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Reflections on concerts and more... 2007 - see newsletter EWTN - Backstage Program Recording - Birmingham, AL February 11-13, 2007 Three hours at the gate to fix a toilet that wasn't broken, missed connection, awful sinus pain, lost guitar, no sleep. How much worse could things get?
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ 2006 - see
newsletter - or Blog @ ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ 2005 - see newsletter ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ 2004 Advent / Christmas Evening of Reflection - St. Anthony of Padua Church, Chadwicks, NY on December 19, 2004 So much snow, but that didn't keep some wonderful people from relaxing and reflecting on the meaning of Christmas. We raised $340 for three charities - Hope House (feed the needy), Abraham House (care for the dying) and Thea Bowman House (educate and care for needy children). The evening was a bit of a mixed bag of scripture readings, some very beautiful songs (thanks to Lisa Griffin) and then some fun - Feliz Navidad and Animal Crackers as only Maggie could perform them. It was a beautiful night to share and a wonderfully generous crowd. I look forward to our Lenten Evening of Reflection. St. John the Evangelist Church – Contemporary Music Group – New Hartford, NY - 3rd Saturday 5PM Liturgy Recently, I have had the pleasure of singing with this group at St. John’s. They lead the sung prayer of the assembly on the third Saturday of every month. It has been a great experience so far and I hope to continue to share with them. I love congregational singing and love to hear everyone participating to their fullest potential. I pray that their enthusiasm continues, the support of the parishioners strengthens their commitment, and that their numbers increase. Molokai House - Coffeehouse @ St. Joseph/St. Patrick Parish Center – Utica, NY on October 30, 2004 Run by the wonderful people of St. Joe / St. Pat’s and Lou DeAngelis, this coffeehouse, was probably one of the best concerts I’ve had. The people were great and we had a FUN time! I pray that God will give another opportunity to return and share. Journey Of Faith –Annual Diocesan Religious Education Program – Syracuse OnCenter on September 25, 2004 All I have to say is… I got to play and sing with MARTY HAUGEN (you know… Mass of Creation, We Remember, Gather Us In, Canticle of the Sun, etc…)!!!!!!!!!!! West Schuyler United Methodist Church - Bread of Life Cafe, West Schuyler, NY on September 3, 2004 This evening was the 28th Bread of Life Cafe. Mark and Sue and all the people from WSUMC are great and have a wonderful ministry. Since it was Labor Day Weekend, Mark said about 15 of the regulars didn't show, but it was a really nice night - people were very happy with the music and message. It was great to share. Family Coffee House at the Westernville United Methodist Church in Westernville, NY, on August 29, 2004 What do you get when you have no power and a big rain storm? Very few people at a coffeehouse to watch me go "unplugged" for an hour and a half. Fortunately, the family was there cheering me on and joining in a bit. It was fun and enjoyable regardless of the power outage. Good News Foundation Outdoor Concert - Utica/Deerfield, NY on August 15, 2004 A beautiful night (the hurricane held off) and a wonderful concert. The Good News Foundation's Bible Distribution Program benefited from the free will offering. We hoped for more people, but those who came were very pleased with the concert - the highlight was Maggie singing Animal Crackers In My Soup. Syracuse Diocese Youth Congress on Vocations - Fayetteville, NY on July 31, 2004 I provided music and Jen and I shared our thoughts and feelings on Marriage as a vocation. God called us to be married - to share God's love with the world through our marriage. We were able to share this with some of the youth of our diocese and were so blessed to have had that opportunity. We were able to work with some great people and had a great time with JD (Father John Donovan - our pastor from Colgate, who is now the diocesan Vocations Director. The day was fun and filled with some wonderful, insightful young men and women who are discerning God's call for their life. LIMEX Graduation Dinner - Syracuse, NY on June 21, 2004 Loyola University offers a wonderful masters degree program in theology of which many people from the area have taken advantage. The people who complete the program are wonderful resources for the parishes throughout the diocese. I was asked to be a part of the pre-event, prayer service and dinner entertainment. The evening was great as I was able to just sing away for two hours. I received a tremendous amount of feedback and made a few contacts that hopefully will result in some more sharing of this ministry with the world. I am so thankful to have been able to share with these wonderful people. Relay for Life - Cancer Walk. Sauquoit High School, Sauquoit, NY on June 12, 