Faith Communities host "I Am My Neighbor's Keeper" Benefit Concert

Renowned bassist and composer Avery Sharpe will present a concert of original compositions which form the collection, I Am My Neighbor’s Keeper, on Sunday, October 5, 2025 at Edwards Church, UCC in Framingham, MA. Mr. Sharpe has performed with a host of jazz greats including Dizzy Gillespie, Yusef Lateef, Freddie Hubbard and Wynton Marsalis, and was legendary pianist McCoy Tyner’s bassist for over 20 years, touring the world and recording more than 25 albums. For this performance, Mr. Sharpe will feature his Double Quartet, which includes a quartet of string players.

I Am My Neighbor’s Keeper features compositions which respond to the political and racial divisions in our country, highlighting our commitment to one another and reminding us that as our neighbor’s keeper, we should help one another. Speaking of the need for this focus, he says, “It has become almost fashionable to beat up on those less fortunate than yourself…if a person is poor, it is their fault, and God doesn’t like them because of their lifestyle, race, gender- anything that makes you different. I felt I needed to do I Am My Neighbor’s Keeper to remind us of our humanity, and that we are our neighbor’s keeper, and we should help one another.” Mr. Sharpe will offer a narrative to introduce each song, amplifying its significance in our spiritual and day to day lives. Musically, the compositions are laden with Jazz, Gospel, African, Blues and other influences.

The concert will be held in the sanctuary of Edwards Church, UCC in Framingham, and is jointly sponsored by Open Spirit Center, Edwards Church, Framingham Friends, Greater Framingham Community Church, First Parish in Framingham, Memorial Church in Sudbury, First Church in Natick, Just Peace Players, Roots and Wings, Temple Beth Am, Temple Beth Sholom, and The Plymouth Church in Framingham. Edwards Church is located at 39 Edwards Street in Framingham. The concert will start at 3:00 pm and doors will open at 2:30. Edwards Church is a fully accessible space.

This concert is free to the public, and donations to support A Place to Turn in their work to address hunger in MetroWest Massachusetts will be accepted. Advance tickets and donations may be made through Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/i-am-my-neighbors-keeper-a-benefit-concert-tickets-1641609049859

For further information, please contact Open Spirit Center at 508-877-2050 or debbie@openspiritcenter.org