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Wednesday April 2 2008 WA -- Solariums and Brothels. I was driving down the highway, fresh out of the airport in my little Hyundai hire car listening to the radio when a shocking piece of news grabbed my attention. "Today the West Australian government has just passed a new law stating that it is now legal to have a 'brothel' in a residential street in Western Australia with up to two prostitutes working there without having to have a license". I felt like throwing up as the announcer continued, "the decision came after a tense 13 v. 14 vote in which the last decision was made by a woman". I slammed the off button on the car stereo with one solid, disgusted punch of my fist. I couldn't believe it. Not only was prostitution legal, it was being encouraged! I started to think about the women and men too who would work this way. I didn't think about them with a hatred, but a sadness. I thought about their families and the families of those who would use their services. I thought about the greater impact of affairs, divorces leading to broken families and marriages this decision would cause for Perth and W.A. What a sick cost for trading in human lives. People selling their bodies to pay a pimp, feed a drug habit, get out of debt, or sadly, just to provide for their family. I also thought of the young lives being trafficked from places around the world like Thailand, China and Eastern Europe that would be bought and sold here for sex. Man...! Thursday April 3 2008 Today I tuned into the news again to hear yet another law announced, this time relating to the use of solariums. A new law had been passed to ban the use of solariums for under 18's and for people with type 1 and 2 (very fair) skin. This decision had been made following the death of 26-year-old Claire Oliver in Melbourne last September, who died as a result of solarium use triggering skin cancer. I thought, great! Good decision Western Australia! But then I thought deeper and wondered, 'why have they just made a law to protect people when just yesterday they made a law that's not protecting people'? Today they make a law to prevent people from physical illness, and yesterday a law that's causing physical abuse, mental scarring, emotional pain, not to mention the wider effects of family breakdown, self worth issues and the drug addiction that is so often involved. (Are you getting this??!) This is someone's daughter, someone's son. Are we protecting their lives or destroying them? I don't know about you, but at this point I feel sick. I'm angry and I'm frustrated and devastated for the people who will sell their precious bodies day and night... for money!! I'm bitterly disappointed at a state in the 'lucky country' that won't say 'YES' to simple human rights. Man I'm mad! Can't we see that human life is the most precious thing we have. It should be protected, defended, promoted. Not bought and sold. Not used and then tossed away like an empty chip packet. We need to Love like Jesus Loved. And sometimes that calls for more than words, more even than our prayers. It calls for action. Seriously, Jesus hung out with prostitutes and loved poor guys that wore clothes from collection bins and didn't shave all that often and probably smelled a bit too. He stood up for a prostitute when the people condemned her and wanted to stone her. He took time to talk to children that were being ignored and made them feel special. He made a man that was born blind able to see for the first time. He rebuked respected law-abiders that called themselves blameless but didn't care for the sick and needy. He ate dinner with dodgy tax men and people living pretty messed up lives. He didn't judge, although he could have and sent us all to hell and we would have deserved it... but he didn't, he died in our place. He turned 33 and was tortured and put to death on a wooden cross for working miracles and loving in an outrageous way, becoming more than our hero, but our rescuer from wrong living (Sin). The good news is that he didn't stay dead. Jesus rose again after three days and offers us this gift: "Whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life." [ John 3:16 ] What a priceless gift. Lets live today, lets ask him to come into our hearts and to take out all the other junk we fill it with and start to live like He did. Its the best opportunity that ever came my way. Questions/concerns? Feel free to shoot through an email through the web-site. Godbless you, Friday, February 1, 2008
