DG Native Inspires Modern Music at First Congregational UCC

Downers Grove native Justin Akira Kono feels a very personal connection to the First Congregational United Church of Christ at 1047 Curtiss Street in downtown Downers Grove. He began his music career there, playing drums for Sunday morning services.

Today, after performing with symphonies, rock bands and blues musicians, he is the Band Director with FCUCC where he is making the most of his experience to help create an innovative sound for an historic church.

Kelley Calpin, professional singer and Director of Music Ministry, has sung with more than 50 professional and regional theater productions and has toured with Andrea Bocelli. She is inspiring the choir at FCUCC with new arrangements, modern songs, and her own dynamic performances.

On Easter Sunday, April 1, these remarkable musicians, accompanied by other professionals, will be performing a selection of vibrant, contemporary music at the 10:47 a.m. service. “This service will be unique, with mega church quality music without the mega church vibe,” said Justin.

“Our contemporary Easter performance will be a reflection of our community and our congregation,” said Kelley. On any Sunday, the combination of Justin and Kelley has raised the musical experience to levels that regularly bring the congregants to their feet, singing and clapping. Many congregations view the music as the highlight of the worship service.

“It’s a very rewarding experience to look out at the congregation and think that our music is helping someone achieve their spiritual goals,” Justin reflected.

Justin is a percussionist, conductor, teacher, writer, and graduate of the DePaul University School of Music and Northwestern University. His wealth of performing experience at venues as varied as the Symphony Center to the House of Blues, is the perfect accompaniment to the vocal talents of Kelley Calpin who has sung with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, and The Royal London Philharmonic. Kelly has B.A. in Music from Westminster Choir College in Princeton and an M.M. in Voice Performance from Northern Illinois University.

Regular Sunday services at First Congregational United Church of Christ are at 9:30 a.m. For more information visit uccdg.org.

Photo caption: Kelley Calpin and Justin Kono have energized the music at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Downers Grove.