2004 This year, I was asked to speak during the Luminaries Ceremony about the ceremony ad my thoughts. I wrote a new song just for the event. Below is the "speech" I gave. "I Will Carry You" was featured on the video of the event. Relay for Life – Sauquoit High School – June 12, 2004 – 10PM Hello. I was asked by Ellie Kimball to share some of my thoughts and feelings with you all about what this ceremony means to me. I am honored and humbled to be given this opportunity. I know there are so many more stories here tonight than can be told in a short time. But all of them are stories of life. The Luminary ceremony for me is a time of hope in which an endless circle of light represents that endless circle of life that we all experience. Tiny lights make-up one continuous presence - never ending, never fading. From up here, it is difficult to see each individual light, but it is impossible to ignore the beauty of the glow of the ring. It is so inspiring. This ceremony is for our loved ones who have conquered cancer in death and in life. It is also for those of us who remain - each day, the light of their memory flickering in our hearts, shining forth in the smiles and eyes of our children or floating along in the sight of a butterfly or a cardinal or a beautiful sunset. Some people say that to love is to forgive and forget. I say that in love - you can never forget. This evening - this whole weekend, is a time to NOT forget. It is a time to remember and cry, laugh and pray - with and for our loved ones affected by cancer. I often tell people that the song, "Weekend in New England" by Barry Manilow, sets me off into a sometimes short, sometimes long episode of crying over memories of my mom. These memories and these crying episodes actually keep me going. I've written a song with one of these memories in mind. My mom was quite sick and I was married and not living at home, so the care giving responsibilities were shouldered by my family, when the Hospice nurses weren't there. I will never forget seeing my brother Mike carry my mom to her room so she could rest in her bed or use the bathroom to freshen up. The tenderness and care that he took with my then frail mom was amazing. On July 7, 1997, as I plunked out some dumb song on the piano, I remember as I watched my dad with my mom. Through the french doors I could see him holding my mom as he did many times before. This was there last embrace. I remember it as if it was yesterday. The display of this simple act of love tears me up. Like the famous Footprints story of how during those darkest hours, even though we don't know it, God carries us, so it is during the darkest hours of fighting and living with cancer that each of us, and each of the lives symbolized by these candles, is carried by loved ones and by God himself. So, I'd like to share this song with you all - I wrote it for tonight's ceremony. It is called - I Will Carry You... SONG - I Will Carry You Of course, before I finish up, I always need to take any opportunity I can, to sing with my mom. I enjoyed harmonizing with her growing up and wish that I could sing along with her once more. It Takes a Little Rain, was written with my mom in mind - and has her voice part way through - she is talking to my Jenny about death and how it is like Spring and Easter – in the winter you may have death, but in the spring, you have new life. If you knew mom, you'd understand her obsession with and love of life - 5 kids and plants everywhere. Mom was with us when we recorded the song and she is with us now. Except now, she is living in the presence of God. We can't wait to see you again, Mom - then we will truly sing. May God bless you all - those fighting, those who remain, those who have been and are living with this shadow. Remember that in order for there to be a shadow - the light must be shining. The light is always shining as a small candle, as a huge ring of light – always – no matter what.. SONG - It Takes A Little Rain CAM Conference - Catholic Association of Musicians - Berryville, AR on May 12-16, 2004 This was by far, one of the greatest things I could have done in my music ministry. Daily mass where I was able to receive my Lord in word and sacrament, fellowship, learning, sharing and praising God. The weekend was so wonderful for this ministry. I have challenged myself to be a better Christian, a better Catholic, and a better musician as a result of this conference. Presentations by Joe Hand, Tom Tomaczek of OCP, Dave Bunker, John Michael Talbot, and other members / leaders of CAM inspired me. I left the weekend drained yet energized. It was a wonderful and beautiful experience. I enjoyed meeting / talking to and sharing with all the people at CAM. Though all were great, some of the following people were interesting or special to me:
