Battle Creek Tabernacle

Tabernacle Sacred Concert Series 2012

 

Dick and Mel Tunney, Pianist and Vocalist – January 14, 2012 – 7:30 p.m. – Free Concert
 
Dick Tunney was a guest at the Tabernacle last spring – as the outstanding pianist for Christian singer Steve Green.  When invited to return for a concert with his wife Mel, Tunney eagerly agreed to come back and play our “marvelous piano.”
 
Dick and his wife Mel are accomplished musicians and worship leaders.  They met while performing in the early 1970’s with the music group Truth.  During the next decade, they were busy touring, writing music, and doing studio work.   In 1986 Dick became the music director and pianist for Sandi Patty.  When the Tunneys desired more family time, they became involved in their local church's worship ministry and Dick expanded his studio role as producer/arranger.  Mel continued to be a top-notch session singer in Nashville, and Dick found himself recording and conducting esteemed ensembles such as the London Philharmonic Orchestra, The Irish Film Orchestra, and the City of Prague Philharmonic.  In 2006, Dick became the music director and pianist for Steve Green and continues to travel with the Christian singer.
 
The Tunney's have been honored with 10 Dove Awards (the Gospel Music Association’s highest honor),
and nearly 30 Dove nominations.  One of their songs – “How Excellent Is Thy Name,”  recorded by Larnelle Harris – won a prestigious Grammy Award.  Their songs have appeared in print music and church hymnals, and Dick and Mel have shared the platform with some of Christian music's most significant artists. They have also participated in literally hundreds of recording projects as studio vocalist, keyboard player, arranger, and producer. They have recorded eight projects together, and Dick has (with Mel’s assistance) recorded five solo instrumental projects.  The couple has penned more than 150 songs, many of which have been recorded by other Christian artists.
 
Dick and Mel’s concert will include instrumental solos by Dick, a few songs by Mel, and a congregational
worship segment.
 
 
Rafael Scarfullery, Classical Guitarist – February 18, 2012 – 7:30 p.m. – Free Concert
 
Rafael Scarfullery is a composer, orchestral and choral conductor, classical guitarist, church musician,
and organist who has won several awards for his cultural projects, compositions, and performances.
 
As a guitarist, he was the recipient of the highest classical music award (El Casandra) in the Dominican
Republic and is recognized as one of the most distinguished and talented Dominican guitarists.  He has
performed in concert halls, universities, churches, and television and radio stations throughout the
Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Haiti, Turkey, the U.S.A, Venezuela, and Canada.
 
Rafael composes music that is uplifting and joyful.  He has been awarded top prizes in hymn competitions, and his compositions are performed by internationally acclaimed artists and
ensembles.  He has also been an orchestral and choral conductor for numerous prestigious music
groups.
 
Rafael has a long experience as a church musician.  His diverse abilities help him to serve better the needs of the church.  He has five church music certifications and a Doctorate of Sacred Music from the Graduate Theological Foundation.   He loves to share his Christian faith by performing sacred music guitar recitals in churches.
 
Rafael teaches at Sweet Briar College and is music director at the Aldersgate United Methodist Church in
Virginia, where he conducts two adult choirs, an instrumental ensemble, a youth choir, and a children's
choir.
 
 
Buddy Houghtaling, Singer and Songwriter – March 10, 2012 – 7:30 p.m. – Free Concert
 
Back by popular demand is our own Buddy Houghtaling.  Buddy is a Christian singer and
songwriter.  He has traveled extensively throughout the USA, singing at churches, camp
meetings, youth rallies, and other Christian fellowship gatherings.  He can also be seen on
Three Angels Broadcasting Network as a solo artist, as well as on the 3ABN show, Kid's Time.
 
Buddy has a creative and unique flair of writing.  His lyrics weave the stories of Christ's love
for His people, His grace, and His mercy. Mercy Road is Buddy's fifth recording and reflects the
strong influence of his family.
 
Buddy has been writing, singing, and playing songs for 18 years.  His previous recordings, “Family
Reunion,” “Little Lamb's Song,” “I Will Wait,” and “How Many Memories” feature favorite songs for
all ages.  His song, "Here Kitty, Kitty," which is his interpretation of Daniel in the lion's den, is
played extensively on Christian radio.  It became a number one requested song on Family Life
Radio.
 
His music reflects various everyday experiences and the personal relationships of people in his
life.  Buddy's concerts have a friendly, relaxed, and peaceful atmosphere.  Through his humor, he
shows the joy of Christian living while balancing it with spiritual depth.  His goal is to comfort
the hurting, strengthen the spiritually weak, and to inspire Christian growth.
 
Buddy is a dentist in Battle Creek, Michigan, where he lives with his family.  He is an
exceptional husband and father, who understands and sees that his family takes precedence
over work.  Tina is his greatest fan and joins him in his goal of sharing Christ's wonderful love.  It
is their prayer that all will know Christ's love and join them in service to Him
 
 
Sandi Patty, Christian Singer – April 14, 2012 – 7:30 p.m. – Tickets are $10
 
Most everyone familiar with gospel music knows the name Sandi Patty.  As one of the most highly
acclaimed performers of our time and the most awarded female vocalist in contemporary Christian
music history, Patty has received five Grammy awards, four Billboard Music Awards, three platinum
records, five gold records, and eleven million units sold.  With 39 Dove Awards, she was inducted into
the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2004.
 
Patty was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, into a family of musicians.  Her father was a minister of
music, and her mother served as the church pianist.  She first performed at the age of two when she
sang "Jesus Loves Me" for her home church.  She and her brothers joined her parents in a performing
group, known as "The Ron Patty Family," and sang at churches across the nation during summer
holidays.
 
Sandi was introduced to the world with her rendition of The Star Spangled Banner during the
rededication of the Statue of Liberty in 1986.  Virtually overnight she became one of the country’s best-
loved performers.  While her 30-year career is heavily rooted in the gospel music industry, Sandi
has also performed with symphonies across the country, including the New York Pops, Boston
Pops, Cincinnati Pops, Dallas Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, Houston Symphony, and Oklahoma City
Philharmonic.
 
In addition to her prolific musical career, Sandi is also an accomplished author and speaker.  Her down-
to-earth style and sturdy common sense have endeared her to Women of Faith audiences, with whom
she has traveled with since 2005.  She’s an example to all of us of the freedom that comes from
learning how to move on, learning from her mistakes, and letting God use her in any circumstance.
 
 “I am grateful for the many opportunities God has given in my life and for how He has allowed me to spread my wings,” says Sandi. “Singing is my way to tell my story of hope, life, and love.”

In addition to their musical talents, all of the artists in this year’s Tabernacle Sacred Concert Series have wonderful testimonies of God’s love and grace.