Art & Faith Literary Series – Author David Ritz to Present “The God Groove”

Arts at Old First is honored to present the ongoing Art & Faith Literary Series, now in its third season, featuring distinguished contemporary authors presenting new works in a unique conversational context.  These literary conversations address ideas and stories around faith communities, spirituality, and creativity from a variety of perspectives through engagement with new fiction and nonfiction works, and take place in the historic spaces of Old First Brooklyn, a 360-year-old Brooklyn congregation with a commitment to hosting community groups and the arts.  Recent guests have included Lauren Belfer, Mary Gordon, Darnell Moore, Anne Nelson, Steven Waldman, and Christian Wiman.

In August, acclaimed music biographer David Ritz – frequent collaborator with artists such as Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and Marvin Gaye – joins the series to present his memoir The God Groove: A Blues Journey to Faith.  Raised Jewish, Ritz found belief in Christ through his immersion in the lives and music of some of the great musicians of the 20^th century, and his memoir is a story of art, redemption and transformation with a soulful soundtrack like no other. Jody Rosen, culture critic and writer for the New York Times Magazine, joins Ritz for a conversation about his unique journey.

Series organizer Jessica Stockton Bagnulo writes, “One of the goals of Old First is to offer a space of unconditional welcome. We hope the events in this series create welcoming spaces to discuss big questions of spirituality, creativity, and other aspects of our shared humanity from a literary perspective, as well as creating a space where artists and neighbors can connect with each other.”

Other events will be announced soon for the fall.

All events include a free RSVP option and a book-bundled ticket option with priority seating.  A wine reception follows each event.  Books are offered for sale by local independent Community Bookstore, which donates a portion of all book sales to the Old First Restoration Fund.  See below for dates, details and ticket links, as well as contact information.

All events take place at Old First Reformed Church, located at 729 Carroll Street (corner of 7^th Avenue) in Brooklyn.  Transportation: Q train to 7^th Avenue, R train to Union Street, or B69 bus to 7^th Avenue and Garfield.

Saturday, August 24, 6:00 PM

David Ritz presents The God Groove: A Blues Journey to Faith

In conversation with Jody Rosen

Free RSVP/ $26 with book and priority seating

Tickets and details: https://groove.brownpapertickets.com/

For more information contact:

Jessica Stockton Bagnulo, Arts at Old First – jsbagnulo@gmail.com