hargis is ready for this new chapter in his music life. "I feel that I am making a contribution to the tradition and hope that these songs will enhance the experience and growth of others in the church - and perhaps some who have not yet encountered Jesus personally," he said.

The release party will include food, music and some fun surprises. It is free and open to the public.