Valley churches double as concert venues

Bars, concert halls and amphitheaters aren't the only places to catch live music these days. Churches are getting into the swing - or rock, or folk - providing music lovers with a low-key place to enjoy acts.

Scottsdale Congregational United Church of Christ and New Hope Covenant Church in Peoria are two with regular concerts, and Valley Unitarian Universalist Church in Chandler is the latest to kick off a series. "Vuusica," a play on the acronym for the church, starts at 7 p.m.

Saturday and includes monthly concerts through June, with an additional concert March 3 featuring maritime folk artist Gordon Bok. All are on Saturdays, except for Celtic band Oceans Apart, which will play on the Thursday before St. Patrick's Day.

Jazz singer and KJZZ on-air host Blaise Lantana will perform at the first concert, along with Jacob Koller on the church's grand piano and Mary Petrich on saxophone. People who aren't kids anymore want to go hear music at a place that's not a bar, Lantana said.

"Churches are really stepping up to the plate," she said. "I think it's terrific." Kellie Walker, director of music at Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, said city-run concerts in the park are fun but have a different atmosphere.

"We wanted it more focused where people are really listening," she said. These concerts will be a way for people to enjoy music without having to drive too far, she said, and she hopes they will raise awareness of the church. The music styles will include jazz, classical, Celtic, singing-songwriting and folk, and will not be specifically Christian-themed.

Unitarian Universalism is based in Judeo-Christian tradition, but followers are urged to find their own spiritual paths, even if that includes other religions. "Our religious beliefs are quite diverse," Walker said, "and I think the music reflects that as well."