PROGRAM NOTES

Published author, former Poet Laureate of the Quad Cities, professional storyteller and performance artist, Shellie Moore Guy uses self-expression as a tool for individual and community empowerment. A life-long resident of Rock Island, Illinois, her work as an artist, communty organizer and advocate blends art, activism and education in many areas.

She is founder of Ebony Expressions Dinner and Book Discussions, which encourages reading and community fellowship; Healing Waters, an organization that uses artistic monlogues of domestic survivors to encourage individual and community awareness and healing; Polyrhythms, a grassroots non-profit community and cultural arts advocacy organization.

Her children’s book, “How Little Billy Learned To Play” was published in 2019. She is currently writing her second children’s book, “The Family Tree,” the story of her family’s migration from slavery to freedom.

Shellie has created and performed one woman shows and ensemble performances nationally and has performed on several Quad City stages and venues.

Chris Nelson is Director of Music Ministries and Organist at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Davenport, Iowa, where he brings together choirs, instrumentalists, and congregational song to shape liturgy that is both inclusive and deeply rooted in tradition. He also serves as College Organist and Instructor of Organ at Augustana College, teaching applied organ and collaborating with several of the college’s choirs as pianist.

A graduate of Bethany College (Lindsborg, KS) and Luther Seminary’s Master of Sacred Music program—offered in partnership with St. Olaf College—Chris has studied with a distinguished group of mentors, including Anton Armstrong, Greg Aune, Jesse Eschbach, John Ferguson, Sharon Hettinger, Cathy Rodland, and Pamela Ruiter-Feenstra.

When he’s not at the organ bench, Chris is likely out running or biking, or spending time with his husband, also named Chris, and their dogs, Jinx and Kevin. He is an enthusiastic supporter of the local running community and regularly volunteers at races throughout the region.