John Nielsen Coming in Concert

May 20, 2012

During our worship service on May 20, John Nielsen, pianist, guitarist and song writer will be sharing his special talents with us. John Nielsen was born in Seattle, Washington in 1956. The Nielsen family moved to Portland, Oregon in 1960. Nielsen began studying classical piano from his mother at age six. Continuing his musical education, he began playing guitar at age fourteen. John moved to Ashland, Oregon in 1974 to attend Southern Oregon College (Southern Oregon University). Nielsen graduated in 1979 with a Bachelor of Arts in English, and was honored by the institution in 1995 with the Distinguished Alumnus Award, the most prestigious award of Southern Oregon University graduates. Nielsen founded the Magic Wing recording label in 1987 and is one of the Northwest’s largest selling musical artists. He has released seventeen recordings, with reported sales of nearly one million copies. With 240 annual performances including national tours of the United States, Europe and Japan, the rewards of his diligence are unmistakable. He has earned a devout following of listeners and with his international distribution, his popularity continues to grow. Nielsen is an innovative performer who creates an intimate repartee with his audience. “As a performer, I like exploring beyond the boundaries of my recorded songs. It gives me the chance to offer something special, spontaneous and personal to my audience. The entire performance hinges on the connection not only between the players, but with the audience as well.” Nielsen has appeared with such luminaries as Jose Feliciano, Jesse Colin Young, David Foster, Alex DeGrassi, Kenny G and many others. His recordings are featured on over forty musical collections and samplers throughout the globe. Like many artists, travel, outdoor activities and family are rich sources of fuel for Nielsen’s creative drive. Yet, it is the intense clarity with which he is able to translate his experiences into music that distinguishes him. Nielsen brings us songs of life. From the bustle of a French café to the torrent of a raging stream, Nielsen’s music inspires us to look more carefully, to feel more deeply and to celebrate this life of ours.

---

Relay for Life

June 2, 2012

There’s still time to sign up for our Relay For Life Team! On June 2, we will be participating in the American Cancer Society’s “Relay for Life”. Relay For Life is a life-changing event that helps communities across the globe celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. .Because of the large number of lives in our congregation that have been touched by cancer, we are putting together a team. We will not walk for the entire 12 hours. Each team member will choose one hour to walk during the 12 noon to midnight timeslot. Fundraising is optional. Those who raise $100 will get a tshirt. All monies must be turned in by May 23 at bank night. To sign up or for more information contact Michelle Duprey at mls8083@yahoo.com or call the office.

 

---

  

---