By Mark Ambrogi
The Carmel United Methodist Church’s logo describes it as the heart of Carmel.
“We’re in the heart of the Arts District since we’re a block away from that,” said David Morton, UMC director of music ministry.
So holding a Sacred Arts Council Music Concert Series seems fitting.
“This is our outreach to the community in the arts to try to connect and also to provide more quality entertainment,” Morton said.
The first of the eight concerts will be Shannon Forsell at 7 p.m. Sept. 17 in the Family Life Center, 621 S. Range Line Rd., Carmel. The Family Life Center will have the audience seated at tables.
“There is more of a night club atmosphere, if you will,” Morton said. “Although that’s strange to say that because it is a church venue.”
Three of the concerts will be in the sanctuary.
“It will be more like a recital, more classical music for that venue,” Morton said. “There will be dessert served. It will be at the table when it’s at the Family Life Center. It’s kind of a dinner theater feel.”
The performances will range from gospel, soul to cabaret style.
“Some of them have bands and some are soloists,” Morton said of the one-hour concerts.
Morton said the proceeds are going for choir robes for the chancel and hand bell choirs.
“That is what the money is earmarked for this year,” Morton said. “After that, we will provide funding for program for our own church services and our music ministry. We’re looking into having a partnership with the American Cabaret Theater (in Indianapolis). We’re going try to pursue corporate sponsorship to get artists to come in from New York and nationally.”
Morton said customers who purchase the whole series will get a free concert. Tickets are $22 for each concert. For more, visit carmelumc.com.
2016-17 schedule
- Oct. 15, 7 p.m.: Blair Clark, Family Life Center.
- Nov. 19, 7 p.m.: Mina Keohane, Family Life Center.
- Jan. 8, 2 p.m.: Emily Grabinski & David Cook, Sanctuary.
- Feb. 18, 7 p.m.: Cathy Morris, Family Life Center.
- March 18, 7 p.m: Brenda Williams, Family Life Center.
- April 20, 7 p.m.: Echoing Air, Sanctuary.
- May 21, 2 p.m.: Peter Rogahn, Sanctuary.
