Elgin church resumes its Coffeehouses with a sunset picnic on the lawn Sept. 25
After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin is again staging its popular coffeehouses, beginning with an unorthodox evening picnic on the lawn on Sunday, Sept. 25.
At 4:30 p.m., versatile singer/songwriter Jonathan Shively will bring his mellow baritone, rhythmic guitar, and stylized keyboard to the sunset venue on the lawn of the Church of the Brethren General Offices at 1451 Dundee Ave.
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."
Shively will enrich his own singing and playing by calling to the mics many of the congregation's gifted musicians.
With a history that stretches back almost 40 years, the Highland Avenue coffeehouse offers music and friendly people.
Usually located in the fellowship hall of the Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, it will enjoy this outdoor venue with the sun setting as the music rolls out into the evening air.
The community is enthusiastically invited to join the members of the congregation. There is no cover charge; donations will be appreciated. People are asked to bring their own lawn chairs, blankets, food, and table service.
For information, call (847) 741-5124 or go to www.hacob.org.