OUR CONGREGATION'S MUSIC PROGRAM
Introduction of New Music Director
John (Jake) Kairis is a multi-instrumentalist with a deep
commitment to Unitarian Universalism and musical expressions
of faith. He has been a member of the First Unitarian Church of
Philadelphia since 2017, where he has sung tenor in the choir,
played multiple instruments in the church band, and served an
accompanist for evening Vespers services, mostly under the
direction of John B Hedges. He is well versed in piano, guitar,
banjo, alto saxophone, and ukulele. He worked at Germantown
Friends School for two and a half years, where he taught middle
school music as well as directed and accompanied the lower
school musical and the 9th grade musical and assistant directed
the middle school musical. He holds a M.M. in Composition from
Temple University. He is a self-taught producer and prolific
singer-songwriter, writing mostly in the folk tradition. He also
works as a mover and truck driver for Broad Street Movers.
Welcome message:
Hello and thank you for inviting me into your
community! I am so excited to meet you all
and make joyful noise in worship together.
Blessings,
Jake Kairis
Jazz Sunday: April 19, 2026
As a celebration of JAZZ APPRECIATTON MONTH, we honored the life and music of CAL MASSEY, a pioneer of Philadelphia Jazz!
Cal Massey (1928-1972): The Artist and Activist
Cal Massey was a visionary Philadelphia composer and trumpeter whose music served as a powerful soundtrack to the Black Liberation Movement, Though often a "shadow figure" who stayed out of the commercial spotlight, Massey was a titan among his peers. He was a close friend and collaborator of John Coltrane, and his compositions were recorded by jazz legends like Freddie Hubbard, Lee Morgan, and
Archie Shepp.
Massey's work was deeply intertwined with his commitment to social justice. His masterpiece, “The Black Liberation Movement Suite”, was commissioned by the Black Panther Party and featured movements dedicated to figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Huey P. Newton. Because of his radical political views and refusal to separate his art from his activism, Massey was largely overlooked by major record labels during his lifetime.
We honor him not just as a brilliant musical architect, but as a man who used his gift to demand dignity, equality, and liberation for all people. He remains a cornerstone of Philadelphia's rich cultural history, proving that jazz is not just music - it is a movement.
Actual Proof Band Members
| Bobby Zankel Daud Bakara Sumi Tonooka Douglass Mapp Webb Thomas Greg Moore |
Alto Sax Trumpet Piano Bass Drums Congas & Percussion |
Welcome our New Band: the Hale Raisers
Holiday Music Sunday: Nuestra Navidad was a Great Success!
The sanctuary was full to overflowing to hear the bellringers play and the singers perform Nuestra Navidad. Below is an impromptu photo taken after the performance with guest musicians: Suzzette Ortiz, pianist/accordion; Rene Ginett, vocalist; Patricio Acevedo, guitar; Arturo Stable, percussion. Missing from the picture are Annabel G and Bridget McEarlier Spring Choir Concerts: The Great American Songbook
Swinging on a Star: We celebrated the stunning creativity of mid-20th century American songwriters. Our Singers stepped out a bit and tried their hands at the fabulous tunes of the Great American Songbook.
