Music transcends religious boundaries. It is said in India that caste and religion are left at the door of the recital hall, says Swami Tapasananda, President of the Lakeshore Interfaith Institute. Perhaps this is because music is a fundamental, innate and preverbal means of expressing the emotions and feelings shared by all human and many non human creatures. Beggars beg with music, lovers love with it, armies march to its sound and devotees pray with music. Nothing is more expressive of the goal of the Interfaith Institute/Mothers Place than a concert for peace.

Classical guitarist Brian Morris has performed with the Grand Rapids Symphony, the West Shore Symphony, Notre Dame University and the Kennedy Center. He is currently on the music faculty of Grand Rapids Community College, where he teaches guitar and other music courses. He has earned music degrees from both Florida State University and Montana State University. He is the author of The Real Guitar Method and has recorded three CDs, a solo classical guitar CD, entitled Suite Music for the Classical Guitar, a CD of original songs for Shakti Recordings Are We All the Same Age?, and Ballet Burlesque, a CD of music for two guitars for Liscio Recordings.

James Perkinson is a passionate poet of the written word as well as an activist in community development and low income housing. Jimˆs original poetry is full of urban rhythms, quick wit and sensuality. He has been teaching at the University of Denver and has taught History of Religions at Mary Grove College College and Ecumenical Theological Seminary in Detroit. Copies of his book of poetry will be available at the concert.

Jim Cooper, vibraphonist, composer and teacher is Music Minister at the Lakeshore Interfaith Institute. In addition to jazz, Jim is interested in ambient space music and music for meditation and relaxation. He will play keyboards and will team up will Dena Bley-Stroba to perform original music with peace prayers from the worldˆs religions.

Dena Bley Stroba is the Director of Lakeshore Interfaith Instituteˆs World Faith Traditions course and Worship Leader at Mother's Trust/ Mother's Place. She is a Spiritual Seeker, an explorer of mysticism and philosophy. She is a matron of large extended family. A musician and painter, her life goal is liberation through enlightenment.

Cosmic Sojourner, Randon (Majid) and Catherine (Safira), is devoted to sharing music of the heart, giving praise to the One that sustains us all. Safira is a holistic health practitioner, a researcher of truth and a leader of zikr and The Dances of Universal Peace. Majid received his Masterˆs Degree in Music Composition from Western Michigan University. His work includes music for film, theater and multimedia. The Cosmic Sojourner project is closest to his heart. Safira and Majid are both followers of the Ruhaniat Order of the Sufi Tradition established by the Beloved Sufi Master Hazrat Inayat Khan who came to the West from India in 1910.

The Schrock Brothers Jasen and Andrew will be joined by their father, Mark, for this performnce. Both guitarist Jasen and bassist Andrew have experienced the musical worlds of rock, blues, jazz, funk, folk, and classical music while exploring their own individual musical endeavors. Multi-instrumentalist Mark Schrock has graced stages across the country since the 1970s, inspired by nearly every genre of American music from bluegrass to jazz to R&B. After years of family singing and casual performances the "brothers" decided to officially form the group in 2005. With a focus on original music combining rich three part harmonies with soulful lead vocals and a steady groove, the Schrock Brothers have developed a roots music style that is all their own.

The Lakeshore Interfaith Institute was founded on the firm conviction that truth and holiness are not the exclusive property of any race, culture, or faith tradition, and that women and men of the most exalted character are to be found in every spiritual tradition and culture.

Lakeshore Interfaith Institute is located at 6676 122nd St. Ganges. For information call (269) 543-3951 or visit them on the web at www.motherstrust.org