I love music.

LOVE, I tell you.

There is something about music that stirs the soul in a way that many can’t.

I love to write and make music, and I love to listen to it made by others much better than me.

Currently, I’ve been listening to loads of Matthew Perryman Jones.  I’ve also been listening to Jeremy Casella, who I opened for a while back at a house show…great songwriter and storyteller.  I’ll also be attending two concerts in April, one for Sandra McCracken & Derek Webb, and another concert with a favorite: The Robbie Seay Band.  They have a new album out very soon, so you should jump over to their site and grab a copy.  You can even get it on vinyl!!

So, what are you listening to?

I’d love to hear.  Perhaps it’s something I’ve not heard of, and perhaps you’ll be turned on to something new as well through the comments.

Tonight I’ll be opening up for Jeremy Casella at a house show here in Phoenix.  If you’re in the area, you can find all of the information for the event HERE.

I’m pumped to be playing some original tunes (probably 3 songs) in front of both friends and strangers who haven’t heard them.  I’m hoping to get some decent pictures of the night, along with a decent video of the songs.  Of course this is all hinging on our digital camera, so we’ll see.

I’d appreciate your prayers, as I’m sure I’ll be at least somewhat nervous.  This is not necessarily a Christian event, but the house show is definitely part of a missional approach to community.  I hope God will use the songs he gave me to impact, convict, challenge, inspire, etc.

How about you all?  Any special plans this weekend?

Got plans for Saturday?

How about going here?  I would encourage you to either get tickets to go if you’re near Nashville or watch online (how cool is that).  And, if you’re able to, donate towards relief efforts in Haiti.  I realize that it’s been long enough now that it may just be a fading memory.  But, please remember the people of Haiti.  There is a lot of work left to do, and they need you and I.

So, take the time to enjoy some good music that’s about something so important, would you?

We’ll hear from CS Lewis next Friday, but this is too good important to pass up.

Have a good weekend.

I realize that National Slavery and Human Trafficking month ended in January, but I wanted to share an update that I’m pretty stoked about.  Yes, I said “stoked.”  I live near the West Coast now, so it’s totally appropriate.

Last month I wrote about Streetlight, an organization here in Phoenix who is doing some amazing things to combat the problem of human trafficking.  You can read the post here.

I will be the musical guest tonight at [mission], which is a service/venue who’s focused on both creative arts and global missions.  Tonight’s theme is “Glow,” and will center around Streetlight, and allow for brainstorming about what we can do locally to fight human trafficking.  I’ll be playing a few original songs as we start.

Please pray that conversations stir up actions.  And, on a selfish note, please pray that I don’t succumb to nervousness and faint.

First, before you read any further….if you’ve never heard of Shane & Shane, please go to their website now and listen to some music for cryin’ out loud!

I pre-ordered this album and received it in the mail on the 2nd.  I had less than a full listen before actually seeing them live at a church near my house the very next day.  The Shanes are a part of a small group of artists who are able to make their recordings(which are great) sound less impressive in comparison to a live performance.

more after the jump… (more…)