What do a rushing mighty wind, tongues of fire and a hot Dixieland trumpet have in common? Find out on Sunday, June 14 at 5 p.m. when La Cañada Presbyterian Church throws open its doors for a one-of-a-kind Jazz Vespers celebration of Pentecost – an event that is free and open to all.

The Jack Lantz Dixieland Band will bring the soulful, foot-stomping energy of New Orleans jazz to the sanctuary in an evening that honors the ancient Christian feast of Pentecost – the birthday of the Church – with all of the spontaneous joy that day deserves. Pentecost, after all, was anything but quiet. Flames danced, languages multiplied and the spirit moved like music through a crowd. This evening promises to recapture that holy exuberance.

“Jazz is the perfect language for Pentecost,” said pianist and bandleader Jack Lantz. “There’s freedom in it, fire in it – the music breathes.”

The Band

Joining Lantz (on piano) is an all-star lineup of southland jazz musicians:

• Jeff Kaye – trumpet
• Ido Meshulam – trombone
• Geoff Nudell – clarinet
• Lance Rickman — Tenor Saxophone
• Zac Matthews – bass
• Dave Marks – drums

More Than a Concert

Jazz Vespers is not a passive listening experience. Worshippers are invited into congregational participation throughout the evening with Pentecost liturgy and prayer woven through the music – a call-and-response between the ancient words of the Church and the living improvisation of the band. Expect moments of reflection, moments of laughter and more than a few moments that make you want to clap along.

The service is open to people of all backgrounds and traditions – jazz lovers, seekers, longtime churchgoers and the simply curious.

Event Details

Date: Sunday, June 14

Time: 5 p.m.

Location: La Cañada Presbyterian Church, 626 Foothill Blvd. in La Cañada

Admission: Free in-person and live-streamed at live@lacanadapc.org.

Parking: Available on site

La Cañada Presbyterian Church is a welcoming congregation in the foothills of the San Gabriel Valley, committed to worship, community and the creative arts.