MACON – Mercer University’s Townsend School of Music and the office of Macon Mayor Robert Reichert will host the Day of Shalom Celebration and free concert by pianist and vocalist, Ken Medema, on Tuesday, Aug. 21, at 7 p.m. in Newton Chapel on Mercer’s Macon campus. This event is in celebration of the Communities of Shalom in Macon. Medema, a blind pianist and vocalist who performs around the world, is an international spokesman for the Shalom initiative. His eclectic style includes pop, R&B, gospel, classical and jazz and he has a unique ability to improvise in any style and compose a song with lyrics on the spot given a story subject and a few notes from anyone in the audience. For more information call (478) 301-5751.
During previous performances and residencies with the Townsend School of Music, Medema learned of Macon’s own five Shalom Zones. As a spokesman for the Communities of Shalom and composer of the organization’s theme song, he specifically requested an opportunity to perform in honor of the Shalom Zones during his next visit to Macon. Medema’s manager notified Mayor Reichert and David Keith, interim dean of Townsend School of Music. Both leaders responded with immediate interest and action to make possible this concert. “It is my pleasure to help celebrate the exciting partnerships that Shalom has created in this city full of hope and promise,” Medema said.
For four decades, Medema has inspired people through storytelling and music. Though blind from birth, Ken sees and hears with heart and mind, custom designing every musical moment of his performance with brilliant improvisation that defies description. With an ever-growing circle of followers around the world, Medema’s artistry and imagination have reached audiences in 49 United States and in more than 15 countries on four continents. Learn more about him at www.KenMedema.com.
Mercer University’s Townsend School of Music, the Robert McDuffie Center for Strings and the Townsend-McAfee Institute for Graduate Studies offer undergraduate and graduate professional music studies in a comprehensive university environment. Townsend is nationally recognized for its outstanding faculty, award-winning students, performance ensembles and state-of-the-art facilities. The McDuffie Center, a special institute within Townsend School of Music, is a highly selective program that prepares string students for success in the real world. Students study with some of America’s most renowned string musicians, receiving music instruction of conservatory quality, while earning an academically well-rounded education from a comprehensive, nationally recognized university. For more information and a complete listing of this season’s concerts please visit mercer.edu/music/ or call (478) 301-5751.
Communities of Shalom is a grass roots, faith-inspired, community development network that seeks to support local congregations and community groups as they work together with representatives of all faith traditions and community organizations to create economically and ecologically sustainable communities of peace, justice, hope, healing and wholeness in which all God’s people experience shalom. www.communitiesofshalom.org
