Mike Janzen
A JUNO-nominated artist gifted in jazz, classical, and folk, Mike Janzen is a unique Canadian talent. Possessing “a rare and infectious gift” (Steve Bell), Janzen’s artistry is displayed in his original work and his collaborations with others (Daniel Lanois, Hugh Marsh, Larnell Lewis). Janzen’s most recent release is The Psalms Project Volume I & II (2021), a double album of original songs reflecting on the Psalms. Described as “salve for the soul” (John Bailey, JUNO-winner for mixing), this album comprises 19 songs written and composed while recovering from a debilitating concussion just a few years prior. Janzen’s responses to God lifting and carrying him through his difficult circumstances slowly formed the lyrics to songs in The Psalms Project. The first volume, The Carried Words, has a folk-pop sound and includes some of Canada’s finest musicians, including Steve Bell, Erin Propp, Davide DiRenzo, and Joey Landreth. The Lifted Songs, the second volume, is more meditative in nature. Guest performances include JUNO-winner Laila Biali, trumpeter Kevin Turcotte, and the beautiful sounds of a 14-piece string orchestra. The entire project has been described as “a soulful marvel of songwriting” (Steve Bell), and “an oasis for the spirit” (Laila Biali). In summer of 2021, “Abounding in Love” from Volume I hit the Top Ten in Christian radio in Canada, showing how Mike Janzen’s gorgeous melodies and Scripture-inspired lyrics now help to shine the light of the Psalms for others walking in dark valleys. In 2015, Janzen released the JUNO-nominated album Nudging Forever, containing original compositions blending lush orchestral sounds with the spontaneity of jazz. His more recent work is more sacred in its focus. Lent (2019) is a collection of arrangements of hymns and spiritual songs. Mike Janzen is also one of this country's top orchestral arrangers, deemed “brilliant” by Holly Harris (Winnipeg Free Press). Janzen’s orchestra show, Reimagining Broadway, debuted in 2014 with Sarah Slean and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. He also heads up the Mike Janzen Trio, which features world-class musicians George Koller and Davide DiRenzo and delivers an energetic sound that melds folk, jazz, and gospel. He currently is working on Psalms Vol. 3 as well as The Manna Sessions, a project featuring diverse original songs revolving around themes of redemption, provision, and times of waiting http://mikejanzentrio.com

Joseph Amaral
JESUSLY: a journey through the Gospel of Luke. As we follow Jesus, we discover the often hidden and deeper meaning behind many of his teachings and actions as we learn about the history and culture in which he lived. As followers of Jesus, it’s important to know which Jesus to follow. Hollywood has portrayed him one way and modern Christianity showcases a completely different Jesus than we find in the Scriptures. Luke shows us a Jesus who has no problem breaking barriers and going outside of the accepted social norm if it means meeting the needs of a person who has felt abandoned and rejected. Jesus seeks out the outcast. He’s drawn to the outsider and he sees the overlooked. This is the Jesus that I am encouraging us to imitate. To be Jesusly, we must replicate the actions and love of the Saviour towards those whom society has silenced and sidelined. Imagine a world where people loved people the way Jesus did. What if all the people on the planet who follow Jesus started living and loving like he did? Consider what it would be like for people who have felt rejected and discarded to feel loved and valued. Suppose the outcasts are welcomed back home with open arms. Can you picture a world where people who look and think differently than you do, feel seen and loved? http://joeamaral.org/