Just saw a marvelous little movie entitled "The Intouchables" at the Drexel Theater in Columbus. "The Intouchables" meaning "Untouchables" in its' native French is a story about a parapalegic milliionaire and his ex-con caregiver. This movie works because the two main actors put in very strong performances. The story, set in France and told in French with English subtitles, is about the unlikely friendship that developes between two people of different race, culture and economic means. Based on a true story, the film chronicles roughly 2 months of their lives together. It is very moving at times, and also features many moments of laughter and humor. For folks like me who enjoy a movie with great story, passion and grace without the "shoot 'em up" and "relentless special effects" of the current crop of losers, this film was like a breath of fresh air. Breathe in and enjoy the simplicity of "The Intouchables" playing briefly at the Drexel.

Yesterday, I had the  great  pleasure to  return  after  8 years to Franklin Church in  New Albany! This  is the church  where  my friend, and co-writer Sean Hooper  is the worship  leader. Sean co-wrote the opening  track on  my CD "Love  Never Fails" and also  the  title  track,  "Change the World."  In  both  instances I handed him the lyrics with no  melody in mind. He  really has a nice sense of rhythm and melodic intuition, and made two great songs for me to sing! Pastor Michael Brown taught on "Spiritual Warfare"  which  allowed  me  to  sing  my  song "He Trains My Hands for War" during the service. I also had the opportunity to join  their  worship  team  for a  rousing  version  of  "The Battle Belongs to the Lord." Thanks to everyone at Franklin Church for making me feel so welcomed and at home!

Tanya Tucker broke into the country music business  at the ripe old age  of 13 back in 1972. Her  first record was "Delta  Dawn" and now  40 years later,  Miss Tucker is still going strong. Although,  no longer on the charts,  Tanya Tucker's hit singles  span the 70s, 80s and 90s. The nearly sold ou t Renfro Valley Barn in Renfro  Valley, Kentucky provided the venue for Tucker's talented troupe. The energetic six piece band, backed Miss Tucker in a fast paced, ninety  minute set. The  show opened with "Some Kind of Trouble"  and  closed  with "Delta Dawn."  In between , the audience  enjoyed 70s hits from her Columbia Records days  like, "What's Your Mama's Name" and "Blood Red and Goin' Down". Her MCA hits of   "San Antonio Stroll" and  my favorite, "Lizzie and  the Rainman". Her Capitol hits were the dominant theme in her songlist, "Down to My  Last  Teardrop," "Strong Enough  to Bend", and "Two  Sparrows in a Hurricane." Surprisingly, she did not sing "Texas, When I Die." Dressed in black throughout the show, Miss Tucker recounted the various ups and  downs of  her life  and career. Two  daughters came along  and showcased their  talent as well. Vocally, Tanya Tucker is still powerful, with the rough-cut  trademark vibrato she's known for. I had met Tanya Tucker back in 1975, but had never been to a concert till now. I'll be back.

I met Kevin in the late 70s at the WMNI Country Cavalcade where he was a star performer with his band "Liberty Street" and I was a lowly stage manager with big dreams. I just kind of hung around him whenever I could, watching him, listening to him, simply learning from him about the country music business. After a couple of years, I launched into my first country album which became "I Love My Friends". Released in 1980, the lead track which I wrote, was played by Kevin and his band. It was called "It's Hard to Love A Country Singer" and can be heard on my YouTube page. I was honored that Kevin took his time and talents and lent them to me for free. Later on in 1981, my album and single, were a finalist for the Ohio Country Music Association Awards, and I was a finalist in the Male vocal category. I remember that October night, and hearing my name nominated time and time again...and each time Kevin Mabry was announced as the winner!! Anyhow, he and I have since become Christians and have our own unique sound and ministries.
       Last Sunday, I met Kevin and wife Nancy after the 4th of July service in Ashville. He and Nancy travel during the summer with iced tea stands, and were vending at the festival. It was so good to see him. Kevin attends the Marysville UMC where his current pastor is Aaron Brown who last led the congregation at Village Chapel UMC in Ashville. 
       Kevin is still recording and touring and making great music. You can reach him at 937-645-9424. Call him and let him bless your church or event.
      

Each   year  for  the   4th  of  July   celebration   in Ashville, the churches from the Ashville and South Bloomfield area get together for a community wide church service on the Sunday prior to the 4th. This year   I  was  blessed   to  be  able  to  provide  the "gathering music" for the community. I sang for 20 minutes  or   so   while   people   were   coming  in. Although another sweltering  hot  day,  the  attend-
ance  was  nevertheless   strong.  The  community choir was excellent as  was  the  message brought by   Rev.  Kevin  Pees  of   Village   Chapel   UMC. Preaching   honors   usually   goes   to   the   new preacher  in  town,  so's  to  break  'em  in   good!

Braving  the 100  degree  temperature,  the  fine folks  at  the  Pickaway  Senior  Citizens  Center showed up  en masse  for a great luncheon and music  provided  by  "The Singing Mailman".  In fact I was  honored  by a  group of  11 from  the Louise Terrace  Center that's  on my  route here in Ashville, who  traveled down to hear me sing. In  additon  there  were several  other folks from my route  there too.  Plus many friends from the various   churches   I've  sung  at  the  past   12 months.  This  was a  return  visit  for  me,  so I kicked  off  my  shoes  and  had  a  grea t time. Included some old favorites like "Sweet, Sweet, Jesus", "How Great Thou Art," and a couple of patriotic  tunes  that  I  had  never  sung in  concert   before: Merle  Haggard's "The  Fightin'  Side  of  Me", and  Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA."

Sorry, but  I'm a  little  slow on  this post. I had a wonderful day, Sunday, June  3rd at  the Fairfield  Beach  UMC. This quaint little church near Buckeye Lake is pastored by long-time  friends,  Pastor Terry and  Bunny  Borah. Terry  and I met in the mid  80s when  we were both  in a Diane  Green Musical  production.  Through  the  years  I've  sung  at his churches  many  times. This was my  first  time to  Fairfield Beach, and with the exception of getting lost getting there, it was great. The congregation  were very  warm and friendly and very receptive to my 45 minutes of music.