I would encourage all liturgical/non-liturgical Catholic Musicians to join this group. It is so amazing. Pray for Jonathan - West Schuyler United Methodist Church - West Schuyler, NY on March 13, 2004 Mark and Sue Jones helped to coordinate this benefit concert that featured several local Christian musicians and bands including A Moment's Sunlight, Wayne Clemens and the Morningstar Praise Band, Paula Bailey and Company, The Bread of Life Praise Band, The Daniel's Den Praise Band, and me. The evening featured a wonderful spaghetti dinner with all proceeds to benefit a 2-year old boy's struggle with cancer. Jonathan Welsch has cancer throughout his entire body and is currently in Syracuse, NY undergoing therapy. His mother Andrea was present for the concert. I am so blessed to have been given the opportunity to share with all of those present some of the wonderful music that is out there. I played several songs for the first time - Our God Is Good (Josh Blakesley) Your Will Be Done (Chris Muglia), Daniel's Heart (Steve Angrisano), Turn Around Slowly (David Kauffman), and God With Us (Sara Hart). I cannot imagine the pain and sorrow this single mom must face every time she looks into her baby's eyes. May God hold them close to His heart and keep them safe. May He grant them healing and joy amidst the struggles. CIA Summit - Christian Independent Artists - Franklin, TN on March 4-7, 2004 What an awesome experience! The weekend was filled with presentations on the how to's and why's of the independent Christian music scene. There were some "huge" names like Bob Kauflin, Dawn Jones, Tom Jackson and Mike Smith as well as some really great performances during the two evening coffeehouses. The presentations dealt with a wide variety of subjects including booking, stage presentation, music licensing and publishing, music weed (the legal download), and legal issues. There was more there than I could have imagined. It was awesome! The following websites are links from many of the presenters and supporting organizations that I liked:
There were others, but these were my favorites. Keith Mohr and Eric Luedtke did a fantastic job pulling this event off. I truly appreciate all their hard work. About 200+ artists/groups were present. Pretty cool. I even got to meet several of my CAM friends in person - I can finally put faces to email names. I can't wait until the CAM conference and next year's CIA Summit. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ 2003 Christmas Concert at St. Anthony's Parish, Chadwicks, NY on December 21, 2003 What a night! What a way to prepare our hearts, minds and souls for the celebration of the coming of our Lord. The evening was similar to a lessons and carols concert with readings from Scripture (Old and New Testament) as well as familiar Christmas carols and other appropriate songs. There were many people present (~120). The feedback was wonderful - different people liked different songs, each person liked different aspects of the evening. My baby girls helped end the evening with "Sleigh Ride". Maggie grabbed the mic and ran away with the song by herself. Emma saw the people and decided to think about the song instead of singing it. Another church concert that really makes me want to perform in churches more and more. Thank God for His gift. Thank God for His Christ. November 15, 2003 - Oneida Correctional Facility, Rome, NY Having performed at Mohawk Correctional Facility a few years ago, I was excited when Toni Belmont asked me to sing at the Oneida Correctional Facility as part of a weekend REC (Residents Encounter Christ) program in the protective custody dorm of the prison. I am so humbled to have been able to ‘visit Him when He was imprisoned’. A small group of men (and five presenters) gathered for a day long (6 hours) retreat where we shared our love for Christ and allowed the Spirit to do the rest. The program was part of the Syracuse Diocesan Prison Ministry. These guys have done some pretty rough things in their lives to end up where they are. Fortunately, I do not know what any one of them did. This allows me to see Jesus in each one of them. It is easier to see Him in them when the only signs of "roughness" are the tattoos or green outfits. Had I known about their crimes, I would have found it much more difficult to be a witness of Christ’s love as my human weaknesses would have pushed me to judgments and I would have closed myself to them. These guys spend most of the day in their bunks, except quick meals and one hour outdoors inside a cage (it is really a cage). There isn’t cable or HBO or those things that people speak so nonchalantly about. The food stinks – the hot dogs we ate were the same the guys ate – like something animals would find revolting. And yet each of these guys needs and desires one thing – love. Jesus’ love that is difficult, though not impossible, to experience from reading Scripture. The love that speaks to the hearts of these guys, the love that leads to conversion, the love that can take the broken hearted criminal unworthy of any love (at least in their minds) and heal all wounds allowing them to be new men. The love that can only be seen and felt and experienced