New Zealand by Parachute We were very kindly put up during our stay in New Zealand by a wonderful young couple from Hamilton New Life Church. They were our transport to and from the annual Parachute Music Festival, held in Mystery Creek, host to a phenomenal 27,000 festival goers! Highlights of the trip included playing to a crowd of around 500 Kiwi's on the biggest stage of my life, getting to introduce myself in Maori before performing at two consecutive church services, and experiencing the frightful first whiff of the sulphur smell of Rotorua! (Its odour is somewhere between petrol and rotten eggs. Apparently you do get used to it after a while......) Can't say I did. Friday night Megan and I got the chance to meet up with the pastor that had very generously helped us get to NZ. We also met his Donkey, Rose, and their 2 goats (at least I think they were goats) whom he was roasting up some dandelions for with the lawn mower for an extra feed. We had a great laugh with these guys and it was an absolute treasure to be able to sing at their church's Sunday morning service with Megan and share our passion for Africa, and also what we've been doing here in Australia through music. At Parachute Festival Sunday night I walked out onto the giant Deluxe stage in front of a crowd of relaxed Kiwi's, some who even came to dance and sway down the front. I was very nervous for the first few songs - having never played on a stage of this size – but soon began to relax, the smoke and lights changing colour behind me. The time blazed by as the sweat fell from my face in the 35 degree heat of the large auditorium. The audience got to tune in to the likes of Jacob, Africa and the newie, Children of War. I finished the set with a rendition of the old Sunday school classic, 'Jesus Loves Me This I Know' and although there was an obvious support for the home-grown kiwi artists, I was pleased to get an applause and a few comments afterwards from people saying they really enjoyed the show! On the last night in the land of the long white cloud, I had the incredible chance to meet one of New Zealands finest Gospel Singer Songwriters, Brent Chambers. Brent has been writing worship music for the last 3 decades, and has had songs played all over the world; so as you can imagine I was ready to soak up any advice he had to give. We spent most of the night sharing songs, stories, playing our guitars and having a good laugh. Brent has also spent some time in India and Singapore, working with people there teaching music. Check him out at http://www.brentchambers.co.nz For now I say Ciaou, Wednesday, November 14, 2007 MILDURA GOSPEL MUSIC FESTIVAL: Encounters of the Country kind I'm bound for the first ever Mildura Gospel Music Festival – a new festival to a district which has a rich history of festivals: Country, Jazz, Food & Wine... and when I arrive it is actually really nice here -- warm, peaceful, the Murray river cruising by...what excites and surprises me too is the vast mix of cultures! And now it's performance time. Your truly is kicking off the festival in Henderson Park, just me and my Gibson fronting a mad, raucous, steadily increasing crowd of youth! I've spent the last 2 hours getting to know the other bands backstage and swapping cards -- and they are getting up on this stage with a heck of a lot more than just one acoustic guitar. I wonder whether dance routines could actually work for me & Gibbo..;-) (In fact, one of the bands is Iron and Clay, Matt Corbie's old band of Australian Idol fame. *interesting fact #1.) I begin with 'Letting it Go'. Quite appropriate really! There's the initial sensation of feeling just a little, well, SCARED? Yes, it's true! Then as I look out over the evening crowd, I suddenly realise I feel completely at home up here, enjoying the adrenaline and excitement of performing and reaching out with my all to these people, all the while praying that they will connect with the lyrics and take what I'm saying to heart in this big country town. Later on, when I've settled in to my lovely billeted accommodation for the weekend with some old friends who've grown up (I hit that kind of freak-out moment when you're thinking, ”I knew you as a kid”!), I have another awesome moment of trying to process the fact that I am actually here... The alarm early next morning reminds me of the ABC breakfast show interview -- at 7:15 am! Then Breakfast time comes!!! It's the birthday of local school Chaplain and friend of my billet family: Stuart Stuart. And that's not a typo....real name. Stuart Stuart. Cruel parents? Plain funny I reckon! Well, this guy is a celebrity and I have come on the right day, as a platter of tropical fruit is brought out, shortly followed by a range of cereals and yoghurts, then accompanied by eggs, bacon, grilled tomatoes and mushrooms... I tell them that this is actually part of my daily routine, so if they wouldn't mind keeping it up that would be great... and they tell me I'm dreaming. Langtree Mall, in the heart of town, is the site of the afternoon's performance. And this is where I meet a hero of mine: Steve Grace (this is the manly fellow in the picture -- no, not the one with the purple shirt....)