I didn’t plan on going to the Gospel Music Awards last night. Honestly it didn’t really cross my mind. I assumed I wouldn’t go and just hear about it later.  As it turned out I ended up going obviously and was pretty impressed.  In years past I had heard a bunch of negative stuff surrounding the Doves.  I had heard that it was long and boring and self-absorbed and all that.  Maybe it has been, but this year was pretty impressive.  I got to the Grand Ole Opry House a little early because Phil was performing during the pre-show.  We hung out backstage with a the guys from Switchfoot, and a bunch of folks that were running in and out like maniacs.  Phil performed “True Love” and blew the place up.  I have seen him perform this song probably fifty times and this time was easily one of the best times I had heard it.  If there was ever a time to nail the sing like he did it was then.  He did a great job and had a great response.

Once the show started Phil, Evan and I made our way to our seats for the part of the show that was actually televised.  We were upstairs in the balcony next to the Tenth Avenue North guys, which by the way have an amazing record coming out May 20th.  Great guys and a brilliant record.  But I will talk about that later.

Once of the first awards given out was Female Vocalist Of The Year and Natalie won that right after she performed with Wynonna to open the show.  Natalie did a great job and it was cool to see her and her husband, Bernie, collectively win three Doves.  It was also cool to each of their responses when the other one won.

A little later the guys in the Crowder Band played.  They had a pretty cool stage set up with fake grass and growing flowers.  Very Sufjan. They did a great job, and it was cool to run into them at dinner before the show.  I don’t remember what awards David and the guys took home, but it was cool to see them play again.

Later in the show Switchfoot performed a new song of theirs that was written for the new Narnia movie.  They had a small string section with them and nailed an amazing song.  I was pretty blown away by it.  I don’t know how they do it but they come up with so many great songs, and this one is no exception.  It’s one I almost wish I could have heard as it was being broadcast on TV simply so I could hear a really good mix and hear all the parts.  Either way I was really impressed and it was cool to see them again.  

Another highlight of the night was the closing song where Mac performed with Charlie Daniels.  It was pretty unbelievable and everyone on stage looked like they were having a great time.  

Once the show ended we hung out a bit on the floor talking to people and figuring out who was going and how we were all getting to the after show party.  Then we all drove to some hotel where there was food, music and lots of tired artists.  I had no intention of staying late but ended up leaving about midnight.  

All in all it was a really cool night.  It was fun to hang out with everyone in a completely different environment.  Not to mention it was a cool experience for me to be able to be a part of.  I have grown up hearing about and watching these types of award show things, so it was cool to be a part of one.  And say what you want about the industry, self-glorification, and all that.  I say last night was a fun party and a celebration for a bunch of crazy talented people.  I don’t know much about the politics of it, but I know I personally had a great time.  I just hope Kristin can go with me next year.