Success of The Church of the Lost Souls 12-week series at the historic Parkway Theater (Minneapolis, MN) combined intention, brilliant musicianship, and courage during Covid.

Church of the Lost Souls on Stage

This musical revue was first described in the press as, “It’s not really a church and you don’t have to be lost or found to attend or tune in.” The Church of the Lost Souls (CLS) was originally conceived in 2016 as a theater-based concert experience aimed at the high percentage of people who don’t like religion but are searching for a sense of purpose and community through a wide variety of music without any constraints. No one could have guessed the relevance of those objectives by the time CLS finally launched in early 2021.

From the traditional theme song (Gospel Plow – Bob Dylan, Mahalia Jackson, Duke Ellington and many others) to re-interpreted radio classics from the 70’s/80’s and beyond, (see song-list below) this Prairie Home Companion-like program was the first weekly series of live performances launched in the Twin Cities during the Covid- restricted era.

CLS provided dozens of world-class musicians (listing below) an opportunity to work regularly again, re-connect with their art-form and fans, while giving audiences the chance to safely gather both in the theater and via live-stream. It re-invigorated musicians, fan-bases, live-audiences and single-handedly reopened the pandemic- dormant Parkway Theater to the local arts community.

A large part of the success of the series can be found in the answer to the question raised weekly:
Q: “Who would attend the Church of the Lost Souls?” A: Why that’s simple: Anyone looking for direction(s)!”

The socio-psychological effects of Covid-19 pushed the world into a whirlwind of confusion, isolation and despair. CLS pushed back – demonstrating a sense of direction through weekly live unedited shows dedicated to music of joy, hope, and community.

Thousands experienced CLS in-person, nationally and around the world via live- streams for 12 consecutive weeks from February 14 through May 2, 2021. This was precisely a period of intense local political/racial conflict as legal proceedings from Minneapolis were broadcast daily around the globe. The Parkway Theater is 10 blocks south on Chicago Avenue from those worldwide broadcasts. (see testimonials below).

As pre-production and contract meetings began in October of 2020, no vaccine existed. However, to best serve the community and get musicians back to work safely producer, Billy McLaughlin, decided to risk profitability choosing to “be ahead of the ticket-sales curve” live-streams could deliver much needed content directly to those who lived far away or chose to stay home. All live-streams were on a “pay-what-you- can” basis making them essentially free.

“I am forever grateful to those who believed in me and the CLS mission. Many offered words of encouragement and a few special folks helped me make the best of the remainder of my SBA disaster loan. I could not have created this show nor would I have dedicated my loan and their loving contributions to anything that didn’t create community healing through music.” – Billy McLaughlin

Building upon the success of CLS is now the focus of Billy McLaughlin together with his talented roster of musicians and The Parkway Theater. Six weekly shows titled, The Lost Souls Revival, begin October 3 through November 7, 2021.

Please consider ways you can participate moving us forward locally and nationally/globally to reach more people, present more special guests, and support our mission of re-building community through arts and music.

  • Church of the Lost Souls marquee
  • Church of the Lost Souls on Stage 2
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Media Coverage

  • St. Paul Pioneer Press, circ. 205,000
  • Highlander, circ. 90,000
  • StarTribune, circ. 491,00 (2 articles)
  • Fox9 TV 40,000 viewers

Online Viewing stats

  • Total YouTube views: 3,527
  • Total Facebook Live views: 4,586
  • Total views: 8,113

The Church House Band

Kathleen Johnson – vocals
Amy Courts – vocals
Karen Paurus – vocals
Laura MacKenzie – Celtic whistles, flutes, bagpipes, concertina
Dan Ristrom – bass, vocals
Patrick Nelson – drums, vocals
Luke Enyeart – electric guitar, acoustic guitar, vocals
Billy Oehrlein – percussion, vocals
Nate Wilson – mandolin, fiddle
Billy McLaughlin – acoustic guitar, vocals

Guest band members:
Joel Sayles – bass, vocals
Torie Redpath – vocals
Jennifer Grimm – vocals

