Highland Ave. Coffeehouse features music on self, faith and life March 13

Versatile singer/songwriter Jonathan Shively will bring his mellow baritone, rhythmic guitar, and stylized keyboard to the Highland Avenue Coffeehouse at 7 p.m. Friday, March 13.

Shively sings and plays to liberate realities deep in the heart, mind, and soul. He finds words that are honest, words that are sometimes comforting and sometimes provocative. In his music he wrestles with the complexities of life, relationship, and faith.

Shively is actually an ordained minister and choral director with many years of experience leading church and seminary choirs and is presently the director of the Highland Avenue Church choir. But his performance experience goes all the way back to an adolescent spin with a Top 40 cover band and has continued over the years in house concerts and public performances from California to Florida and from Pennsylvania to Indiana and Illinois.

Shively's music touches and moves his audience and inspires understanding and compassion. A house concert hostess said, "Jonathan brings a delightfully thoughtful approach! With an obvious passion for writing lyrics that tell wonderful stories, his guitar and piano accompaniment enhance his richly deep and moving voice." Another wrote, "His musical interpretations of old favorites and original ballads, interspersed with stories drawn from his life experience, engaged listeners, who often sang and harmonized along with the music."

The Highland Avenue Coffeehouse offers music, light refreshments, and friendly people. Located in the fellowship hall of the Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave., Elgin, it is open to the community. There is no cover charge; donations are appreciated. For information, call (847) 741-5124 or go to www.hacob.org.