Harvest Church Plainfield Celebrates 'Jazzy' Easter With Kirk Whalum

Easter will be especially “jazzy” at Harvest Church Plainfield, thanks to performances by two special musical guests.

Grammy winning jazz saxophonist Kirk Whalum and special guest Michael “Nomad” Ripoll (the musical director and guitarist for Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds) will perform at the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services on Easter morning, April 5, 2015. Harvest meets at 13300 Route 59 Plainfield.

This free event is open to the entire community. A freewill offering will be collected to support the Raise the Roof project in Cameroon, Africa.

Whalum, born in Memphis, Tennessee is a world-renowned smooth jazz saxophonist and songwriter.

He has recorded and performed with some of the world’s biggest artists including Barbra Streisand, Al Jarreau, Luther Vandross, Larry Carlton, Quincy Jones and Whitney Houston. Whalum recorded the saxophone solo on Houston’s classic single, “I Will Always Love You”, which he performed in the movie, “The Body Guard”.

Whalum has also recorded over 25 solo albums, appeared on several film soundtracks, been nominated for 11 Grammy awards and won a Grammy in 2011 for Best Gospel Song (“It’s What I Do” featuring Lalah Hathaway.) His most recent album is called, “The Gospel According to Jazz Chapter IV.”

Ripoll is a guitarist, teacher and composer. He is a much-sought after session player and touring musician who has contributed music to several major film scores. Ripoll has worked with a long list of musical megastars including Stevie Wonder, Sting, Natalie Cole, the Pussycat Dolls, India Arie and many others.

“Jazzy Easter is something we began nearly a decade ago,” said Harvest Church Senior Pastor Nolan McCants.

“It was our way of opening our doors to all who would come for a day of celebrating Life in the risen Jesus Christ. No sermons or special clothes. It’s really just an incredible concert and a good time to gather with some really cool people,” McCants said.