! This guy absolutely amazes me. He's been singing and performing for 23 years. He lives pretty much on the road for most of the year with his family, who also play in his band. He travels the world working with different aid organizations, recently visiting orphanages in Africa and building Youth Centres for Samaritan's Purse in Alaska. Amazing! The guy gave me a real hope of the possibility of working overseas and touring with family, plus the fact that the guy is constantly using his music to really reach out to help others practically. I am so completely stoked -- I have met a true legend! So, filled with inspiration, Gibbo (my guitar for those who have just joined us) and I walk out on to the white tent stage. Atmosphere is relaxed in the town's main shopping mall. People cruise by, everyone is trying to escape the 370 heat. Just then I spot a familiar face in the crowd... the “Weetbix Lady”!! (For those of you who don't know the Weetbix Lady, she's the local northern region Sanitarium rep *interesting fact #2 - and she's a friend I made while on the flight home from the media launch of the Gospel festival). I give her a wave and let everyone know that cereal royalty has joined us! And that night is the Steve Grace concert -- here we come! New friends Duncan and Patrick (all the way from South Africa), Rose and I arrive at the Midway Stadium, just over the NSW border in Gol Gol. The stadium fills rapidly as the night kicks off and Steve and Band walk out! There is excitement in the air, an anticipation lurking, like kids shaking the box to see what's inside their Christmas presents. And the outcome was worth the anticipation! Steve came out with a cracking set of classic songs and new hits. The festival organisers put on a real show, with lights, media and videos in the background and special guest appearances throughout the night by Simeon, Dan Vogler, Allan Espie and even Jordan Grace, Steve's son. ...Through all my tiredness, the lethargic effect of the heat and a few sweaty t-shirts, its all come down to this: the Festival's end and the last concert: Sunday's Gospel on the Green, with 11 other artists, back at Henderson park where it all began. A few great conversations backstage with some real professionals and I leap up the stairs and make my way to the microphone. A small gathering awaits me this time. Nice surprise! A bunch of youngsters sway side to side in front of the stage during the slow songs and compete to see who can dance the worst during the faster ones. Very funny indeed; especially trying to keep time while hearing the very loud out of time clapping coming from the group! But hey, a joyful noise is a joyful noise! It's a relief in some ways when the weekend is over, but sad to leave the stage all the same as I gratefully thank everyone for coming out and hope the oldies under the trees at the back can hear. "It's been a pleasure", I say, "and I look forward to seeing you all again!" And so Mildura came to a climax... and the long road home awaited. So Gibbo and I climb into the trusty magna, just us and a few dead bugs on the windscreen, and chugged our way home, with a bunch of great memories, new friendships and awesome connections made. Till next time... Thursday, October 18, 2007 Goals, Plans, Hopes ... a hundred school girls slowly bustle through the doors of the century old cathedral, making their way into the pews, as I gently strum away in the background. We're here at St Marks Anglican church, for the Wednesday morning chapel service of Camberwell Girls Grammar School. The ratio stands at about 5 guys (teachers and I) to 500 girls. The species is out numbered that's for sure! I take to the platform adorning the front of the church -- admiring the detailed architecture of the mountain high wooden ceilings -- and introduce myself before singing Beautiful Day. The morning light filters the room with blue and red from the stained glass arch windows, the sound of the guitar echoing in and out of the deep chambers and stone walls. 'They sure don't make things like this anymore', I later mention to the school chaplain. The lunchtime concert is given a plug that I'll later be performing at in the schools beautifully gardened courtyard. Two of the year 12's then give an announcement about the 'Face up to Poverty' campaign run by 'Make Poverty History' and also Operation Christmas Child, (delivering Christmas presents to kids in the third world). I was rather impressed by the schools involvement with these causes against poverty, and how switched on they were. It seems a common theme these days that action against poverty has been put into the hands of the younger generation, most frequently students. A response to the lack of action amongst the