For the second year, the Interfaith Harmony Concert in Millcreek celebrated the variety of religions and faiths within the city. Held in the Public Market at Millcreek Common (1354 E. Chambers Ave.) the event was intended to promote unity, understanding and connection through the language of music. 

Millcreek City Council Representative Silvia Catten serves on the city’s Interfaith Council. She said she enjoys the annual interfaith concert as it fosters dialogue and celebrates shared values and respect 

“I had always had this vision of faiths coming together, and I always thought it was a very nice idea,” Catten said. “We have several people on our Interfaith Council that represent different faiths and churches, mainly within our community but also in the broader surrounding area. A lot of it is focused on service in our community and we have a lot of service opportunities throughout the year.”

The free concert featured performances from members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Congregation Kol Ami and the Salt Lake City Krishna Temple. 

Gopinath Priay Das serves as a counselor at the Krishna Temple located in Millcreek at 965 E. 3370 South. He shared stories from Krishna’s teaching about finding happiness within and played a video from Holi, the color festival held at the Spanish Fork Krishna Temple, celebrating love, new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil.

“The lesson is we try to do so many things, materially, in terms of name, fame and many things but we miss the key of life to become happy,” Das said. “We have all these facilities to take care of the body but we’re forgetting the soul within. Happiness is not external. It’s internal.”

Kalli Clare, Kassidy Laine and Kandy Jayne make up Hinge Point, a contemporary Christian group focused on creating entertaining music with an uplifting message. They performed three songs during the event. Holladay resident Scott Johnson sang “Poor Wayfaring Stranger” and singer and songwriter Will T.B. presented a piece he composed. Kevin Flynn and Cody Robinson performed “What a Wonderful World” as an instrumental duet, with saxophone and guitar.

“All faiths believe in love,” Flynn said. “I know that’s the core of my faith. I think for all faiths, the core of their beliefs is love and also gratitude. So I wanted to pick a song that would address those things.” 

Congregation Kol Ami Cantor Adam Davis shared songs from the Jewish faith. Because the event was held on a Saturday night, Davis invited the attendees to participate in a ritual that ended Shabbat with wine, spices and a braided candle.

“This ceremony is called Havdalah, which means separation,” he said. “It’s the separation between what’s holy and what is every day. The candle is a multiwicked candle, woven together with the idea that from many we are woven together into one, into unity.”

Catten said she was blown away by the talented people in the area and their willingness to share their music. She was inspired by the messages presented by the performers and hopes the event continues to grow. 

“I think interfaith might be something people think is not for them,” she said. “But it’s so nice to have an evening of music that is uplifting.”

“With all of these religions, we have an opportunity to be lights in the community,” said Clare. λ