Good music makes my heart happy

Good music makes my heart happy...especially when it's FREE. Today Amazon had a free download of a song from the new Matt Wertz EP. I'm a big Matt Wertz fan...I've seen him in concert 2 or 3 times and he never disappoints. Anyway, today's free download was "Sing My Lonesome Away". Here's a YouTube video of the song. It's good. I promise. Enjoy.

Will not take my love away

Tonight I went to Matt Wertz's concert at The Social in Downtown Orlando. This is the third time I've seen Matt in about 2 years. Every single time has been amazing. He's incredible talented, has great stage presence, and is just really passionate about what he does. Plus, he's one of many artists who supports The Mocha Club which I believe is doing amazing work for the people of Africa.

Of all the songs Matt sang tonight, I think this one is my favorite. It may not be as catchy, melodious, or lyrically intriguing as the rest of his music, but it speaks volumes. It speaks the truth of Christ in such a simple way to understand. While Matt is a Christian, he's not particularly known as a Christian artist, which is awesome. Because at his concert tonight were people of all walks of life. Those people heard these truths. The truth of the Gospel. Whether they realize it or not, the seed has been planted. Hopefully someone someday will share with them about the Great Lover whose love will never be taken away.

Anyway, enjoy the lyrics and if Matt is ever in your town, be sure to hit up his concert. In the meantime, check out The Mocha Club. Give $7 a month. Be Love to the people of Africa. It's easy.

I will not take my love away
When praises cease and seasons change
while the whole world turns the other way
I will not take my love away
I will not leave you all alone
When striving leads you far from home
And there's no yield for what you've sown
I will not leave you all aone
I will give you what you need
In plenty or in poverty
Forever, always, look to me
And I will give you what you need

Healthy Addiction, right?

So I have an addiction. There. I admitted it. That's the first step in the 12 step process, right? I have an addiction to music, and therefore, concerts. In the last 20 minutes I've purchased concert tickets for OneRepublic with Dave Barnes and Matt Wertz as well as 2 albums on iTunes. That's reasonable, right??? Lucky for me (not so lucky for my wallet) I have some friends that love music and concerts even more than I do, so finding someone to go to a concert I want to go to isn't very difficult. Even better, my friends have very similar tastes in music so they're usually the ones telling me what concerts are happening in the area. I couldn't ask for anything better. So, in less than a month, I will be seeing 2 of my absolute favorite singer/songwriters at House of Blues. Dave and Matt, I cannot wait until I see you again.

As for the 2 albums I purchased. One was OneRepublic and I'm going to see them in concert, so that is totally justifiable. The other was Tristan Prettyman. One of her songs, "Madly" was the free download of the week on iTunes and I loved it, so I purchased the whole album. It was only $5.99!! How could I pass that up?!? And iTunes, I have to give it to you. You really do have a pretty good taste in music most of the time. The free download of the week has introduced me to some pretty amazing artists. I believe it's where I first heard of Sara Bareilles waaaay before she hit it big...like almost a year ago. So props to you iTunes for continually taking money from me.

Now the debate is, do I want to go to the Augustana concert...I think I do...I need to go look between the couch cushions for loose change to feed this addiction. I'm also accepting donations. You can make your check directly out to me if you'd like to help support my music addiction ;)

P.S.--The Indelible Grace concert Sunday night was phenomenal. Matthew Smith and all of the artists who are part of the Indelible Grace project are truly talented individuals. And someday I will learn how to play the pedal steel guitar....right after I master the Kazoo.

New Music!

Dave Barnes' new CD came out this past week. Believe me, this guy is good. He's got a fabulous voice and intriguing lyrics. In concert he's incredibly entertaining--a great performer and absolutely, flat-out hilarious! I saw him a few months ago at The Social (Probably my favorite concert venue...intimate feeling, up and coming acts, cheap tickets) with Matt Wertz, another particular favorite of mine. Wertz and Barnes are friends and tour together from time to time. I was a little skeptical as to how good the concert was going to be...but it was incredible! They performed each other's songs together and cracked hilarious jokes throughout the night. Anyhow, iTunes is selling Dave Barnes new CD, "Me and You and The World" for just $5.99 for a limited time. You can't beat that deal. Great music for a great price. Go check it out. Like, I'm not joking. Seriously. Go download it. (And then write me precious little notes about my fabulous taste in music. It'll be good for you. And me. Thanks.)

Now if only those boys would come back and sing in Florida....

PS--Be sure to check out a really great cause that the Wertz and Barnes both support. The Mocha Club brings awareness to issues plaguing 3rd World countries. You can support the Mocha Club by giving just $7 a month (Just give up Starbucks twice a month and voila! There you have $7 to donate). Your money supports Widow and Orphans, Clean Water Initiatives, Educational Initiatives and so much more. Plus, the Mocha Club organizes mission trips, so you can give your time, too, and see these issues firsthand.