Recently I sang at the Zion United Methodist Church in Ashville. It was a particularly sunny Sunday morning, which allowed the stained glass windows to shine from the eastern sun. These pictures really don't quite capture the beauty of the windows as they are huge and quite impressive in person. My friend and former letter-carrier co-worker, Bill Welch said that all the windows in the church were insured for over 2 million dollars. Wow!

Last Saturday night, Legendary singer Johnny Mathis appeared in concert with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra at the Ohio Theater in Columbus. This was my first full symphony concert and it was incredible. I was struck by both the power and beauty of the orchestra. For me, it helped that they played familiar, popular songs to open with, including an inspiring version of "Mona Lisa". After a brief intermission, with absolutely no fanfare, Mr. Mathis quietly walked to the center stage and began an incredibly charming and grace filled evening of song. No jokes, little talk, just quiet humility and great music. At age 76 his voice has deepened some, but the tenderness he is able to convey to the lyric is amazing. Songs like "Misty", "Chances Are", "It's Not for Me to Say" were fan favorites. But, for nearly 100 minutes Mr. Mathis had both the respect of the audience and the orchestra that played with him, and Mathis seemed genuinely glad and humbled to be in that position, front and center. I left feeling with great appreciation for a music era that has passed, but still has great passion in the artistry of Johnny Mathis.

Right off the top I want to say what a great show this baby was! Having seen the movie in 2000, I was anxious to see  what the screenplay  had done to the story. Thankfully the story  that  revolves  around  11 year  old Billy  Elliot of  the country  side  outside London, England in 1978 is  left in tact. You see the struggles  of a coal mining  town coming to grips with an economy that was leaving  them behind. You see the passion of a young adolescent boy who  dreams to dance instead of boxing. The story  is told both  with humor  and drama. The  music carries  some of the lyric for  the  story, but mostly it's a chance for the young lads and lassies to dance. In this Broadway Across America production, there are 4 boys who rotate the role of Billy Elliot. The young man appeared to  be Asian  in the  title role on  Wednesday  nights  performance. He was spectacular!  His  infectious  smile, and  feet  that  danced  up a  storm, he  had  the audience's heart from the first beat!

eBrosOhio just put up two new YouTube videos for me. Both songs are from my 2000 release "Growing Up Gospel." The first, "You Can't Be A Beacon (If Your Light Don't Shine) is the remake of the Donna Fargo, 1974 #1 hit. That's also the song I have usually closed my concerts with over the past 10 years or so. The second video is "Papa Was A Good Man' which was a moderate hit for Johnny Cash back in the early 70s. This song always gets a good response in concerts, and I continue to sing it today. I hope you'll check it out on my YouTube (Gospel) tab up top.

Last night long time friend Gregg Jabarisidiki and I attended the Columbus Jazz Orchestra's production of "A Night at the Cotton Club" at the intimate Southern Theater. The Cotton Club was the hot-bed of Jazz in the 20s and 30s in NYC. The signature band during the peak years was Duke Ellington. Some of the greatest Jazz writers, performers and musicians passed through the doors of the infamous club. CJO's performance featured tap dance extrodinaire, Ted Levy. Levy was tutored under the greats in tap including the late Gregory Hines. Mr. Levy performed with great passion and wit, charming the Southern audience. Featured vocalist for the night was Broadway songstress, Brenda Braxton. Her sassy vocals coupled with the orchestra's arrangements were truly a delight. Of course, Byron Stripling, leader of the band, took his turn in the spotlight on several numbers. Once again, the professionalism and grace that is the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, filled the Southern Theater with a unique and thrilling show!

The lead track from  1980's "I Love  My Friends" LP "It's Hard to Love a Country Singer" is now up and  running on  YouTube. This song features one of my best friends in the music industry and one of the most talented, Kevin Mabry from the Marysville, Ohio  area. Kevin, along  with his band, Liberty Stree t took an entire Saturday to  come to  Logan, Ohio where  we were recording  and put this song together. It was an exciting moment for a 19 year old kid to be able to work with  these guys  whom  I respected  in the music business. Check  out my  YouTube (country) tab up top to view. Other YouTube videos in production are on the way!