On Friday, September 28, 2012, I had the pleasure of attending one of the many concerts that would be held over the weekend as part of a celebration called Voices United for the Separation of Church and State. The shows were all to benefit a non partisan organization called Americans United. They advocate for the separation of politics from religion, something that has become increasingly important to many Americans in recent years (myself included).
At this show, Catie Curtis, who organized concerts across the nation for this event, was billed as having special surprise guests. I was delighted to walk up the stairs to the home hosting this particular event and see Nerissa Nields looking out. Great surprise!
The home in Newton where this concert took place was lovely, and about 40 or so people were in enthusiastic attendance. Big thanks to hosts Paul and Sarah for their hospitality! Their son, Jay, played two original compositions on the piano to start off the evening. He was very impressive. He reports that he will be recording a CD soon, so watch out for this one!
Nerissa and Katryna Nields were up next and delivered a terrific half hour set. If you’re in the Boston area this coming weekend, Oct 6, they will be doing two shows at Club Passim. Catie rounded out the evening with a set of her songs, and had The Nields join her for a few at the end. Their harmonies on Catie’s “Troubled Mind” were just stunning. Wish I had recorded that one, but I did pull out the iPhone and record the three of them performing The Nields’ “Keys to the Kingdom”. It was dark, so YouTube lightened it up, making it better even if a little wonky with ‘changing light’. Embedded below.
Photos are viewable on this site as well. They came out a bit grainy with having to boost exposure after the fact, but they are still a fun record of a terrific night of music.
