Thinking about thanksgiving eve...

Over the years, the various shows we've done for Thanksgiving Eve have changed a great deal.  Back when I first started in ministry, they were built on my version of what Pete and Arlo used to do at Carnegie Hall after Thanksgiving:  hold a HUGE family reunion for those who loved their music and invite everyone to sing-along.  I was also deeply influenced by Bob Franke’s song, “Thanksgiving Eve” that evokes the emotions of his experience of joining together on Thanksgiving Eve with other musicians and cooking and singing together. We started doing these shows in Saginaw, MI and have continued for over 30 years in Cleveland, OH – Tucson, AZ – and Pittsfield, MA.  And each incarnation has been different and sacred to me. 

There are three ingredients, however, that have been a constant:

+  First, they have always been a celebration of American music (broadly defined.) That doesn't mean it is the best or only music; just that on this uniquely American holy day I thought it best to focus on the breadth and depth of American tunes.  And what a catalog that includes – everything from work and protest songs to the Great American Song Book, rock and roll, folk and jazz!  What a trip to go deep into this vein of music and treat it creatively and with respect.

·     +  Second, the music making has always been collaborative.  Sometimes

that means bringing the audience directly into the singing by teaching them parts or printing lyrics or simply inviting their harmonies.  Most often it has meant that those who are performing are committed to working together to make music that is beautiful and fun. And there is a sense of collaboration with the wider community, too as these events have always been fund-raisers.  In a culture that venerates individuality, I see these concerts as gentle protests against the status quo reminding us how important it is to work and play together for the common good.

·     +  And third, these concerts have always embraced three levels of musical ability so that everybody can be a part of the party.  There are big group songs where everyone is welcome; there are small ensembles that demand greater practice and skill; and there are individual artists sharing their gifts with verve and beauty.  I am a big believer that each level of participation is important – each is different and each requires careful appreciation – but they all help us experience (even if we don’t consciously understand) how compassionate and cooperative living brings healing and hope to our world.

These events are not technically “spiritual” except that they rely on the celebration of truth, goodness and beauty – and those are the historic expressions of true spirituality.  Nevertheless, no matter how we express our deeper commitments – if at all – these Thanksgiving Eve concerts make my heart sing and I am grateful to you all for joining in with such enthusiasm.

Recently someone asked me if we still needed their guitar in this year's mix?  All I could think to say was: YES – we may already have a guitar ARMY, but your sound and smile and presence makes us all so much the better.   So the more the merrier…. I have had the privilege of working with young musicians and seasoned pros for this gig - plus LOTS of church folk who have never ever performed before but were made to sing - and it has always become holy ground.  This year looks to be blessing upon blessing.

See you on Wednesday, November 27th @ 7:30 pm.