Well it came and went. Another summer flew by and I head back to my day job as a physical education teacher tomorrow. So in keeping with school tradition I thought I'd write the "what I did on summer vacation essay!"
I played 4 gigs over the summer. It started with playing special music at Pine Grove United Methodist Church in York, PA. I think I shocked the congregation by singing for the service. This is the church where I am a member and they were used to me only playing instrumental music.
I did a full concert at Immanuel UMC in Glen Rock, PA. I played some bluegrass music with Pastor Bob Vizthum at Chapel Church in Red Lion, PA. And my last gig was a full set at Dunkard Valley Live just south of Dallastown, PA.
We took 2 trips this summer. One was to Nashville, TN where we toured the Country Music Hall Of Fame, Studio B, had a dinner cruise and show on The General Jackson, and bought stuff at guitar stores. And also went to the Bluebird Cafe but it was closed when we got there so we [...]
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I have recently had some discussions with different people about music. Some people couldn't believe that there is a certain group I like, who I think is pretty good, that other people think totally stink. And I talked with the same people who like certain artists that I think totally stink.
And then I remind these people that, well maybe the people you think stink wouldn't like your singing or your personality either. And the same with me for the artists I think stink. Then they get mad. But if they don't like a certain artist there is a good chance that same artist wouldn't like them either.
In the teen magazines and internet teen gossip sites kids read all these stories about how so and so broke up with such and such and then they don't like so and so anymore because they broke their favorite artist's heart.
And of course you can believe everything that you read in teen magazines and on the internet as the truth or the way things actually happened. Of course everything you [...]
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This weekend Codorus Church Of The Brethren is sponsoring Dunkard Valley Live near Dallastwon, PA. The event is a two day Christian Music Festival featuring many local Christian singers, musicians, and speakers. Here is a link to their web site.
http://www.dunkardvalleylive.com/
I will be playing on Sunday, August 8 from 2:45 until 3:45 PM. I have finalized my set list for the event! I am looking forward to playing as it is a fun event to play and is well organized. Hope to see you there!
This year I am planning to add vocals, instrumentals, and go on a mini world tour using my guitar synthesizer.
And without further ado, here is my final set list. If I get them all in cool, if not, that is cool too. But the idea is to create a meaning and encouraging time for the audience, and hopefully be a little entertaining too!
Medley: This Is My Father's World (Instrumental) / Looking For Something New (Vocal) / Jesus Loves Me (Instrumental) / The Two Brothers (Vocal)
World Tour Song: The Irish Medley! [...]
28 years ago today one of my favorite Christian singers and musicians died in a plane crash in Texas. His name was Keith Green. I remember the day he died. My brother heard the news before I did and told me about it when we were done playing basketball.
It shocked me! Keith was the first Christian singer I had ever heard and I really liked his music. I still like it today. His message was sometimes challenging and controversial, but his music could also be very encouraging as well. I do not think I would have been as interested in pursuing Christian music if it had not been for his music.
His music made me realize that the message of Christ could be presented in song. I liked his catchy lyrics, his humor, and the challenge to live a life more faithful to Christ. Unfortunately I never had a chance to see him live in concert, although I did some of his live performances on Youtube. His concerts must have dynamic and I am sure he challenged his audience to live a better Christian life.
He [...]
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On Thursday, July 15, 2010, my daughter and I made the 231 mile trip from my home near York, PA to Pittsburgh, PA to see Phil Keaggy in concert at Mount Lebanon United Presbyterian Church.
The concert was free to the public. It was part of Mount Lebanon United Presbyterian Church's outreach program called Mission Possible. All week long they looked at their local community as a mission field and ministered to people in any way they could. I found the people of this congregation very helpful and friendly.
It is amazing to me how one man and his guitar capture the interest of an audience. Phil played two sets of about 50 minutes each. The time just seemed to fly by for each set. He was very personable with the audience. His guitar playing and vocals just seem to be getting better as his career keeps on going.
He was very comfortable and at ease on stage. And the sounds he gets using his Jam Man have always been entertaining and amazing to me. He really has a great time as he plays and sings.
The [...]
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