Larry Case – stage management
TJ Jensen – video/livestream engineer and director

What people are saying…

Thank You for the opportunity to attend the concert. It filled my Spirit and touched my Soul. As you said during the concert it has been a Challenging and Emotional year. With the George Floyd trial and COVID-19. Reason being your music has Inspired and Healed me and my Family since I first heard it. I don’t believe in coincidences. God places people in our lives for a reason. You and the Band have been a God send and a Blessing in so many ways. One of many was when my son was murdered. My grief was overwhelming. I listened to your music for comfort. I became homeless. During this time I had to go to a shelter. I had no idea of what or how to move forward in the shelter process. I stood in front of the shelter Crying and Praying. A security guard saw me and offered to help me every step of the way. Answering my questions and guiding me. Even holding my hand and hugs. I was there for 3 months. I later learned my Hero and Friend was George Floyd. God’s always there when we need him. I read in the Bible that God doesn’t give us more than we can handle. As you know sometimes that’s alot! Billy you have Encouraged me everyday. To be Thankful to God for his Blessings, Strength and Grace. I know that God has a plan for me. Please know that God is Love! To treat people the way you would want to be treated. Since the passing of my son. I’ve chosen to honor him by doing a random act of kindness for someone everyday. I’m Trusting him to See me Through and Allow me to Breathe. Wishing You and the Band the Best. – TC

Mama Z continues to be amazed by the way you find new ways to present your music. I love the Church of the Lost Souls. – JZ

Brings back a flood of great memories from an era that was so much easier to live within and in enjoying all genres of music. What a great assembly of talented musicians. – DW

This show has very much reminded me of the early days of Prairie Home Companion when it was held in the basement of Macalester College. – CS

Thank you to all for sharing your music. It is very healing after a tough week. My heart goes out to all who are working hard to persevere and be the best you can. Keep being an inspiration! – LM

Episode 11 – Another UmaZing show with a poignant and uplifting messages! Every time I watch a new episode of the Church of the Lost Souls, I think it’s the best one yet! They keep getting better! Oh, don’t cha know, I think I’ve got some ‘directions’ now. – VS

This is great. I get it. Love what you are doing. – GS

I lost my mind, but found my heart at The Church of Lost Souls, on Sunday February 21st, 2021. Look, I understand that my general premise might not be revelatory, because I know that the secular and the sacred have always collided with, and cross-pollinated/influenced each-other, so I wasn’t surprised about the music as the vehicle to deliver the “liturgy”. However, it’s among the chief reasons I’d go back to this “church”…and I suggest you check-it-out for yourselves. Especially if you’re “lost”. I believe deeply that attending these “services” will be like that lighthouse on the rock, illuminating your way back to “shore”. I hope I’ll see you there so we can sing and make music together! Ultimately, that’s the root of my religious practices anyhow, so I guess I’ve found a home in the congregation, at The Chuch of Lost Souls. – ML

No worries Billy you’re not preaching. Let’s call it giving hope and cheering us forward. We’ve been found! – DS

Thanks for helping us all find a little direction over the last 12 weeks! I will miss this!!! – KM Thanks to all of you for recharging my soul! – KGB

12-week Special Guest Lineup

Michael Monroe

Michael Monroe

February 14, 2021

From vinyl to digital, MN Acoustic Music Master (Star Tribune) and Emmy award winning Michael Monroe is now in his fifth decade of performing nationally in concert, festival, corporate and educational settings. He has travelled many miles since his first paid performance for an audience of 4000 and recording his first demo 30 years ago in a “chicken coop” studio owned by Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul and Mary.

Michael’s unique creation of music leaves his audiences mesmerized as he blends his rich vocals, guitar, bamboo and glass flutes, combining musical styles of acoustic folk and jazzy reggae. Michael’s original music and compelling energy bring a powerful style that is as much fun as it is innovative…music and technology working together powered by creativity… and he recycles his music LIVE on stage as master LIVE Looper since 1990. His soulful performance delights and inspires.

Joe-Cruz-Jennifer-Grimm

Joe Cruz & Jennifer Grimm

February 21, 2021

A dynamic duo with the tenderness of Ella Fitzgerald & Joe Pass and the rhythmic excitement of Tuck & Patti, Jennifer Grimm & Joe Cruz have joined forces to bring their passionate talents together on one stage.

Kathleen-Johnson

Kathleen Johnson

February 28, 2021

Vocalist Kathleen Johnson is lead vocalist for “BKS” and “UNIVERSOUL”, founder of “Musicians4musicians” and co-founder of “Raisingthebar, an Artist’s loft” a mentoring workshop that found it’s roots at “ARNELLIA”S! She has performed LIVE at countless venues and studios such as PAISLEY PARK with local bands, National and International artists such as Prince, Alexander O’neal, Tevin Cambell, Jordin Sparks, Billy McLaughlin, The Petersons and The Steeles. She is a featured artist who gives of her time and gift freely and generously to many special community events, fundraisers

Nicholas David

Nicholas David

March 7, 2021

Coming up this Sunday, 3/7, Minnesota’s own Nicholas David joins us for the “spotlight-segment”. Nicholas David is excited to bring his original music to listeners. The pull of the American South has been ever increasing in recent years, bringing this gifted pianist/ singer/songwriter to the point where he can deliver, as he likes to say, “music from the heart for the heart.” Nicholas David is at this point through two related major events that led to this debut on Samantha Fish’s Wild Heart Records. David is a family man with young children who had a strong regional following in Minnesota, having released a steady output of albums and EPs over the past 15 years. He had begun to work on the songs heard on this album when he took a solo opening spot for the Devon Allman Project in 2015. David says, “We really connected on stage. Later our paths crossed after his mom and dad passed. After taking time off, he formed a bigger band and offered me the keyboard spot.”

