'Aggie Music Project' to Perform Jazz Vespers at St. John's

Utah State University’s Department of Music in the Caine College of the Arts presents the Aggie Music Project, the college’s faculty jazz band, performing Jazz Vespers at St. John’s Episcopal Church (85 E. 100 North, Logan) March 2 at 7:30 p.m.

This musical prayer service is a simple, Lenten Compline service (no communion, no offertory). Jazz Vespers is a well-established and flexible term for jazz events held within a church setting.

“The compline service is one of four Daily Offices, or prayer services in the Episcopal or Anglican tradition, that occur at designated times, with Compline being the last one of the day,” said Steve Sturgeon, vicar at St. John’s. “The custom of praying at regular intervals during the day follows the pattern used in monasteries.”

Sturgeon said many Episcopal cathedrals in the United States host a weekly sung evening prayer service called Evensong.

“At St. John’s Episcopal Church here in Logan we have held an occasional Evensong service, most recently last October with the University Chorale from USU as the guest choir,” said Sturgeon. “This is the first time that St. John’s is hosting a sung Compline service. With our Jazz Vespers service next Monday evening, we are fully incorporating jazz music into the service itself, not just as an add-on but as a full element.”

The Aggie Music Project includes members Kate Skinner (vocals, keys), Max Matzen (trumpet), Greg Wheeler (saxes), Todd Fallis (trombone), Jon Gudmundson (saxes), Kevin Olson (keys), Corey Christiansen (guitar), Josh Skinner (bass) and Jason Nicholson (drums).

Jazz Vespers at St. John’s Episcopal Church is free and open to the public.

Related links:

USU Department of Music

USU Caine College of the Arts

Writer and Contact: Whitney Schulte, 435-797-9203, whitney.schulte@usu.edu