older generations perhaps? The result of history's most educated and informed generation? Pure compassion for the poor? Whatever it is, kids of all ages are realising they have a voice and are taking advantage of the opportunities they have to initiate change for good -- and I'm excited about it. I can't describe the overwhelming satisfaction/delight I feel as our world slowly begins to care, slowly begins to realise just how easy the steps to take are towards a world free of poverty and hardship. And with the recent media attention of our own climactic problems here in Melbourne, I can only hope that this wave of compassion transcends to our own backyards as well... Promising to think that not far behind you comes a whole mass of young people putting their voices and minds to use, with big dreams for the future and a 'why not' attitude towards helping the world's poor. Tuesday, October 2, 2007 MGMF Media Launch ...As I strap on my boots (well shoes actually) and grab my hat I head outside to mount the horse... (ok it's a car), heading for Mildura, home of Victoria's own "Mildura Gospel Music Festival!" It's an early start, 6:30 am to be precise. I'm heading for the airport destined for Mildura for the official media launch of the upcoming 'Mildura Gospel Music Festival'. (hope that name's sunk in ...I'll be quizzing you on it later!). About 10 minutes from home I encounter some traffic. With a sigh I think to myself, "this is unusual". 2 hours and 354 sighs later I am about a kilometre from where I started, I'm frantically switching lanes while simultaneously on the phone to the airport attempting to hold the flight - and still, stuck in traffic. Eventually I arrive at the crowded Melbourne Airport to be greeted by a sea of flashing lights and departure times. On closer inspection to the departure times I discover that mine is... departed! But don't despair, the good people at Qantas were able to squeeze me onto a later flight and off to Mildura I was headed. I climbed into the small aircraft alongside people returning home, with excitement and awe at this little feat of aeronautical ingenuity! I was met with the worlds largest and noisiest propeller just inches outside my window, which kept me hoping they'd put all the screws in right, and that one side of my head would arrive to Mildura the same shape as the other! Above the grunts and hum of the engine (it did quieten down) I got talking with the gentleman beside me about musical greats of the 40's and 50's, and seeing the comparisons of today's music business. About an hour into the flight we were already circling the dry red plains of Mildura, sweeping over the rivers and farmlands surrounding the regional hub. I poke my head out and it's definitely a lot warmer, that's for sure. I'm greeted by a wonderful trio of hosts, all taking their part in organising the festival, and soon we're on the way to the media launch. ...The Town's Information Centre began to fill with media personnel and council figures as I set up my guitar to open the launch with a song. As I was singing there were interviews by newspapers with the organisers, WIN TV popped up with a camera and even the mayor arrived to put in his two bob. After a few chats it was time to take a quick tour of the town, grab a coffee and check out the sites for the festival. A beautiful town with some history of big festivals in the past. Not too long after I was back on the plane, waving goodbye to my country experience and looking forward to the return. At the end of this month, I'll be departing the shores of Melbourne for a land a little more dry and barren, but a place filled with great music, fine people, and good old country hospitality!! Mildura Gospel Music Festival Friday, August 10, 2007 Adelaide 07 tour with Adrian Rowse: Corona Mark II: Blue Scooter: Well our little Adelaide adventure kicked off meeting with a few Stay tuned for more... Godbless, Levi Tuesday, June 12, 2007 Levi Goes to School. After some initial introduction I begin to play a few songs for them, pausing at the end to allow a few questions, to which one chirpy young fella cries, "Are you famous?!" "No", I reply positively with a laugh. We continue with the next song, Africa, which all 40 or so kids clap along to, holding time surprisingly well. (Although it varies slightly from playing with a drummer!) For the last song the teacher asks if we can all learn one, and so I suggest a song called 'Safari Yungu', which we learnt in Kenya. The only thing is the song is in the language of Swahili, but to their credit the kids did a stellar job of learning it and singing it after a couple practice runs. On leaving the room I give out a bunch of cards to all the kids... bad move! (lol) About 3 split seconds later I'm faced with about 39 of the 40 kids all asking me to autograph their card, or as one boy screamed, "Put Jesse rocks on mine!!!!" That met with the confused looks on the high school students faces walking past as they said to themselves, "who's he" and "he's not famous". I took a few paces to get clear of the chasing few kids who wanted some extra signatures on their cards and said a big thankyou to the teacher for having me, and to my inviters and headed for the car once more... ha ha... what a day! Well that's the story of my week anyway.
