Father Doran Stambaugh

Father Doran Stambaugh serves as the ordained priest at St. Michael’s By-the-Sea in Carlsbad, California, where he blends his love of faith and music through a unique program called Jazz Evensong. Held weekly, this special Sunday service features jazz performed by local musicians and prayers inspired by spiritual and musical traditions, honoring legends like Duke Ellington and Herbie Hancock. Father Doran also hosts a companion podcast, Jazz Legends, offering reflections on the artists and the music featured in each service. His own musical journey began with his father’s record collection and continued through playing guitar in bands during high school and writing poetry in college, many of which became lyrics. Music has always been a source of meaning for him, ultimately guiding him to the seminary, where he found harmony between his spiritual calling and artistic passions. A dedicated music advocate, he supports arts initiatives and contributes to NAMM’s Oral History and Music History Project podcasts—including a 2025 episode honoring jazz greats like Ron Carter, Trummy Young, and Clora Bryant. Also, did we mention he’s a proud lifelong Phish fan!