Spiritual music was instrumental in the early development of the blues. African Americans incorporated it along with work songs and field hollers from the post-Reconstruction era, forming a genre that still entertains and uplifts people. Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Tacoma brings this full circle with their Blues Vespers every month, using the blues for spiritual reflection. The music is combined with poetry and prayer. Blues Vespers falls on the third Sunday of each month. Tonight, at 5:00, the band will be Junkyard Jane, a Northwest “swampabilly” band. Admission is free, but gratuities to the artists are welcome. The church is on 901 N. J Street.