Have a great one & Godbless, Wednesday, May 16, 2007 Phillip Island, Fish & Chips & more... After a couple minutes the crew of about 35 or so leaders-in-training and staff began to wander in out of the cold, inside to the warm lodge to gather around the coffee machine. The next couple of hours consisted of one of the best camp meals I've ever tasted, followed by some in depth guidelines on 'how to be a leader'. A wonderful man named Tim from California spoke of the things that hold us back from being leaders/examples. He pointed out that by looking over your shoulder, you should be able to tell if you are a leader (by who's following). Smart guy. I stand up and have a little stretch as the gathering ranging in age from around 15 to 30 begin to head off for their next session. Time to set up for a cafe night of song and chips (lots of chips)!... the room is dim lit with candles burning (as well as the odd bit of paper thanks to the firebugs in the room ha ha!) I sit in front of props in the shape of a city skyline, draped with christmas lights, singing and sharing a bit between songs, letting the audience know how jealous I am of the chips and lollies sprawled out in front of them like a Kings banquet. The night rages on. After a selection of about 10 originals we shared in a time of group singing and praise songs, which tested everyone's vocal chords after a long day. But they were marvelous, and the camp was great. We were very hospitably offered a place to stay as the night ended up quite late. What we thought would be some pretty 'camp style' accommodation turned out to be 5 star motel. It took some willpower to leave our lovely surroundings the following morning. The crisp ocean air, the green grass, the trees swaying in the wind, the... lets not get too carried away shall we. We sat down for a hearty breakfast and then said our goodbye's and hit the road... on the way to new adventures back on the mainland!! Godbless, Friday, May 11, 2007 "Social Justice Night" The MC for the night steps onto the light covered stage and directs people to their seats as the night kicks off. First up is a talk on human trafficking, a topic that made my skin crawl for the people in our world who trade in lives for $$$. Its followed by a presentation on abortion, a very contentious topic that really proved that care should start from conception. Then we set to the stage to sing and talk about a topic I hold dear to my heart. Child Soldiers. After visiting Uganda and experiencing the culture and especially the joy and innocence of the children, it was hard to imagine how these little ones could be forced to train, use guns, and kill. As we sang we projected a slide show onto the wall of images of child soldiers and the effects of war... ....as the pictures flashed and the music played, my heart sank for all the sadness in the world; only to be filled with the hope that we can make a difference.... I realised after this night of grim topics and sad revelations, that building awareness is the first step to seeing a different future for our world. More and more people are getting involved in spreading the news of injustice and poverty through such avenues as 'the invisible children' and also locally run, 'A climate change', set up to engage people in protecting human life. Big thanks to all the people at YPCC for putting on the night and for everyone who came and got involved! www.invisiblechildren.com Sunday, April 29, 2007 LUTHER COLLEGE I arrive at luther college on Thursday morning, 26th of April, cold and still half asleep after playing a gig with band at Collingwood's notoriously loud 'Barley Corn Hotel'. I meet with Pastor David Spike, one of the resident College Pastors/teachers, and he ushers me inside to the Chapel, where the mornings assembly will be held. I strap on my guitar and begin to strum away, creating some background noise as hundreds of uniform students pile in. After the morning announcements are made, I am introduced to the stage, where just short of 1000 eyes rest upon me, hovering like vultures over dying prey, waiting to see what will come out of this hollowed wood and rusty throat. But my illusions dull and I begin to sing, sharing a little before each song, the crowd scarily silent. My fears were stilled as one of the students approached the stage after the performance to