Save The GMA Dinner/Concert
So, last night Kristin and I got all dressed up and went out to the Loveless Barn for the “Save The GMA” Event with all sorts of artists and ‘Industry’ people. At first we didn’t know what to expect, because, really, what do you expect going into something like that?
When we first got there Jason Whitehorn had saved us a parking spot in the back, which was awesome, and we met and talked with him a bit outside. Then we met up with the MercyMe guys for dinner. One thing we figured out quick was that “Strolling Dinner” really means “Buffet Style” without making you feel like you are at a casino, so that was cool. Dinner was good, and hanging out with the MercyMe boys is always fun…. even if Bart has a Youth Pastor goatee that he claims was an “accident”.
Now, most of you know that this show had been given the name “The Concert Of The Decade” because of all the top acts that were there. And for Christian music and the GMA this was pretty accurate. I mean, Amy Grant started the show, then MercyMe, Natalie Grant, Kirk Franklin, Michael W. Smith, Point Of Grace, Casting Crowns and others, it’s a pretty big deal right? For me it was cool to be in the same room with not only friends, but crazy talent. Each artist did a song or two and said what the GMA meant to them and then introduced the next artist. Everything moved pretty quick but it was cool to hear all of them.
At one point it felt like a big, fat SkörInc party with MercyMe, Natalie and then Anthony Evans singing with Kirk Franklin. It was cool to see all the folks that I don’t normally see, but work with everyday. And speaking of Anthony Evans, he’s got a brand new website today, but that will be another post later today.
Now, you might notice that these aren’t the greatest pictures and there’s a good reason for that. I wasn’t working. I was on a date with Kristin and didn’t even bring my camera. It was great to be able to just hang out and not feel the pressure of working and just be a part of the evening. So, all in all it was a cool night.
Now, I’m sure there’s some readers out there that will make fun of something like this because you are too cool for Christian Music, or too cool for the GMA or whatever, and here’s what I say to that. I make a living mostly in Christian Music and I love working with the people I do. They are good people. And I don’t really care what decisions the GMA has made in the past, but if I’m not willing to show up and support something that has paid my bills for the last 5 years, what’s the point of working in the industry? So if you’re too cool, or think that last night was a waste of time and money, that’s fine. Don’t work in the ‘Industry’. But my take on the night was leaving a room full of people that loved what they do for a living and love the people they work with, and I’m included in that.
Any of you watch online last night? Or maybe you were there?
Music And Meetings
Blue and I had some meetings tonight in Chattanooga. We met with the guys from Leeland for a while and talked about blogging. They all seem pretty interested and I’m excited to hopefully start working with them. It was the first time I was able to meet them and they all blew me away with how cool they were. Totally personable, totally down to earth guys. I hope to be able to hang out with them a little more this week during GMA week. (No, it’s not Good Morning America week here in Nashville.)
We were also able to hang out with and talk a while with these guys. Again, super nice, super down to earth folks that love to talk and hang out and get to know people. It was fun to be in a place where the only person I knew going into it was Jeff Culmer, which by the way, celebrated a birthday tonight. So everyone head over to Jeff’s blog and fill his comment box with birthday wishes. He was the one that set up me being able to hang out and talk to the bands so that was really cool of him.
Blue had a great time, sang along with all the songs, and gave some high fives at the end. All in all a good night and a productive one. Tomorrow we are headed to the Fee and MercyMe show. For now, we are headed to bed.
Busy Week
This week is a busy time here in Nashville. Everyone that lives here can attest to that. It’s GMA week and even if you don’t have anything you have to do, everyone from the industry is here doing things they have to do, and it’s like a big reunion.
So far I have managed to keep my calendar pretty open but I know that it will fill up fast. Yesterday I had a great lunch (meeting) with Spence about blogging and social networking and all that. I love talking with people that “get it” and I don’t look like a crazy person when I am talking about blogging. Today is pretty free, but I have a lot of things to get done before the weekend. Then tomorrow, I will be headed to Chattanooga to hang out with these guys and their crew and answer a few questions. These guys will be there too so I’m excited about that. Then on Saturday I will head to Jackson, TN where these guys and these guys are playing a show together, so that will be fun. Stay tuned because I heard that there might be some MercyMeTV stuff going on that day. Sunday I have a meeting with one of those mass text messaging companies to talk about… well… mass text messaging, and Monday there are a few different options of things that might happen. That will start the week, and from there I’m sure it will get busier.
I know a few people have contacted me who are coming to town for GMA Week, but if you are in town let me know on my contact page. Maybe if we get enough people here we can do a blogging dinner get-together type thing. You know a big group of us.
Have a great morning.
