Musical Programs

A Community with Musical DNA

Musical Director: Dennis Murphy

Cofounder of Dennis Murphy School of Music ; Electric / Acoustic Guitar, Bass and Ukelele

Dennis Murphy is a 3 time GRAMMY Nominee with international Smooth Jazz Artist Acoustic Alchemy. Since mid-eighties, Dennis has been touring worldwide with various national and international artists. He recorded and/or played with Greg Kihn Band, Maria Muldaur, Billy Preston, Coasters, Drifters, Shirelles, and Kenny Rankin among others.

Dennis appeared on National Prime Time Television and Nationally Syndicated Radio. His band was voted Best Of 7 Consecutive Years by Monterey County Weekly Reader’s Poll. Dennis leads various size combos including an 18 Piece Big Band in the Swing Era style. He’s recorded, produced, arranged, and/or played on more than 100 album releases, including his 3 solo CD releases (“Hit Me Hard”, “Rediscovery”, “Pentatonic”). Dennis directed Blues In The Schools program by Monterey Bay Blues Festival’s Outreach. Dennis has been a Music Clinician in 15 schools both public and private throughout Monterey County providing more than 150 workshops/sessions annually. He is a Board Member at CASA of Monterey County, Carmel Youth Center, and “Express Yourself, Inc”. Dennis is considered a master teacher and his fees are: $75 per hour and $45 per 1/2 Hour.

Every week...every month...we have amazing musicians grace our stage. The photo is from the Wah! Sound Healing Concert that was held in February 2016. Check this page often to see what's next on the CSA calendar.

Our Music Program
Began with Bob Phillips

Top-notch musicians from a variety of genres, including jazz, classical, folk, R&B, spiritual, even opera, grace the CSA sanctuary on Sunday mornings -- first lured to share their gifts with our congregation in the mid-‘80s by noted local jazz pianist Bobby Phillips, who served as musical director for over 30 years.

Because Bobby played professionally with the finest local musicians as well as visiting performers -- here for such notable events as the Monterey Jazz Festival -- a remarkable array of guest musicians have passed through our sanctuary.

Among the regulars have been Lee Durley, Steven Walters, Ree Ree Brunell, “Fast eddy Erickson, Kenny Stahl , Buddy Comfort, Anne & Pete Sibley, Scotty Wright, and our very special founding musical member, Dennis Murphy.

Dennis Murphy:
Founding Musician

Dennis sings, plays the guitar and bass, and is a bandleader, assisted Bobby in performing and recruiting talent for 12
years until Bobby’s retirement in 2014.
Dennis was integral to setting up our world class sound system and continues to be a guiding force in our musical program. He teaches music at The Dennis Murphy School of Music in Monterey, CA.