So Much Love for Haiti!

It was a beautiful Valentines Day! Wonderful music and a community gathered together to love and support the people of Haiti!

Thank you to the over 40 volunteers that baked, set up, took down, cleaned up, handed out programs, directed traffic, took video, folded programs, secured donations, passed out posters, and on and on!

Thank you to the musicians who shared their gifts of talent and time, we were so moved and inspired by your music!

Thank you to:

Paris Delane and his percussionist Jason

Mia Koehne and Nathan Fisher

Dave and Chris Gessner

Don, Dave, Danny and Dustin of the 4 D's

I especially want to thank the people who attended the concert, those who purchased tickets and were there in spirit, those who spread the word to neighbors, coworkers and friends, and those that prayed for the success of the concert!

With out you there would have not been an event

Because of you, so far, the Heart for Haiti Benefit has raised over $5000.00 for Haiti Mission Project! Thank you God!

Stay tuned to future posts with updates and more pics!

Heart for Haiti

Live at Immanuel!!

Family Fun Fest Music Stage June 27 2009


Don and the D's- 11am
(I'm pretty sure this is not their official band name...)

Trinity Lisle Guitar Club- 12:30



Mia Koehne of About Midnight -1:30
w/ ( a band that we literally put together about 9.5 minutes before going on stage- they were incredible! All the way from the amazing talents of Dustin, Frank and Nathan to an incredible performance by Jake who has only previously played with the well known band "Rock")

Concert a week- #10 ( I think its 10)

I've been looking forward to this concert since we picked a date for it, and put it the calendar. This past Friday May 15th at 7:30, in the beautiful setting of Immanuel's original sanctuary, Mia Koehne and Nathan Fisher led us in their original songs, honest testimonies, worship and singing.

I love, and am moved by the songs that pour from the hearts of these two musicians, many of which run through my head throughout the day-

"Jesus you save me from the grave..."

"there is nothing, I can do, to earn your love..."

"...lift your head up child...the Savior cries for you"

"You uphold the weak, help them stand, help them stand..."

Both Mia and Nathan have amazing musical skills, and voices that are pure and simple, yet full of passion. Although their musical styles are different, these musicians are more similar than not. Both have a vast knowledge of scripture, as well as a willingness to be authentic and open about their walks of faith, all of which is reflected wonderfully into their songwriting and performing.

I had the privilege of singing and playing piano with them for many of the songs, and it was such a joy! I really feel comfortable in a supporting role in a group, adding color and harmony as needed. I can't wait to play with them again!

We planned the concert, and advertised it as a "Worship Concert"... not sure if anyone reading the advertisements actually knew what that meant, but that's exactly what it was. The setting was that of an intimate worship space, quiet and reverent, comfortable and peaceful. What an awesome space for a concert, can't believe we've waited so long to have one in there!

Some of the songs were meant for reflection, while during others the audience was encouraged to sing along. I think we were all in awe as we listened to the audience joining together and singing out in that acoustically beautiful space. Praise to the Lord, Nothing but the Blood, I'll Fly Away, Amazing Grace, as well as on songs familiar and not so familiar written by Mia and Nathan.

The concert was certainly a blessing for the 3 of us, I pray that it was for those in attendance as well!

Concert a Week- # 5

Concert # 5 in my concert a week project, included a lovely lunch, so I will start by giving a shout out to a lunch spot called Travelers Cafe, and recommend that if you are in the Westmont area you should check it out. Travelers Cafe, is a friendly, comfortable place that serves up humble breakfast food, sandwiches, soups, salads and some comfort food specials. It also appears that they are a bakery, making among other things, made to order speciality cakes. All the food is homemade, and my tuna on wheat, with a side of delicious cole slaw, was a great accompaniment to the music I came to hear.

Saturday April 11th 11am-1pm Rich and Vicki Ingle entertained us with thier group, Comfort Food... a very fitting title for a group playing at this venue. Rich and Vicki, sang together, Rich on acoustic guitar, and Vicki switching back and forth from acoustic guitar to acoustic bass.

( Acoustic bass... I bought one once, with the idea that I could play in a band somewhere that just happened to need an acoustic bass in their group, along with a bass player who only knew how to play Down on the Corner, Brown Eyed Girl, and Knockin on Heavens Door. After about a day of having the wonderful instrument in my house, I realized I couldn't really afford this dream (the bass), and brought it back to the store, who initially refused to take it back, but that's another story, and all ended well anyway.)

Rich and Vicki unpretentiously sang the stories of our lives through folk songs, their originals and others, and talked to the audience, and made us feel like we are at home in our living room, listening to their music. Good food, good music, and and even a free cd to take home courtesy of Rich and Vicki themselves!

Travelers Cafe appears to have different musicians every Saturday from 11am-1pm, definitely worth a return trip... be sure to call first to be sure.

Concert a Week - #4

I've always wanted to hear an organ trio, an organ trio is usually made up of an organ player on a Hammond, a drummer and some sort of other instrument (or two) like guitar and/or sax. Living in the Chicago area, the opportunities to attend an organ trio show are pretty unlimited. Unfortunately I have yet to make the effort to get into the city for these unlimited opportunities.

So instead, this week for my concert of the week, On Sunday April 5th at 3pm I settle for The Amelia Piano Trio, playing through the Downers Grove Concert Association's Artists showcase West. Just a short jaunt from my home this was very convenient!

