Jazz Vespers at Saint Peter’s Church

Jazz Vespers at Saint Peter’s, April 26, 2026. Video by Kristina Feliciano.

I don’t subscribe to any religion, but if I did, it would be jazz. A group of musicians unite to play a song. To play it their way. Each one takes a turn at interpreting it themselves while the bandmates give them space to do so. The audience eagerly joins them on this exploration into the unknown and the improvised. The only doctrine for the musicians is that they must keep hold of the melody in some way. Beyond that, they are free to be themselves *and* be part of the group. The ideal existence. 

Yesterday, I watched a quartet play at Jazz Vespers at Saint Peter’s Church. The young pianist wore a suit. He’d parted and combed his hair like a 1960s sideman. Or like Bill Evans. I photographed the reflection of his hands on the glossy piano and composed the images into the slurry you see here. 

It had been more than 20 years since I’d last attended Jazz Vespers. An all-women outfit called the Jazzberry Jam, featuring drummer Paula Hampton, niece of Lionel, played that day. I’d interviewed her for a friend’s online magazine, Drummergirl, and it was exciting to see her shine behind her kit. 

Jazz Vespers has been a fixture of Saint Peter’s since 1966. It’s free. All are welcome. You can even get a fresh copy of Jazz Record, published in inky newsprint, on your way out. You can even bring your dog. It lasts an hour. It stays with you.