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“Everything has a crack in it. That’s where the light gets in.” – Leonard Cohen
Cracks is for spiritually-inclined people who want to connect through informative workshops, inspiring art-making, out of this world music and exhibits that awaken you spiritually. Whether you want to roll up your sleeves to make art, take in a panel conversation about social justice, meet an author, put on your sacred dance shoes, or while away time in the chapel listening to local musicians – there is something for everyone.
Come for the Jully Black and LeE HARVey OsMOND concerts or take in the full day of workshops and the concerts – it’s up to you. To leave room for the Spirit to move, we have designed Cracks so that you can attend whatever workshops you like as your day unfolds.
A bit of background…
The Cracks festival emerged after David Sherwin, Trisha Elliott and James Murray experienced the Greenbelt festival in the UK. Struck by the energy of the event, the three decided to try a similar urban festival at home in Ottawa, Canada. A creative convergence of spirit, art and social justice began to emerge as the “Cracks Festival,” where as Leonard Cohen says, “the light gets in.”
Cracks has benefited from a lot of volunteer support. Faith And Arts Ottawa, a nonprofit ministry that explores the intersection of art and spirituality is a driving force behind this project (it helps that David Sherwin is the Executive Director). The Christian Development committee of The Ottawa Presbytery (United Church Of Canada) came on board early on to offer seed money and volunteer support. As a sponsor, Dominion Chalmers United Church generously donated the use of their space. George Hermanson secured LeE HARVey OsMOND and Jully Black for our first festival and here we are, hoping that you will join us for a great weekend event.
 
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Workshops
Cracks is about art, spirituality, and justice, but more than that, Cracks is about the intersection of these things, the liminal places where art connects with spirituality to reveal a reality that transcends the mundane, where art connects with our longing for justice to kindle a deeper empathy and love for our fellow human beings and the earth which gives life to us all.
We’re still busy lining up our roster of outstanding workshops, performances and presentations, but already the range and depth of what will be on offer is amazing. Here are some highlights.  We’ll be fleshing out the details in the weeks and months ahead.
 

Artists

LeE HARVeY OsMOND – November 7, 7:30pm
 Jully Black – November 8, 7:30pm
Note – On Saturday morning, join Tom Wilson during a workshop session as he discusses what motivates him to make music and make a difference.
On Saturday evening, immediately following her concert Jully Black will be interviewed based on the questions you submit during the day.
 
LeE HARVeY OsMOND – November 7, 7:30pm
Through the eyes of LeE HARVeY OsMOND, we revisit the wonder years and remember where we were. LeE HaRVEY OsMOND is the eyeball and the ear of Tom Wilson, who grew up in Hamilton, Ontario, a blue-collar steel town. “The Folk Sinner” is the title of the new album made from society’s transgressions, as seen and heard by LeE HARVey OsMOND, who once wrote that he is in love with the system that keeps him down.

 
Jully Black – November 8, 7:30pm
A Jully Black performance is without question, an experience like none other. A force to be reckoned with, this Canadian-born, triple threat (singer/songwriter/performer) loves to share her talents and has an enthusiasm for music that is unparalleled. Her charming attitude and charismatic personality has helped propel her career to reach milestones that most artists struggle to achieve in a lifetime – winning multiple Juno awards, penning songs for the likes of Nas and Destiny’s Child as well as performing along side artists such as Elton John, Etta James, Jay-Z, Sean Paul, and Alicia Keys to name a few.
There is no question as to how she has achieved the status of “Canada’s Queen of R&B”, a title given to her by her fans and peers. Her fourth highly anticipated album, entitled “Made In Canada ” has been described as “The New Motown Sound”. Traditionally, Jully is from the school of R&B, with influences like Etta James and Tina Turner. She has combined these sounds with the rhythmic and eclectic musical styling’s of the album’s sole producer YoungPete Alexander from Atlanta, GA. The songs that reside on this album span the music genre spectrum, incorporating elements of Soul, R&B and Pop. Collectively known as “The Officials”, the two have been able to create a musical masterpiece of which the world can relate.

Worship Leader
Moderator Gary Paterson
Paterson was elected Moderator of The United Church Of Canada at the 41st General Council in Ottawa on August 16, 2012. Ordained in 1977, he has served in all kinds of ministry and most recently at St. Andrew’s-Wesley United in downtown Vancouver.
He earned a B.A. in English Literature at the University of British Columbia and a Master of Arts in English from Queen’s University in Kingston before becoming a sessional lecturer in the Department of English at UBC. He began theological studies at Boston’s Andover Newton Theological, followed by an internship at Naramata Centre, and a final year at Vancouver School of Theology.
 
Musicans
PETER WOODS
Peter Woods is a minister in the United Church of Canada and a musician with recording credits in jazz, blues and rock’n’roll. With a love of melody and phrasing at the heart of his musical offerings, Peter’s shows both inspire and delight his audiences.
BRIAN BROWNE
A Canadian jazz pianist extraordinaire, Brian Browne has a unique natural gift for music that is manifested through a highly individual sense of musical artistry. Moving to New York City, he spent several years actively in that music scene, and recorded his album Live at Tramps. With his return to Ottawa, long-time fans of Browne’s soulful, swinging piano sound are once again delighted by his local appearances.
DUO: PETER WOODS AND BRIAN BROWNE
Peter Woods and Brian Browne have worked together for many years, creating musical chemistry that is intense and generous, touring their Jazz in Sacred Spaces show across Canada. Since the release of their first disc Testimony, the duo has been in demand for concerts regionally and nationally. With their new collection, Honest Company, being released in May, 2013, their elegant and spontaneous sound will continue to connect with audiences across the country.