By Scott Cullen, CrossCurrents Editor
Welcome to the first of an ongoing Q&A series featuring congregation members. In our first installment, Nick Mellis, the promoter behind the Cosmic Crossings concert series, discusses his inspiration for starting the series, the music, the challenges of running a non-profit concert series, and why UUCWC is an excellent venue for a concert.
What was your inspiration for starting Cosmic Crossings?
Nick: When I attended Concerts at the Crossing concerts (The concert series founded by Scott Cullen in 1995, which ran at UUCWC for 20 seasons.), I knew I had a blueprint I could work from. I was also inspired by a concert series in Philadelphia called The Gatherings. The next morning at church I would sit in the sanctuary and ask myself why not here?
How would you describe the music presented at Cosmic Crossings?
Nick: For the unfamiliar, if you have ever heard of Vangelis (Bladerunner soundtrack), Tangerine Dream, Kraftwerk, or StellarDrone, this music (Space, Ambient, Electronic) is mainly instrumental, using synthesizers, computers, etc.
How many shows have you presented to date?
Nick: We started doing shows in 2016, and minus the pandemic, we typically have done three fall shows and three spring shows every year.
What were some of the more memorable shows/performers, and why?
Nick: Jamie Rose Hennigan flew from New Mexico to play her first concerts since transitioning from Vic Henningan. We also had international artists Markus Reuter and Bernhard Wostheinrich from Berlin, Germany, play for us. All the artists were memorable!
If budget wasn’t an issue, name two or three performers you would love to present at Cosmic Crossings, whether or not they fit that genre of music.
Nick: StellarDrone from Lithuania and Rick Wakeman from Yes.
What is the biggest challenge of putting on these concerts?
Nick: Getting the word out. Facebook and our website are the only platforms we [use to promote the concerts]. We have a zero-budget and charge only $10 per person at the door.
What makes UUCWC a good venue for these concerts?
Nick: The sanctuary is a great acoustic room for people to play. It also blows the artists away when they first walk in and get excited seeing the size of the room.
The concerts are a fundraiser for the church. Approximately how much have you raised for the church to date?
Nick: We (Ken Palmer, Mike Hunter, Mark Pokryska), and I have raised close to $6,000 since September 16th, 2016.
What are your plans for the future of the series?
Nick: Keep working hard to get more people, both in general and from the church, to come out and enjoy the music and the light show for only $10!
Any final message to the congregation about the upcoming season?
Nick: Come out and enjoy great music and people. Watch as the sanctuary is transformed into a place of magic and music!
The first Cosmic Crossings concert of the season is Sept. 21 at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. For information about the concert and upcoming concerts visit cosmiccrossings.org.