tell me that "it was really good", and "sorry my school is so quiet", to which I laughed. The rest of the morning was shared with 2 year 12 classes in who came down to the chapel, and as they relaxed/studied/listened I shared about my journey and sung a few more tunes for them. Their teachers would ask a few questions which prompted some light discussion, but the best time had was chatting with a few of the people that stayed behind. Some really world-conscious students cut into their next class (sorry teachers) and stayed back to chat about their own stories of travel and mission and ask some more in depth questions about Africa and its people. The Lunch time bell rang only a little while later, where drummer Warrick moreton and myself had set up for a bit of rocking out! (See this was special to me because I first got into music from the inspiration of a band coming to my school...GO Antiskeptic!) They threw a PA system out the front of the high school canteen, where students had strewn themselves out on couches, school tables and chairs, which set for a great audience! I plugged in the electric guitar, turned up the amp and began to play. Around the drums gathered a pied piper gathering of Year 7 boys, all loving the crash of the cymbals and the boom of the drums! There was some dancing from the more outrageous of the bunch and even a request which we were honoured to play. As the bell rang, we finished up and the kids wandered back to class, and we were satisfied, having entertained them for a while!! Godbless, levi Sunday, April 15, 2007 AGMF Reflections ....walking around the outside of the fence separating AGMF and us I'll admit was a little strange. It took us a while to take in the size of this giant festival, attracting 29,000 people over the weekend from all over Australia to see the top Christian acts from around the world. After registration we entered the first shed which reminded me of my country roots as a kid at 'Farm Expo's' - except replacing the latest sheep lice control product were brightly coloured T-shirts quoting "Jesus Ain't a Dirty Word". Surrounding us on every side were overwhelming chances to support mission organizations, next to interactive child sponsorship displays, next to stalls selling glow sticks and neon lights. Though skeptical at first of this mass extravaganza we were surprised by the genuineness of the artists and the heart of those involved, seeking change in the world. It took almost half the day to get our bearings and work out where everything was located. Meeting up with some close friends sure helped take the stress out of it. My chance to bottle the nerves came later that evening as I took to the stage with fellow artist and friend, 'Adrian Rowse', helping out with a little guitar on the Vision Metro Stage. My fingers shook as I struggled for concentration amidst my disbelief of this dream coming true! I looked up, shielding my eyes from the gleaming lights and saw the people gather in as we began to play. With sheer joy written across my face, we finished up the set and headed off stage.... The opportunity for me to sing came only a couple of hours later. After anxiously waiting and nervously anticipating the 30 minute set, I climbed up onto the stage and began to play. The stage sat in front of a few hundred or so people, surrounded by coffee and food stalls. Song rolled into song with a story here and there and some chatting with the audience, and I began to relax. I started to enjoy myself more and more with each chord. I found it hard not to smile, feeling like I'd pop at any second from excitement. When the last note rang out I thanked the audience and left the stage, really happy at the response, and surprised at how fun performing could be. I got to chat with some wonderful people that night about Uganda, and they told me how one of the songs I had played was written just for them. I thought, "That's exactly why I'm here....So these songs can really mean something to someone else." Over the rest of the weekend I got to perform a few more times at different venues around the AGMF grounds, meet with organizations and even had a couple of interviews (scary!!!) I also caught a few very talented acts during the festival that are gonna be in your cd collection very soon, if not already!! For some video footage of the performances please check out: www.levimcgrath.com/gallery.html HERO'S YOUTH CAMP - MERRICKS Within 15 minutes the morning's first session had begun... the restless shuffling of chairs and feet heard in the background. "Lets stand and sing", I muttered into the microphone; and before long the echoing hall was filled with the sounds of about 60 youth and youth group leaders. With the topic of HERO'S we began to share about our African friend Paul, formerly paralyzed on one side of his body. As