The Norwegian Church of Jazz

Date: Fri, 25 Apr 2003 15:58:25 +0900
Newsgroups: rec.music.bluenote,rec.music.jazz
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http://www.nola.com/news/t-p/index.ssf?/base/news-0/105116492213530.xml
Norwegian church reaches out with jazz
Thursday April 24, 2003
By Diana Chandler
Known as the "jazz church" because of its many musically themed services,
the Norwegian Seaman's Church is right at home in New Orleans.
The Lutheran congregation uses the worldwide appeal of jazz to encourage
fellowship between Norwegians and the local community. It not only hosts
bimonthly jazz services in English, but throws its own party when the Jazz
and Heritage Festival closes its gates at 7 each evening.
Friday through May 4 offers many opportunities to hear Norwegian jazz
artists and sample ethnic dishes at the church at 1772 Prytania St. Favorite
local performers are joining in the fun.
Odd Halvorsen, church manager, said he strives for no religious purpose in
the event, but works to encourage cultural exchange between locals and
Norwegians living and visiting here.
The church begins its festivities Friday at 7 p.m. with a tribute to the
famed Molde Jazz Festival, Norway's oldest at 44 years strong. The Ytre
Suloens Jazz Ensemble of Norway and the local Lars Edegran Band, joined by
vocalist Juanita Brooks, will perform.
A buffet of traditional Norwegian herring dishes will add even more spice to
the evening.
The festivities continue Tuesday at 7 p.m. with the annual Jazz Barbecue,
featuring the music of the Swedish big band, Kustbandet. Enjoy barbecue in
the church garden.
Don Vappie and his Creole Jazz Serenaders are the ticket at the annual Jazz
and Dessert evening May 1 at 7 p.m., when the church will serve a wide array
of Scandinavian sweets.
All the crawfish you can eat is promised at the Crawjam, May 3 at 8 p.m.
featuring Scandinavian musicians under the direction of Edegran.
Admission to all programs is $10 each, with food included. For ticket
information, call the church at 525-5570.
The celebration ends May 4 during the church's regular 11 a.m. worship, with
a free jazz service featuring Tricia Boutte and her band. Halvorsen said the
church, originally organized in 1906 to minister to the needs of Norwegian
sailors, now serves between 15,000 and 20,000 Norwegian and Scandinavian
visitors a year. It is free.