WOW kicks off Sunday with folk singer Jim Novak

Sat, Jun 27, 2009

Veteran folk guitarist, singer and songwriter Jim Novak will be performing at Grand Haven's Waterfront Stadium at 7:30 p.m. Sunday.

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It is the first performance of this summer's Worship On the Waterfront, a ministry of First Reformed Church. Come early and join the praise team in song at 7:15.

Novak has been sharing his music and testimony for more than three decades. In his soft-rock/easy-listening style, Novak brings the stories of his own spiritual walk to life in simple ballads, gentle rock, gospel and a little blues.

Novak taught himself to play guitar at the age of 10. With the aid of a few friends, he started a folk singing quartet called the Newports. Their popularity led to a series of college concerts and a regular job as the opening act for the Stars of the WGN Barn Dance.

When the group disbanded, Novak took his solo act to the coffee houses of Chicago's north side, where he became a familiar figure on the Old Town folk music scene. He has appeared on TV, radio and various recording projects as a studio musician.

After re-devoting his life to Christ, Novak moved to West Michigan and now lives on a small blueberry farm in Grand Haven with his wife, Ruth, where he continues to write.

"Be Still", his first Christian CD, was released last year. Half of the profits from the sales of the CDs are donated to the Casa de Esperanza transitional housing project in Honduras.

Worship On the Waterfront is a free concert that's held rain or shine. No tickets are needed.

A free-will offering will be taken.

The local Habitat for Humanity will be sharing information about their upcoming house-building project during the evening program.

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