Media/Arts

Sept. 7, 2006

‘Monk Rock’ makes tour stops in diocese

By Catherine E. Hanley
The Catholic Sun

FLAGSTAFF — John Michael Talbot and his Mason Proffit band captivated his audience with traditional hymns and songs of praise during his Aug. 27 concert.

Hundreds of people sang along, clapped their hands and even laughed and cried a bit during the “Monk Rock” tour stop at Ardrey Auditorium on the Northern Arizona University campus.

“Although we have most of his CDs this is the first time we’ve ever attended one of his concerts,” said Dennis Howerton, who attended the concert with his wife, Carol.An accomplished musician at age 15, Talbot said he quit school and never looked back.

He was walking on a spiritual journey greatly influenced by the life of St. Francis of Assisi. The musician continued to perform as a guitarist for Mason Proffit, a country folk/rock band formed with his brother Terry.

Talbot converted to Catholicism, joined the Secular Franciscan Order and started The Little Portion house of prayer, where he planned to live as a hermit. Talbot continued to produce guitar and vocal music in a contemplative style.

Eventually, Talbot moved the house of prayer to Eureka Springs, Ark., and founded the Brothers and Sisters of Charity. He describes the Brothers and Sisters as being an integrated community with both monastic and domestic expressions.

During his 30-year musical career, Talbot has produced 49 albums of various musical styles, including classical, orchestral, contemporary, Gregorian chant and jazz. He’ll release his 50th album next year.

Tom Booth, composer of three number one hits on the Contemporary Christian Music charts, is now touring with Talbot.

Booth, who YOU! Magazine named one of the top Catholic performers for teens, has a gift for understanding youth and young adults and the challenges of their culture. He helped make the event more multi-generational.

Talbot’s community is a major supporter of Mercy Corps, a non-profit organization that works to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build just communities.

Talbot asked the audience to support Mercy Corps before the intermission. While he spoke of the great needs of millions of people around the world, he also praised the millions of others who help.

Talbot and Booth also prefromed at St. Timothy Parish in Mesa Aug. 28.

Talbot — husband, father, grandfather, musician and founder of a religious community — believes his vocation is to love and serve the Lord all the days of his life. Gifted with talent and creative ability, blessed with faith and family, he willingly gives up the riches that come with fame.

File photo
John Michael Talbot