Pastor Dave Brown

Pastor Dave Brown developed a rich and meaningful appreciation for music when he began playing trombone in his high school band. He attended many concerts as a teen (namely at the Fillmore), developing a deep appreciation for the blues music he encountered. As he grew up he also felt the calling to become a pastor. He realized he could use the music of the Blues to help spread his message of faith. As a result, in 1999, Pastor Dave established a program in Portland, Oregon he calls Blues Vespers (vespers is another word for prayers). He used the space of the church to invite musicians to play while he would interject a short message during the performance, giving the audience something to think about while they enjoyed the music. These concerts were so successful that he helped develop other such programs around the country.