There are myriad ways to practice hospitality. The Porchlight network is full of folks opening up their living spaces to live music, but many open up their businesses and churches as well. So while most house concerts tend to happen in living rooms, the recent one with Andy Zipf happened in the Living Room.
Jim Poorman, pastor at H20 Church Orlando (which hosts the Living Room), first learned about the Porchlight network from a man in his church. From then on, things clicked into gear. With previous experience in hosting, Jim knew what to expect when the night came, and hosting Andy Zipf only served to reinforce his perspective.
Jim described the Living Room as a “warm, cozy space in our church created for intimate events, for people gathering around art, music, coffee, beer, music, video games… you name it.” Located near the heart of their neighborhood, the church’s space is fitted out with a stage, lights, and a sound system, making it a ready setup for artists of all kinds to share their work. The stage is overlooked by a stained glass mosaic depicting Jesus, which casts a soft golden-hour glow over the scene. Comfortable front row seating is available, as are tables and chairs to accommodate a good many listeners.
And when it came to Andy Zipf’s music, Jim wasn’t surprised. “I pretty much knew it was going to be great,” he said, “especially after getting glowing reviews on Andy from two of my close friends who are accomplished musicians and know their stuff.” And, boy, were they right. “Andy’s voice is pure and powerful,” Jim expounded. “He’s talented and as soon as he starts to sing, it’s moving.” Jim was especially struck by Andy’s storytelling, “[It] was solid. And when his emotions flowed out in singing about his Dad and others that he wrote about, it was powerful.”
When asked if he had advice for other hosts, Jim encouraged lots of communication over expectations. But ultimately, Jim shared, the best expectation is that artists will simply do what they were created to do. “We are here to give the artist a platform to share their art… we’re here for them as much, or more maybe, than they are for us. I have no expectation that the artist fulfill my agenda. Rather, I want them to be honest and bring their best. I feel, when an artist shares their heart and their creation, they are living out being made in the image of God.”
According to Jim, live music, in particular, is a great conduit for community. It’s, simply put, human. “It’s a commonality that all humans share, so it’s a great way to share a table together, serve others, and connect deeply.” And share a table they did. “We prepared appetizers and offered a menu for visitors to choose from, along with beverages and wine.”
Throughout Christian history, the church has been a source of arts patronage and inspiration. And while the church of Jesus is the people of God, not a building, welcoming artists into these corporate spaces provides an everyday opportunity to encounter the light of Christ through creativity. And maybe soak in the last rays of golden hour, too.
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Check out new music from Andy Zipf! He has a single out now for his new record, How to Make a Paper Airplane, releasing March 11, 2022. Watch the video for that single here: Did You Know I Was a Ghost?