the morning progressed we covered some Biblical Hero's like David and talked about some of our own wishes to be a super-hero. The fun and games didn't stop there. The sunny afternoon led into a very funny & messy set of games, run by leader Ben - who seemed to take pleasure in making the activities as messy as possible! These included jumping into the pool for points, getting coated in shaving cream, egg wars and some flour thrown in as well (hey why not?!). After everyone had finished getting the egg-shell out of their hair we headed in to dinner and a nights full of entertainment. There was incredible breakdancing (not for people who struggle at 'Twister'), skits involving a lot of people being rescued from train tracks (too many westerns for these guys) followed by best Hero costumes competitions and a whole lot more. Later in the evening we got to share some more of our stories and had an inspired time of worship, singing and talking with people about being Hero's in their lives. After the campfire died down that evening, and with not quite the regular amount of sleep needed, the next morning's session began. This was really impacting to see kids not that much younger than us really connect and make decisions about who they're gonna follow and what they're gonna stand for. An incredible time to say the least. To Bill, Chong, Johann, Damien, Calvin, Ben, Luke, and all, Bless you guys as you continue your Hero lives! levi mcgrath. Wednesday, April 11, 2007 Blue Cafe House Concert We arrive to a very tropical destination north-west of brisbane, surrounded with ferns and palm trees and local suburbia. After unpacking the music gear and half destroying our wonderful host Anne's car, we head down under the house, where the gig would be held. (If you haven't seen them before, Queenslander houses have these great areas under the house for cooling, but also good for mellow acoustic gigs....like this!) The room began to glow, as the sun went down, with candles spread over the tables, illuminating the colourful drapes that adorned the walls. The floors covered in cushions and beanbags for seating, all pointing to the small elevated stage at the back of the room. People begin to filter in and I start to sing, as my wife megan delivers drinks to those at tables. The night continues, and everyone seems to settle in more and more, even joining in on "Amazing Grace". I stick my head up from the microphone about halfway through and am surprised to see a little baby dancing away up the back. I find out later while talking to her father that they lived next door and she wouldn't stop dancing to the music, so he had to bring her over. (Kids album next???? haha) During the break I invite a guy called Mike Runcorn (Brisbane muso) up to the stage - who happened to be there on the night - to sing a tune of his. Last time I do that tho, (the guy was great)! I ended up the night with a set of originals and chatted with all that came along till past midnight. What wonderful people, a great night and a special gig. Big Thanks to Anne Gregora for her organisational efforts and the Blue cafe girls for opening up their home! GODbless, Friday, February 23, 2007 A night in the hills @ VCYC Well... our timing skills weren't say, all that great, and we very apologetically arrived late to the Victorian Christian Youth Convention, which by this stage was packed with people, all bursting to get through the doors to the main event! I took to the mic in the foyer as the excited youth groups made their way into the auditorium - chanting, jumping, and cheering - each with their own style and song! There were people everywhere, colourful t-shirts, crazy hair-do's and name tags hanging below smiling faces. When the foyer had emptied out, we joined the masses in the auditorium, where there was some awesome singing, entertainment and all followed by a challenging talk by a man named John Dickson. As I sung after the night session had ended I noticed a group of young guys who were listening in the second row of seating. As I was rolling up my leads after the set they came up and introduced themselves - four guys, about 14-15 years old, in a band called "Highway". They asked me a few questions about getting signed, and all of a sudden I felt so humbled to be able to answer the questions that I had asked, only a few short years before. It really came as a shock to me, that I had something to offer, and that these guys were interested in how I got started. And I guess it's funny, the things you take for granted, until you're surprised by someone who can use what you've learned. Godbless, ...And look out for the band 'Highway'! Saturday, February 3, 2007 Melbourne's Barley Corn Hotel! GodBless, Wednesday, December 20, 2006 I'm Married! Godbless,
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