Every Thursday through Aug. 27, First Lutheran Church in Tacoma holds an open house and free live music event called “Listen Live at Lunch.” The performers being showcased are local instrumentalists and vocalists mostly known to the First Lutheran community, however, the music is of a variety that everyone can enjoy. This event will take place in the church sanctuary with show times being between noon and 1 p.m. Visitors bring their own lunches and the series is open to all ages.
Jim Gibson, creator of the event, said it has been a wonderful opportunity for the community and the church. Parish secretary Elaine Erickson agreed. “We have many talented members here who continually bless us with their musical skills, plus they connect their talented friends to us,” she said. “We also have some groups such as Rainier Family Opera who use our building for concerts.” Erickson noted that Jon Rodin (technician) and Cyndy Rennie (organist) have been big contributors in making the event successful.
The performers in the comings weeks are vocalist Caity O’Brien on Aug. 13, Jennifer Ceresa and Greg Sojka from Rainier Family Opera Aug. 20, and Paul Twedt and his piano students Aug. 27.
O’Brien said she has been singing for as long as she can remember, but on a professional level she’s been performing regularly since receiving her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Otterbein College (Westerville, Ohio) in 2006. “I just moved to Tacoma from Detroit this past March with my husband,” she said. “I’m currently looking for performing opportunities in the area including, but not limited to, local choirs, community theatre, weddings and other special events.”
Ceresa grew up on stage performing in Broadway musical productions and majored in music education and vocal performance in college. Ceresa is now resident soprano soloist/vocal coach/assistant director of Seattle Choral Company and a member of Seattle Opera Chorus. She’s also on the voice faculty at Pierce College Puyallup Campus. She operates a large piano and voice studio in Puyallup, as well as conducts her church choir.
Sojka teaches on the voice faculty at Pacific Lutheran University, is the director of music at Lake Burien Presbyterian Church, and maintains a large private studio for voice students in the area. As a performer, he has sung with numerous musical companies. Recent musical endeavors (as a soloist and conductor) have included collaborations with some of the finest musicians in the area. His students are consistent winners at various competitions.
The First Lutheran Church is located at 524 S ‘I’ St., across from Wright Park. For more information, call (253) 272-1538, send e-mail to firstluthtacoma@harbornet.com, or visit www.firstlutherantacoma.com.
