A concert of organ-piano duets
Sunday, July 11 • 6:30 p.m. • Sanctuary
Plus reception with free shaved ice
Don’t miss Wilshire’s first live music event since returning to the building. Summer Keys: A Concert of Organ-Piano Duets will be held in the Sanctuary on Sunday at 6:30 p.m.
Associate Minister of Music and Organist Jeff Brummel will be joined for the concert by Jonathan K. Merritt, organist at Pulaski Heights Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas. Wilshire member Amy Pottkotter will sing on a few pieces as well.
Summer Keys will include hymn-based pieces in classical and gospel styles. Jeff says the evening’s sounds will “bring back memories of a Baptist music tradition — the unique duet of piano and organ.” Amy’s vocals will be featured on selections by Aaron Copland and John Stainer.
The concert will be livestreamed at youtube.com/wilshirebaptist.
About the performers
A native Arkansan, Jonathan K. Merritt earned a bachelor’s degree in organ performance from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, and he has served as organist, pianist or choirmaster for Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian and Christian (Disciples of Christ) congregations. He served on the executive committee of the Central Arkansas chapter of the American Guild of Organists and from 2014 to 2018 was accompanist for the Arkansas Intercollegiate Chorus.
Jonathan says, “It is always an honor to be at Wilshire Baptist and combine forces with Dr. Jeff Brummel.” Jonathan’s church, Pulaski Heights, is where former Wilshire pastoral resident Matt Dodrill is pastor. Jonathan says, “On my last visit to Wilshire, I left for Arkansas with the name of a possible pastoral candidate. We love Pastor Matt Dodrill and family! Thank you, Wilshire!”
Amy Pottkotter, soprano, has become a familiar worship soloist since joining Wilshire with her husband and kids in 2019. She holds degrees in vocal performance from The Ohio State University and Southern Methodist University. Some of what Amy will sing on Sunday’s concert are pieces she performed on a concert tour through Budapest, Prague and Wittenberg, Germany, with organist Clarece Candamio.
Jeff Brummel recently celebrated 15 years on staff at Wilshire. A native of the Pacific Northwest, he earned masters and doctoral degrees in organ performance and church music at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. Jeff has a bachelor’s degree in music education from the College of the Ozarks near Branson, Missouri.
Social event to follow concert
Stick around after the concert for fellowship, more music and a free shaved-ice treat from the Big D Kona Ice food truck. The truck will be parked near the Prayer Garden, and you can enjoy your treat outside or in James Gallery.
Wilshire member Brian Stinecipher and his musical partner Al Peterson, who perform in local venues as Al and Brian, will perform a set of acoustic music including light rock and country favorites from the 1950s to today.