Songs and singing feed our spirits, but where do the people who write them find spiritual inspiration? How is songwriting like meditation or prayer? Austin based folksinger and UU Steve Brooks answers these questions and more, while unearthing the hidden link between Oedipus Rex and Mama Tried. He illustrates his ideas with his songs and those of the patron saint of Texas songwriters, Townes Van Zandt.

A longtime member and former board member of Austin’s Wildflower Church, speaker and singer-songwriter Steve Brooks has performed at more than 30 UU churches. His services are an entertaining and thought-provoking blend of sermon and song, integrating homilies, hymns, and special music. Steve is also known for writing songs recorded by folk and Americana artists, and he wrote weekly songs for Jim Hightower’s radio show. Steve has appeared in two films, had his music used in two, and was featured on TV’s “I’ve Got a Secret” as six-time World Pun Champion.