through us. We are Jesus to these guys. We may be the only ones in their entire lives (some 16 years, some 72 years) that have expressed a love, imperfect as it is, for them. We may be the only ones who have ever reached out with nothing more than the love our God gave us to share with the world. We may be the only ones who ever "showed" them, not just "told" them about God’s love. One of the speakers made a point to tell the guys that, yes, they are a number in prison, but that is the only way the State can keep track of everyone. Despite the number, each of them has a name. And by that name will Jesus call them. With that name are they who they really are. They are not a number. We too often feel like just a number, but Jesus knows our name and calls our name. I now know some of these guys’ names, and will remember them. I thank God for the wonderful opportunity to share with these guys and be present to them at this time in their life. Anniversary Party and First Baptist Church – New Lebanon, OH on July 12-13, 2003 A beautiful Baptist Church in the southwest corner of the state. Our family took the trip to celebrate a family reunion with Aunt Marie and Uncle Hank who have shared the sacrament of marriage for 40 years. Dean and Naomi (cousins from OH) arranged for me (and Emma) to sing at the festivities – it was great. Our cousin’s kids got up to sing too. What a wonderful time. The concert at the church was short but amazing – primarily Traditional Hymns. I realize how much I love to sing at churches whenever I do these types of concerts. The setting is perfect; the crowd is so responsive and uplifting. I received some wonderful compliments and prayers of support from these wonderful people. I pray that I can return and share more of my music with these brothers and sisters. May God bless their community. Lairdsville United Methodist Church, Lairdsville, NY on June 19, 2003 This will be the first "coffeehouse" sponsored by Bob Elmer and his church community. I am honored to be the opening act and pray that God will use me to inspire those who attend and keep them coming back for more. Lots of new music. Some more upbeat songs and a wonderful setting. This was a GREAT outdoor concert, set up almost like a mini amphitheater behind this small Methodist church between here and there. But in between here and there is what it's all about. It was a tiny bit rainy all day and into the night, but the rain held out for the most part. I really enjoyed this concert, probably more than any of the others I've done so far. Maybe it was the beautiful setting, maybe it was the warmth of all the people and the belief that the sun would eventually come out, maybe it was the lawn chairs in which people were so comfortable as they enjoyed the show, maybe it was the new music, maybe it was God's peace. The robins sang with us as we sang "I Come To The Garden (Alone)." The mosquitoes only feasted slightly on my neck and leg - it is impossible to get rid of a mosquito when you are in the midst of a song that requires guitar playing. It is amazing how I meet people that knew my mom everywhere I go, and this was no exception. I can only hope that I have the gift of presence that my mother had to have touched people's lives enough to cause them to remember her when they speak to me. I have received so much feedback lately about the music and have heard the conversations of how people were told that they "HAD" to come to a show and hear me sing. I can only hope that God's message gets into people's hearts - even if it ends up being that little tiny flicker that helps them along their path to Him. I pray that this church and it's people are able to continue this beautiful monthly event for many years. May God continue to bless this community. Thanks Bob and Pastor Barb. Relay for Life - Cancer Walk. Sauquoit High School, Sauquoit, NY on June 7, 2003 I was asked to be a part of this wonderful event that has branched out to the suburbs. My mom walked as a survivor and is now walking in Heaven as a victor. I'll be singing " It Takes a Little Rain" for her and all of the others who have been touched by cancer. It's amazing how something that is not overtly religious actually needs to be. We remember those we've lost and those who continue to fight cancer, but we especially remember the gift of life here and the gift of eternal life that, despite a crummy disease and all the struggles of this life, we hope to experience one day. As John Michael Talbot said recently, "It is sad that this young man died so young. But we know that the Lord receives him in His tender mercy." It was a bit rainy all day, but the memories and hope seemed to dry everything except for the tears. After a little weird sound system issues were worked out, "It Takes A Little Rain" was very well received. Oddly, I don't cry or choke up when I sing the song. I think it's because it's my opportunity to sing with Mom again and again. Plus, the healing that I experienced from making the