Ethan Butler has performed at MoodyFest since it began in 2011. Ethan describes himself as a center city artist, infusing his acoustic pop sounds with jazz influences. All of the songs he performs are ones that he has written himself; his two main themes are relationships and the emotional life of a Christian. So whether he’s singing about pursuing a girl or struggles in his Christian walk, you know he’s sincere. Check him out HERE.
The Clark Street Band doesn’t play together often, but when they do, it’s usually at MoodyFest. The group was formed for last year’s MoodyFest by Cates and Jeff Mason, both of whom have been involved with Moody Church’s music ministry for many years, as well as colleagues they have worked with in the past, namely Rex Carrol, Steve Hinz, and Mike Choby. The Texas-flavored blues band won’t have CDs of their own for sale, so come enjoy them live when this pick-up band picks up their instruments for the second time on the MoodyFest stage.
The salsa and latin jazz band Orchestra Ebenezer Ministry (OEM) is made up of thirteen different musicians, all from churches throughout the Chicagoland area: a pianist, a bassist, three percussionists, two trombone players, two trumpeters, and four singers; that’s a lot of people to fit on the stage in the Walgreen’s parking lot. OEM was formed in 1994 from a need for a Christian band to play at various events, like weddings or fundraisers. But another part of OEM’s ministry is visiting prisons; they have been to over half a dozen correctional facilities in the state of Illinois. They have seen how “the Word of God never returns void,” as band member Jose Diaz has said. Learn more about them HERE.
All of these musical talents will be playing live on stage at the corner of North Avenue and LaSalle Street on September 1, from 3 to 6 pm. Stop by for lively music, free food and drinks, and a chance to interact with others from Moody Church and the surrounding neighborhood.
Check out photos from a previous MoodyFest HERE.