Review: St. Mark Lutheran Church presents ‘Rock Vespers’

Originally published on The JOLT News on June 9, 2026

Traditionally, vespers are known as an evening prayer service where people bring gratitude and matters of the heart to the Lord. Normally, hymns and worship music are performed for the services. 

I find that it is the music we sing along to on our car radios that makes a greater, longer lasting impact on our day-to-day lives and our souls. Perhaps “Rock Vespers” are the natural vespers of our lives.  

The Rock Vespers series is a tradition that brightens every summer and brings people together to embrace what can be called “the universal church”: good music.  

As St. Mark’s Lutheran Church would say about its service, this is a sort of gathering for people who may not normally find themselves in church. Regardless of religion, this is a place for people who are looking to have a good time, embrace community, sing along to radio hits, and find a sense of unity and hope. In short, I think it’s for all of us. 

I’ve spoken about St. Mark’s Music Director Terry Shaw (along with many other things) a few different times in this column — his musical intuition is outstanding, and there is no one else who could both break tradition while honoring its heart like Shaw and his band.  

Each show is free and starts at 6 p.m.! I hope to see you at St.Marks on July 5 and Aug. 2! 

 The review 

The music of Prince, Sir Elton John, Metallica and Pink Floyd all performed at a professional quality — it would be impossible to not enjoy a show like this! 

These musicians always knock it out of the park, but it was crazy to learn they only had one rehearsal before performing this show. Wowsers! 

Performances this amazing require a musicianship that surpasses talent alone, and enters into a sort of musical empathy, understanding and friendship. All the members of the band knew it was about the music and not themselves, which strengthened the flow of the show and brought a contagious camaraderie to it all. 

In the best way possible, Shaw is a freak of nature. Just so incredibly gifted and iconic in his own right that I don’t think there is anyone quite like him. Much of the same can be said of his band members.

Ben Martin can sing and play a variety of instruments, but the language he is most fluent in is the saxophone. No one plays like him. John Martin is never to be underestimated as his adaptability and dare I say “groove-ability” are highly impressive. 

Jon Balsley shredded the guitar in such a way that truly brought this iconic music to life. Cal Neal kept all our feet moving, no dancing, to beat. Rick Jarvela honored the music through the way he played the bass.  

Though I consider myself an open minded and exploratory member of the audience, there is no denying that there is nothing like these legendary songs and there never will be again. It is our responsibility as audience members to keep this music alive and well. 

My favorite moment from the show was when Shaw sang “Purple Rain” in honor of his musical hero’s heavenly birthday. Toward the end of the song, Shaw began to tear up and all the audience could hear was pure love. When the song ended, a thought came to mind at the same time Shaw spoke it out loud: “If that’s not church, I don’t know what is.”

We may not agree on what we believe in, how our country or county should be run, or what the best flavor of ice cream is, but we can find unity here and encouragement for our souls. Isn’t that what church is supposed to be all about? 

Personal note 

Originally, I had a different column in mind for this slot this week. I published "Juneteenth in Thurston County" on my personal website because I felt that this column was still important. What made me prioritize this review was this:  

The band played “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” “Your Song” and “I Guess That’s Why They Call it the Blues” all by Sir Elton John. I recorded little videos of these and sent them to my mom along with the message, “I think Terry’s goal was to make me happy cry this evening,” and she knew exactly why.  

These songs mean more to me than words alone can express. They are what made me fall in love with music, and they brought a sense of church to my heart and reminded me of my roots. This story felt very personal and important to me because there is nothing quite like that feeling, and that feeling can truly only be found in the audience.  

https://thejoltnews.com/stories/review-st-marks-lutheran-church-presents-rock-vespers,29412