Sunday, June 19, 2016

World Refugee Day Celebration at the Refuge



On Saturday, June 18th, The Refuge in Appleton held a celebration for World Refugee Day (which is actually on the 20th). Below are the highlights I was able to witness followed by links to news sources covering the day.

The Refuge Building - 1000 N Ballard Rd,Appleton,WI


This building originally named Monte Alverno was a place for the Capuchin monks  as a place of refuge. It is now a place of retreat for artists to create their works of art.  Click here for more information about the space and the program there. Below are a few photos:

This beautiful main staircase leads to the performance chapel and to other gathering spaces

A welcoming greeting

the performance space

a meeting space

The Refuge


Cory Chisel and Adriel Denae - Americana - Nashville & Appleton

Cory Chisel and Adriel Denae and friends begin the celebration. Adriel gave a moving speech about how we should take cues from nature and embrace diversity into our community




J-Council - R & B / Soul - Appleton


J-Council. I first heard Jon Wheelock perform his original material at the Lawrence Chapel during Mile of Music last year. His voice is so fantastic the audience gave a thunderous standing ovation.  His CD which was recorded at The Refuge should come out sometime this summer.


Click here  to view a lovely article by the Post Crescent about Jon Wheelock and his Dad. They have been playing for many years in a cover band called Blues Talk and are continuing to perform together in J-Council.


Christopher Gold and the New Old Things  -  Americana - Appleton

Christopher Gold and the New Old Things perform



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Balinese Dancers  

Balinese Dancers perform



a balinese musican performs

balinese dancers perform



Mayor Tim Hanna

getting ready to offer a proclamation for the World Refugee Day in the Fox Cities





Christopher Lwenzya 



Christopher Lwenzya shares his story with the crowd. He is a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo . He made a stand  with his music while in his country and suffered greatly. His parents and siblings were killed because of his music. He is grateful to God for being alive and safe with his wife and children who are on stage with him.

"congo country", in the language of Christopher's homeland


a song of praise to God sung in English


here are the links from news sources covering the day (see if you can spot me in a blink or you'll miss it kind of way).




Click here to learn more about World Relief Fox Valley to find out how you can help and to learn more about the organization.

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