Resident Musician

Portland native Joe Mengis has performed with distinguished ensembles like the Portland Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, Do Jump!, and Drum Corps International’s Northern Lights Marching Band before majoring in Music Performance at Portland State University.
 Joe’s reputation for playing in many musical genres – ranging from Pop, Electronic, and Dance to Rock, Punk, and Hardcore to Folk, Jazz, Classical, and even Polka – make him a popular studio performer; he’s recorded over 30 albums. His impressive resume includes performances at Japan’s Summer Sonic Festival in Tokyo and Osaka, Vans Warped Tour, Rock Fest, and SXSW. Currently Joe plays with local bands Climber, The Mediam, Sharpening Markers, and Stereovision, among others, as well as international pop artist Becca, singer/songwriter Brad Mackeson, and American folk duo Everly.

Adrian Martin has studied classical guitar at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and holds a bachelor's degree in Music Education from Miami University. He has performed in venues around the world including the Karlstejn Castle in Prague and the Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island. Adrian has worked with Tony-award-winning Broadway composer Mark Hollman at the Perseverance Theatre in Juneau, Alaska. He's been the opening act for Hall of Fame guitarist Lonnie Mack and songwriting legend Warren Zevon. Songwriting and improvisation are two of his passions. He teaches private lessons in guitar, music theory, songwriting and arranging. He also guides musicians through classes, workshops, and school outreach programs in the Portland metro area.

Gary Michael Skye has studied piano at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Eastman School of Music, Stanford University, University of Southern California, and most recently, Portland State University where he earned his master’s degree in piano performance. Gary’s work as a church musician began at Santa Rosa Center for Spiritual Living where he also attended as a child. He’s served as a pianist, organist, and vocalist in various churches including San Jose CSL and Whole Life CSL. Gary has worked as a staff accompanist and vocal coach for many organizations and academic institutions, including Sonoma State University, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan. In addition to his service through the music ministry at New Thought CSL, Gary maintains an active teaching studio of piano and vocal students and is a prolific composer of spiritual songs and chants.

Choir was a catalytic force in the forming of our spiritual community and continues to inspire its community through dynamic performances, effervescent leadership, and stalwart presence. Singing music in a variety of styles including gospel, pop, and classical, the Choir is featured approximately once a month at regular Sunday morning services. The Choir rehearses weekly on Thursday nights, September through May. To join the choir, prospective members must demonstrate the ability to match pitches in a friendly, group audition and should complete ‘Foundations’ - the first of four core classes taught at New Thought Center for Spiritual Living – within a year of joining the choir.

Greg Earl has been playing rock, blues, country, pop, and R&B for over thirty-five years. From Vermont, to LA, San Luis Obispo, CA to Washington DC, and Lyon, France to Baltimore, Greg has had a long and fruitful career. He has been playing for New Thought churches since the early 90's - starting at Unity of San Luis Obispo, CA with Richard Levy. His musical/spiritual journey includes stints with Methodist, AME, and Baptist churches. In 2007 he became the regular bassist for New Thought CSL. Greg can be heard around town with his contemporary blues band, the Greg Earl Band.

Brian Harris has been playing keyboards at New Thought CSL since its inception. His extensive study of Jazz Composition at Berklee College of Music in Boston, over twenty-five years experience as a songwriter, composer, and performer, and a passion for spiritual truth, especially as expressed in the works of Ken Wilber and other Integral Thinkers, come together to form a musical style that is unique, fresh, and deeply engaging. He has performed and recorded with several well-known artists, including Julianne Johnson, Kenny Loggins, Patrick Lamb, and Norman Sylvester to name a few. In addition to his work as a performing artist and pianist, Brian teaches private piano lessons and is a devoted family man.