Solstice Vespers: Songs to Light a Winter’s Night
Wednesday at 7:00 pm – All music service
Katie Dahl, Anne Heaton, & Jenny Bienemann, Guest Musicians
Join songwriters Katie Dahl (Door County), Anne Heaton (Milwaukee), and Jenny Bienemann (Chicago) for an intimate all music service of original songs and songs to celebrate the Winter Solstice. The artists will share and add texture to one another’s work as they illuminate and celebrate the darkest days of the year, exploring themes of hope, mystery, belonging and kindness. Dahl, Heaton, and Bienemann are rooted in the folk tradition, with songs that roam freely to explore country, jazz, and rock traditions.
About the Artists
Nationally touring songwriter Katie Dahl “combines old-fashioned populism, an abiding love of the land, and wickedly smart love songs, all delivered in a rich and expressive alto” (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel). Known for the intelligence and vulnerability of her songs and the easy humor of her live performances, Dahl also has five studio albums and two original musical plays, Victory Farm and The Fisherman’s Daughters, to her credit. Wisconsin Public Radio calls Dahl “the real deal.”
Anne Heaton, based in Milwaukee, is a singer-songwriter and pianist who has captured audience imaginations for over fifteen years with her songs that are, by turns, “tender, barbed and spiritual” (Washington Post). She’s been featured by the New York Times Music Podcast, played on NPR, at the Sundance Film Festival, and for Lilith Fair (2010). Known for the infectious energy of her live performances – “a natural performer [with] a rich, soaring voice” (Seattle Times) – Anne has played over 1000 headlining shows nationwide, and has shared the stage with artists such as Jewel and Sarah McLachlan.
Jenny Bienemann is an award-winning poet, singer, songwriter, and visual artist with a mission to find the extraordinary in the everyday. With three critically acclaimed studio albums and two live albums, her music has underscored TV, film and theater projects. She began a daily practice of taking photos and writing haiku. What started as a lark quickly evolved into Haiku Milieu, a movement of creativity and community. Today, there are four Haiku Milieu books, and more than 350 new songs inspired by Haiku Milieu, written by artists from across the United States. She has been featured in the Chicago Tribune Arts Section, WGN Radio 720 in Chicago, Chicago Public Radio, Northern Illinois Public Radio, Naperville Magazine, and more.
Livestream from the Sanctuary:
Join us for the complete service live on our YouTube site at 7:00 pm. Find a recording of the service at our YouTube site anytime after 7:00 pm.
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First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee is a progressive church for spiritual community, social justice, and intellectual freedom. Visitors to First Church are always welcome!
