What Child Is This? A Jazz Nativity

What Child is This? A Jazz Nativity will be presented at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 10 W. Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves, Saturday, December 6 at 3:00 p.m.

The performance is family friendly and free to the public, and everyone regardless of their religious background is welcome. An offering will be received to benefit Webster-Rock Hill Ministries, and concertgoers are asked to bring non-perishable food items to help restock area food banks.

What Child is This? A Jazz Nativity presents a creative re-imagining of the Christmas story. Featuring the music of The Oîkos Ensemble with Kim Fuller returning as guest vocalist. Ms. Fuller has captivated St. Louis audiences for more than 30 years with a vocal style reminiscent of Nancy Wilson and Dinah Washington. She is currently the vocalist for the renowned “Jazz Story” presented by the Sheldon Concert Series. KIm has been the opening act for jazz greats such as Ramsey Lewis, the Jazz Crusaders, Pieces of a Dream and Smokey Robinson, to name a few. “I had such a wonderful time singing at last year’s jazz nativity that I was thrilled to be invited to sing again at this year’s performances,” she says.

The Oîkos Ensemble is a national jazz ministry under the direction of its founder and saxophonist, the Rev. Cliff Aerie. Oîkos features some of St. Louis’ most talented musicians—Carolbeth True (piano), Dave Troncoso (bass), Kevin Gianino (drums), and Tim Osiek (trumpet). Oîkos has performed at more than 300 faith-based communities across the country. Grammy Award winner Paul Winter said, “I salute Cliff Aerie and the Oîkos Ensemble for their inspired music and mission. They are serving the world with their song.”

Oîkos Ensemble’s Jazz Nativities have been seen by more than 2,500 concert-goers in three years of production. Re-imagining the Christmas story through the artistry of jazz and the magic of storytelling, this year’s program will feature new jazz arrangements of Christmas music and present a new dramatic production that will creatively bring an ancient story to life for today’s audience.

This year’s production partner will once again be the Deaconess Foundation in collaboration with the three host congregations and donor supporters. The Foundation works to advance a culture of health and hope for children in poverty in the St. Louis community. Established in 1889, its grant making began in 1997 and has provided $69 million in grants to more than 300 organizations.

For venue information, go to www.FirstChurchWG.org, or call (314) 962-0475.