album and sharing the music with people have filled that hole with the beauty of the gift of music that Mom gave me. West Schuyler United Methodist Church - Bread of Life Cafe, West Schuyler, NY on May 2, 2003 This evening is the first anniversary of the Bread of Life Cafe. I am really pleased to be a part of this special celebration. Mark and Sue have such a great little coffeehouse with some awesome food (for the soul). It was my first performance at which people actually talked through most of the night. Then they sang. Then they ate. Then they talked and sang, etc. It actually was great. I enjoyed myself and made some more friends. I even had my first "fan" picture. I found out that I was a shot in the dark for Mark as he needed someone to fill in and got me - kind of like my desperate need for a prom date oh so many years ago. I hope I can get back to W. Schuyler soon. Colgate Christian Fellowship, Little Hall - Colgate University, Hamilton, NY on April 23, 2003 Both Jen and I will be presenting / sharing / singing (I'll be doing most of the singing) at this meeting of the CCF. We were blessed to have been part of Newman Community and Intervarsity in our years at Colgate, and are honored to come back to share our story. I am so blessed to have Jen as my partner for life. We were able to share a bit of ourselves with the students preparing for finals and the end of the semester "stuff." We saw a few friends and met some more. We pray for each of those students, professors and advisors - that God may touch them where they are at right now, giving them the strength to do what needs to be done and the courage to follow Him in the days and weeks and years ahead. Living Stations of the Cross at St. Anthony's Parish, Chadwicks, NY on April 11, 2003 A production that presents the traditional Stations of the Cross in a live format filled with music and extremely moving stop action scenes. This presentation brings the reality of Jesus' suffering and death to life. It is impossible to not feel the emotion of the moment 2000 years ago. It is a truly amazing experience. God is truly amazing! The students who read and acted were awesome. The Spirit of God was truly present this year. Each year it's easier for me to get through without choking up. I guess I'll have to change the music around so my tears start flowing again. Benefit for Christopher Buckpitt at the Mount Markham Senior High School, West Winfield, NY on April 5, 2003 The concert went very well. Christopher, who had been critically injured in an accident was there - a living miracle and testament to God's unfailing love and intercession. I received some very supportive feedback and met up with an amazing sound guy (Marty Patane). I pray that God allows our paths to cross again. I never imagined my songs could sound so BIG! I am grateful to have been able to play for this event. May God continue to watch out for Chris and his family. Prayer Service for Peace at St. Anthony's Parish, Chadwicks, NY on March 23, 2003 What a struggle. What an awful situation we find ourselves in. We need to "pray incessantly" for a peaceful and quick resolution to this conflict. May God be with our soldiers and their families. May God be with our leaders. May God be with our enemies. May all hearts be opened to His peace. We are called to seek peace in all situations. We don't need to protest. We need to pray! Lenten Evening of Reflection for the beginning of Lent at St. Anthony's Parish, Chadwicks, NY on March 8, 2003 I am blessed with some amazing family members! Dean and Naomi came in from Ohio just to see the show and proceeded to help Mom and Dad (in-law) Andrea & Mike, set up our church basement into a coffeehouse. It looked great, was so welcoming and about 60 people "packed" the house. It was a great evening of sharing and singing. As we progress, things get a little easier. Jen did a great job getting things organized and making it happen. Thank you God for giving us another opportunity to share and praise You. Family Coffee House at the Westernville United Methodist Church in Westernville, NY, on February 9, 2003 What a great night of sharing. God has an interesting way of doing things. Not too many people - I had hoped for more, but those present were great. Feedback was very positive and I may have a couple more appearances as a result. I learned a ton since this was my first outing in an unfamiliar setting. Thank you Lord for providing this venue to share this music... ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ 2002 Marriage Encounter reunion at the Good News Foundation in Utica, on December 11, 2002 I could barely get the notes out past the hoarseness brought on by my annual cold. It went well, and I received some great encouragement from people. I pray that Jen and I will be able to someday become part of the Marriage Encounter ranks and explore the riches of communication and dedication that Marriage Encounter fosters. |
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