Monthly Archives: December 2011

I Heart NY and VR

I thought I was looking at myself...

It’s that time when people start reflecting on the year that is about to end and thinking about the new year.  I hate to admit it, but I have never been a big fan of doing this.  I’m usually an “in the moment” kind of guy.  I count my blessings as they come, and try to make the best of everything God provides without looking too far behind or ahead.

For some reason, though, I can’t help but look back at the great things that happened for my music this past year.  If you have read my blog, you already know all about them, so I won’t list them again.  But I will mention the pre-release party at The Clubhouse in Villa Rica. It remains one of the best experiences I have had.  It never occurred to me as we stood there performing, surrounded by the most supportive people I know, that almost a year to the day later, we would be playing in New York City.  The great experiences that occurred between those two dates are amazing.  It’s evidence of how God knows the plan.  I would have never known to even ask for the opportunities that came our way.  Yes, God does exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).

A view from Central Park

About the trip to NYC–I wasn’t sure how I would feel about the big city, but I really enjoyed it. The people were nice, and many went overboard in making us feel comfortable.  If we had questions, we would ask people on the street or subway, and everyone seemed happy to help.  We got a great deal at a place called The Flatiron Hotel, [thanks to a secret (travel) agent we know named Sonya].  I have never been shown such hospitality at a hotel. One night, the concierge spent 20 minutes in the middle of the street, in the rain, trying to get us a taxi to take us to the show.

When I almost lost two buttons on my jacket (maybe I ate too much), the seamstress at a place called John Glory sewed them back, on the spot, for $2 a button.  We enjoyed great breakfasts at a place down the street called My Taste, and wore out the subway going anywhere we wanted to visit.  Central Park and The Metropolitan Museum of Art were highlights.

Sunset in Central Park

The Living Room where we played was really comfortable, as the name suggests. The people there and from the Independent Music Awards showed us such hospitality. I felt blessed to be with the best band in the world–Brian Preston on drums, Cody Preston on lead guitar, Wayne Jay Wilson on bass, Carson Ray on vocals and tambourine, and Swaff, my awesome producer, on electric guitar. It was also nice to see my sister and Swaff’s mom in the audience. For pics from the showcase, click here.