Laura MacKenzie

Laura MacKenzie

March 14, 2021

Laura MacKenzie has learned from many tradition bearers on both sides of the Atlantic, and has herself been recognized as a Master Folk Artist (Minnesota State Arts Board). She has been lauded as a “Celtic music wizard” by the Minneapolis Star Tribune and a “High priestess of Celtic music” by Minnesota Public Radio. In 2014, the City of St Paul declared “Laura MacKenzie Day” by official proclamation for Laura’s contributions to traditional music in Minnesota. Among other notables, Laura has performed in extended productions with Frank McCourt (Pulitzer prize winning author of Angela’s Ashes), T.R. Knight (of Grey’s Anatomy, on stage at the Guthrie Theater) and Katie McMahon (of Riverdance). She also performs and records with Dáithí Sproule (of Altan), and with Billy McLaughlin.

Jeff Arundel

Jeff Arundel

March 21, 2021

Jeff Arundel has mounted stages both tiny and large for forty years, singing wistful songs of romance, and funky stuff that belies his true wish to be Bill Withers. He has released seven records of (largely) original music, and in 2019 will release an eighth, called “Now We Go”. Jeff has won awards, been featured on various compilations, opened for Big Artists, and has traveled the world as a singer-songwriter, as a producer, and as a music director. He also founded the ground-breaking Lifestyle music label “Lifescapes” and was a co-founder of Compass Entertainment, at one time the Midwest’s largest independent concert promoter. Jeff performs with his band “The Hammsmen”, sometimes called “the most sensitive band in North America”. He regularly plays the Midwest, often with his lifetime musical brother Billy McLaughlin. Nostalgic, emotional, wistful, funny, edgier than you’d think, and maybe Better Than Ever. Now We Go!

Chris Koza

Chris Koza

March 28, 2021

Chris Koza is an acclaimed musician, composer, and performer living and working in Minneapolis. His musical influences range from finger-picking folk guitar to fuse-busting prog rock, though generally settle tastefully somewhere in-between. Koza’s storytelling and observations are thoughtfully navigated by melodies that migrate through the seasons and burrow through the earth, crafting melodically-rich vignettes depicting people and places who’ve fallen off the radar; who linger like ghosts above the river.

Willie-Wisely

Willie Wisely

April 4, 2021

Equal parts Minnesotan music scene veteran and Laurel Canyon devotee, Willie Wisely remains that rare bird mixing profound power pop with outsized stadium-rock showmanship. In 2021 he has launched “Watercolor Editions”, a year-long singles series and podcast celebrating 40 years of songwriting.

Sofia

Sofia

April 11, 2021

Sofia is a trio with Carin Vagle, Dean Magraw, and Timothy Frantzich. They strike a chord of deep love, reverence and beauty in their original songs, covers and chants. They bring together the popular with the sacred and dance effortlessly between them. Two guitars and tender harmonies harken to an ancient realm of communion. Heart felt wisdom songs.

Turn Turn Turn

Turn Turn Turn

April 18, 2021

Turn Turn Turn is the story of girl meets boy meets girl; a trio who bond over their mutual love of sweet harmonies from ’60s and 70’s country, folk and pop music and form an original Americana band.
Members Adam Levy (guitar, vocals), Savannah Smith (guitar, vocals) and Barb Brynstad (bass, vocals) are all mainstays of the Minnesota music scene and together craft an infectious, pop- infused brand of Americana. When the members of Turn Turn Turn sing together, their voices – each with a distinctive timbre and complementary range – blend in a delectable, cosmic way, forming a rootsy, Laurel Canyon-inspired sound that is both distinctive and familiar.

Annie Mack

Annie Mack

April 25, 2021

Lauded by artists like Taj Mahal, Annie Mack is a soulful singer and unflinching songwriter who writes from the gut and demands your attention. Although known largely as a blues singer, Mack branches out on her recently released (January 2021) EP Testify, mixing folk, rock and country gospel into her unique soulful sound. Digging deep, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment as she takes the reins as songwriter and producer. Already garnering significant attention in the national media, Annie Mack is an artist to watch and a voice that must be listened to.