The Trio made up of piano, violin and cello performed
Trio, Andante con moto in C minor by Edvard Grieg
Trio in G major, Op. 1, No 2 by Ludwig van Beethoven
Trio in F minor, Op 54 by Antonin Dvorak

Favorites-
I enjoyed the Grieg piece, particularly because of the tone and blend of the violin and cello accompanying the piano, it was warm and soothing
In Dvorak's defense I had to leave the concert early so I didn't hear any of it to make it a favorite..
But I also enjoyed the Scherzo section of the Beethoven, which reminded me of the melody that goes with the song I sing with my sons which goes kind of like this:

"... Joe had a head like a ping pong ball, Joe had a head like a ping pong ball, Joe had a head like a ping pong ball, ping pong ball,- Joe had a head like a ping pong, ping pong, ping pong, ping pong, ping pong ball, Joe had a head like a ping pong, ping pong, ping pong, ping pong, (and down the scale) ping, ping, ping, ping, ping, ping, ping, ping, (and back up) pong, pong, pong, pong, pong, pong, pong, pong,pong HEY!..."

The melody? The William Tell Overture! (or the theme from The Lone Ranger as you will see here)


Another thing I appreciated it was the ability to seat myself, and seat myself in the less crowded balcony which lended a great view, and sound, but allowed me to relax a bit more and enjoy the music.

Finally, although this concert was a bit pricey, I really enjoyed the hour long pre-concert talk (of which I was 1/2 hour late to) that is standard to all of the Artist Showcase West Concerts Very informative, I think I might become a member to this local Concert series.

Still looking forward to that Organ trio!

Concert a Week - #3

This past Saturday I found myself with one day left to find a concert to fulfil the requirements for my self assigned concert a week project. Fortunately, around 8pm that night, my oldest son begged my to take him to Best Buy, so he could buy a very important, item for his even more important, video game console, and I happily took him.

After quickly choosing the needed item, we headed to the check out, where, I looked down and saw a stack of flyers for, what da ya know... a concert... right there at Best Buy...Sun March 29th at 2:30...Jim Peterik. FREE.


The next day, I found myself standing, with about 100 other people, listening to Jim Peterik, founding member of Survivor and Ides of March, and writer of...wait... Eye of the Tiger!

Jim was there promoting his newest recording project, Lifeforce, which I read described as smooth jazz. Listening to it, especially the first song, "Joy", reminded me of the sound of The Peter Mayer Group, who has had some incredible concerts at our church for the last 3 years.

With Jim, was a jazz singer, Lisa McClowry, who I think many in the audience knew, as well as an amazing Flute/sax player, Steve Eiesen ( I love jazz flute), and Jeff Lantz? on keys. Jeff managed to cover the bass part as well as middle rhythm piano, and some great lead parts.

Favorites-

The band did a couple covers of some of Jim's most popular earlier tunes, surprisingly these ended up being my favorites:

-Eye of the Tiger- the song seems almost made for this smooth jazz sound. really!
-Vehicle

PS- The venue
Have you checked out these music stores in the Best Buys? Sooo cute! They are like mini Sam Ashs' or Guitar Centers. The selection is small, and probably expensive, but a great place to go and pick up something quick. ( I bought my other son a capo while I was there). The Best Buy folks squeezed Jim and company into a small section of this store, and we all crowded around for a very up close and personal experience. Good times

Concert a Week - #1 (and 2)

A number of years ago, my sister and I attended a concert together, after which, we swore to each other that for that summer we would make plans to get together for at least one concert each week. 12 weeks later, we had certainly relaxed more, spent more time with our families, and enjoyed the summer weather, but had not seen even one more concert! In memory of that pact between Cindy and myself, I would like to try again.

One concert a week, 'that's not hard to do' you say? I challenge you too, to do the same and report back with me weekly. My goal of seeing 1 concert a week, will not be difficult in the respect that I live in an amazingly culture filled metropolis. I will try to vary the styles of music, trying to hear some genres that I wouldn't normally pick. I also will be trying to make as many of these weekly concerts, the ones with FREE plainly advertised. The real key will be finding, well, making the time.

Weeks 1 and 2 are already in the bag!

Concert #1- Saturday March 14th- Concordia University Chicago Kapelle

Stacy our field worker from Concordia and her husband sing in this group, so I decided, hey, why not? I came in late to nearly standing room only in Concordia's large chapel. I ended up sitting in front of a couple students, who thought they were being quiet enough whispering (wasn't working), so at intermission I made my way towards the front. The choir was good, and sang many songs from memory. I always enjoy college choirs, for the female voices have matured, but still have a sweet tone, with little vibrato.

Favorites:

Lamentations of Jeremiah - Carl Schalk

In Paradisum - Edwin Fissinger ( a must hear! ps the video is not of Kapelle) www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FIeE3Uj_dE

Mude bin Ich - Thomas Gieschen

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Concert #2-Sunday March 22 - Kevin Radtke, tenor and Andrew Fleser, piano

Kevin is a son of the congregation, and the son of our amazing secretary Barb. The concert was performed from the front of the church, up the 3 stairs towards the Communion rail, where 5 strong men...er...people, including our amazing secretary Barb, had moved the grand piano. The second half of the concert was performed from the balcony with organ. Kevin has extensive training and experience in opera graduating with a Masters in vocal performance from Westminster Choir College, and agreed to come and perform for Immanuel's 100th anniversary concert series. I admittedly am not too familiar with opera, but really enjoyed Kevin's presentation, voice and expression. There was a great turn out for this concert, including a number of people from the community. Thanks Kevin, come again soon!

Favorites:

The Tree of Life (shades mountain) K. Lee Scott- (a beautiful hymn that I had not heard before)
Selection from Ten Blake Songs- The Divine Image - Ralph Vaughan Williams