Kemper Crabb concert to benefit UH Religious Studies

Christian musician/historian Kemper Crabb will present a concert of ancient music benefiting the University of Houston Religious Studies Program. Crabb will perform his unique instrumentations of medieval music in a celebration of early music for contemporary listeners on April 14 at 7:00 at the Heights Church of Christ, 16th Street and Heights Blvd.

Crabb has been an international figure in both the Christian music and religious education for the past 30 years. Born in south Texas, the son of two teachers, he began his ministry in his teens. At a time when there was no such thing as the Christian music industry, Crabb played in Christian bands as Redemption, ArkAngel, RadioHalo, and Caedmon’s Call.

After studying the recovery of historic Christianity, Crabb’s solo career and ministry took off in 1982 when he recorded “The Vigil,” an acoustic album. Inspired by battle preparation rituals for knights during the Middle Ages, the record was immediately well received across the musical spectrum, garnering fans from all walks of life across the world. It is still regarded as one of the best albums in Christian music ever recorded.

A multi-instrumentalist—he can play 40 instruments—Crabb brings to life music that blends medieval and Celtic traditions with such instruments as the mountain dulcimer, recorder, tin whistle, bells, mandolin, and bazouki. His smooth, lilting tenor voice adds expression to the poetry of the ancient music.

In addition to “The Vigil,” Crabb has recorded 11 other albums, the most recent of which is “Reliquarium.”

A priest in the Community of Evangelical Episcopal Churches (CEEC), Crabb currently lends his support to St. John the Divine Episcopal Church, where he leads the worship music at the eleven o'clock contemporary service and teaches a weekly Bible study.

The Religious Studies Program at the University of Houston originated in 1985 to address the increased student interest in understanding the influence of religion on human behavior and world affairs. The program is based on the belief that promoting knowledge of the history, practices and ideas of religion is important for the education of thoughtful citizens and for the preservation of a free society. It attracts students from all faith backgrounds.

The benefit concert will be performed on Sunday, April 14, at 7 p.m. at the Heights Church of Christ, 1548 Heights Blvd at 16th St. Donations, suggested to start at $35 for the general public and $10 for UH students and staff, may be made at the door or at https://giving.uh.edu/class.