Peter Mayer

May 2, 2021

Minnesota’s Peter Mayer has been singing and songwriting full- time for 25 years, performing in venues across the United States and beyond. He writes songs for a small planet–songs about interconnectedness and the human journey–songs about life on earth and the mysterious and wondrous fact of our existence. He also writes songs about dress hats, pumpkins and pajamas, and even love and freight trains just like a good folk musician should. His music has been performed by artists like Kathy Mattea, David Wilcox, Claudia Schmidt, Anne Hills, Priscilla Herdman, Darryl Purpose, Billy Jonas, and Ronny Cox, to name a few. His work has been included in song books, church hymnals, and folk radio playlists across the country. Peter has eleven albums to his credit, and has sold over 100,000 of them. He lives in Stillwater, Minnesota with his wife and two daughters.

Series Song List

  • Gospel Plow – traditional arranged by Billy McLaughlin
  • Get Together (C’mon People Now) – Youngbloods
  • Love Song – Elton John
  • Only Love Can Break Your Heart – Neil Young – Karen
  • Back From The Brink – Billy McLaughlin
  • Landslide – Fleetwood Mac
  • Crazy Love – Billy McLaughlin
  • Love is Gonna Bring Us Back Alive – Rickie Lee Jones
  • One Love – Bob Marley
  • People Get Ready – Curtis Mayfield/Billy McLaughlin
  • California Dreaming – The Mamma’s and the Pappa’s
  • From Hank To Hendrix – Neil Young
  • Twenty Years Ago – The Civil Wars
  • Heart of the Heartland – Peter Ostroushko
  • Song for Chloe – Billy McLaughlin
  • Hallelujah – Leonard Cohen
  • Country Roads – John Denver
  • Ventura Highway – America
  • Comes A Time – Neil Young
  • Let it Be – The Beatles
  • The Lesson – Joel Sayles/Don Smithmeyer
  • From This Valley – The Civil Wars
  • Hurricane – Mindy Smith
  • Hold On To Forever – Billy McLaughlin
  • My Imagination – Gladys Knight
  • Teach Your Children Well – Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young
  • Gramma’s Hands – Bill Withers
  • Big Yellow Taxi – Joni Mitchell
  • The Bow And The Arrow – Billy McLaughlin
  • Needle and the Damage – Neil Young
  • Into the Light – Billy McLaughlin
  • From The Well – Billy McLaughlin
  • Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door – Bob Dylan
  • I’ll Fly Away – traditional via O’ Brother Where Art Thou
  • Come Talk To Me – Peter Gabriel
  • I Can’t Tell You Why – The Eagles
  • Dream Without Fear – Billy McLaughlin
  • Ohio – Neil Young
  • Higher and Higher – Jackie Wilson
  • Peaceful Easy Feeling – The Eagles
  • Heart of Gold – Neil Young
  • Jesus Gonna Be Here – Tom Waits
  • Child of the Wind – Bruce Cockburn
  • Church Bells – Billy McLaughlin
  • Ain’t No Sunshine – Bill Withers
  • I Just Wanna Celebrate – Rare Earth
  • Ain’t No Mountain Marvin Gaye/Tammi Terrel
  • Is This Love? – Bob Marley
  • Come To Jesus – Mindy Smith
  • Runnin’ on Empty – Jackson Browne
  • Dirt Floor – Chris Whitley
  • Everyday People – Sly and the Family Stone
  • Jesus On The Mainline – Ry Cooder
  • We Can Work It Out – The Beatles
  • Lives In the Balance – Jackson Browne
  • Waiting On An Angel – Ben Harper
  • Ashokan Farewell – Traditional
  • Shambala – Three Dog Night
  • Send The Light – Traditional arranged by Billy McLaughlin
  • After The Gold Rush – Neil Young
  • Lonely People – America
  • Put A Little Love In Your Heart – Jackie DeShannon
  • Lean In Towards the Light – Carrie Newcomer
  • Unknown Legend – Neil Young
  • Helplessly Hoping – CSN
  • Angel Doves – Mindy Smith
  • Seven Bridges Road – The Eagles
  • Blowin’ In The Wind – Bob Dylan
  • For What It’s Worth – Buffalo Springfield
  • Can’t Find My Way Home – Blind Faith
  • Orpheus – Sara Bareilles
  • You Have Got to Be Carefully Taught – Rodgers/Hammerstein All God’s Children – Billy McLaughlin
  • When The Rain Comes Down – Billy McLaughlin
Lost Souls Revival Poster

Coming Fall 2021

The Parkway Theater
Lost Souls Revival

October 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st & November 7th
SpotLight guest artists TBD