The Premier

The Way of the Cross premier went off without a hitch on the first Fri. of Lent at Christ the King Church in Milwaukee, OR. We had 350 people and all seemed very moved. The accompanying video really made it a uniquely engaging experience. We went through alot of tissues.

I never had a premier before. the Our Catholic Faith presentation just kind of evolved and changes every time I come out with a new album and delete and add more songs to it. It is different for almost every parish or occasion and depends on the season, so it's not really a set program like this Way of the Cross is. I now have enough songs for 2 different Our Catholic Faith programs.

So far, I've giving 2 WoC concerts and both churches invited me back for the same time next year and might make it a yearly tradition. That being said, I work on a first come, first serve basis, so if you are interested in having a Stations (WoC) concert at your parish for next year, I suggest you book early. Right now, the first week of Lent I'm going to be in the OR and WA area. If you are in OR, I'd like to offer you that first Sunday in Lent. I will stay as long as I have concerts in OR and then start booking back up north through WA and home to Snohomish, WA. If there is enough interest, I would like to stay local since I will be traveling with baby (oh, fun), but otherwise, the rest of Lent, I will open up to other states. I already have NC and AZ interested. Let me know!!!

Hmmm.

I sang at this Church on Sun, Mar. 20 - St. Januarius' in Naples, NY. What does it look like to you? I think it looks like a giant mushroom. I was told by an elderly gentleman, who was the son of the man who built it, that the stained glass holes are designed after grapes and the roof is a fallen grape leaf, as the church is built in wine country. Some kids call it the jelly bean church for obvious reasons. Have yo ever seen anything like it? I sang at the only Sunday Mass there, at 10am. There were about 80-100 people present. I think the sermon, given by Fr. George was one of hte very few to ever actually make me cry. I was up there blowing and blowing my nose to keep it from dripping down my throat, so I could still sing. Something he said led me into a meditation that made me really experience an even BIGGER God, His intellegence, control, humaness, and compassion. Great stuff for further contemplation.

More Concert Dates

I just spent some time updating my website's "concerts" page and included many more dates. Please check it out. I added many dates for NY, OR, FL, MA and even CA. This is turning out to be my busiest year ever (so far anyway).

I'm also sending 2 more songs to my producer in NY so they will be ready to sing (or close to ready to sing) when I get there in March. Then I have to finish 6 more and send them before my visit in May. Don't know if that's possible. Barry called me to ask my opinion on some chord changes and I got to hear a few bars. Boy, is it gorgeous. I hope to have something for my co-producers to listen to soon.

QUESTION: Only half of the Stations of the Cross booklets that I have (I'm referencing 8-9 at a time)include a 15th station: the Resurrection. It is not a traditional station and I don't believe one hangs in the church for it. Do you think it would be OK to leave it out on my collection entitled "Stations of the CROSS" or would you be extrememly disappointed? Do you think others would expect a 15th station?

Thanks for the help.

concert this weekend

Here I am at Our Lady of Lourdes in West Islip, NY Fri. night after tea at the arboratum. Couldn't get the videos to load. Now I have something else to learn.

Enjoyed the Concert

I give concerts and sometimes I enjoy one more than another. I have to admit, this past Sunday's concert at Holy Family in Auburn, WA was one of my favorites. I was literally falling asleep doing the sound check and set-up. It had been a long day and I was packing the baby around (still breast feeding, so I don't leave him home). I thought I would just sleep-walk through the whole thing concert so I said my usual prayer with a little more earnestness (is that a word?) I always pray, "Lord, not by my words or my voice, but by your power." Meaning that it is His power that touches and affects people, so it doesn't have to be a perfect presentation, as He can do as much or as little as He likes for HIS people and move them as he desires and when and even how. I also prayed that since they are HIS people, to help them have a worthwhile lent, for their edification and His glory. You know, I can't remember a time that I sang better and spoke with as much clarity and enthusiasm. It was a blessing for me as well. I learned first hand that His power is made perfect through weakness. Praise the Lord! The next day at home, though, I was completely exhausted and my body even hurt.