Published: February 19, 2026; Aithor: Julia Sonrisa
Address: 619 Lexington Avenue New York, NY 10022 United States
A unique concert prayer service at the “Jazz Church” of NYC. Sundays at 5 since 1965. All are welcome. Free to attend!
Welcome to Jazz Vespers!
However, you are connecting with Saint Peter’s, and we hope you will find a wide and warm embrace. Among the skyscrapers and hustle and bustle of Midtown, this is a place of respite and renewal. Whether in person in our Sanctuary, or streaming from home. Jazz Vespers is free of charge, with donations welcome at the door or online.
Jazz Vespers, NYC’s unique jazz prayer service, is held every Sunday at 5:00 P.M. Originating in 1965 with The Rev. John Garcia Gensel, he believed jazz to be “probably the best music for worship because it speaks to the existential situation of a human being. It is the personal expression of the person playing it.” Saint Peter’s Church, the “First Church of Jazz,” remains a spiritual home to jazz musicians and lovers of jazz. Founded by Ruth and Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, Joe Newman, and Sheila Jordan, among many others, today the community represents the best of the New York City jazz scene.
This Week We Welcome...
Marion Cowings (voice)
If you are looking for a religious community, this may be a place for you! We are a Sanctuary and Reconciling in Christ Parish of the ELCA. We are a bilingual English-speaking and Spanish-speaking community. We are Brown, Black, White, and more. We are people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Some of us hold citizenship, others of us are Dreamers, asylees, or seeking documentation. A good way to begin this journey is to participate in our Sunday liturgies.
Time: 1:00-5:00 pm EST
Free!
Detailed information and discussion of the event.