52 Parks~52 Weeks Week Three

This past week at work I shared with a surgeon what I was doing with these next 50 weekends. He told me that parks like Timucuan / Ft. Caroline don't "count" as National Parks. To which I promptly replied, this is my challenge and I'm making the rules. So there you go! I am saying if they are listed on the National Park Service  then they count!!

For this week’s challenge I went to Cumberland Island GA. I had all intentions of getting to the ferry at 9AM to make the 5-6 hour guided ranger tour, and make it to the church that JKF Jr. got married in. However, on this cold dreary morning I decided sleep was more important than history. I regretted that decision!  After a ferry ride over to the island I got off at the Sea Camp stop so that I could make sure I got the stamp for my passport book that can only be gotten on the island. A short hike along the River Trail lead me to the Ice House Museum then off to the Dungeness Ruins. 

Just a small side note here, of all the parks I've been to, not just this year but all in general, this one has the worst maps and signage.  I can follow a map.  I can follow directions.  But tails not listed on the map but marked with signs that indicate areas that aren't on the map, like the Duck Pond?, were very confusing to me. And I am not sure if it is because it is an "off season" but the ferry ride was at capacity and not enough room inside on this cold day.  I would hate to see it on a rainy day!

On the positive side, Cumberland has an abundance of wild horses.  While walking up a trail from the marsh, where I was extremely glad I had on my waterproof Timberland's (...seriously, if you don't own a pair...why not) I noticed people ahead of me taking pictures of me.  Glancing behind me to see what was the fuss; I encountered a bevy of babes, mares that is, meandering up from the marsh with me. I managed an "Oh, hey ladies" as I stepped out of their way to let them pass.  When you go to Cumberland, make no mistake, for all their beauty and majesty these horses are indeed wild and should be treated as such.  So, step aside I did, and became still in their presence.  Their every hoof step carried an air of grace and poise but I did not want to spook them with any sudden movement or flashes with my camera.  I did manage to get a few shots of them that I will be using as wall art in my home!  Enjoy!

52Parks~52Weeks Week two (weak too!)

For this weeks adventure we (and I say we because I have convinced my sister-in-law Jen that this is going to be the most fun legally possible) have decided to tackle the big easy and two National Parks, The National Jazz Museum, and Jean Lafitte National Park . I contact my old friend Priceline and scored a hotel not only IN the French Quarter but ON Bourbon Street!

It's at this point I feel compelled to explain a couple of things. First, after I began my quest to complete 52 National Parks is 52 weeks, I walked into work on Monday and first day, first assignment, first case, I promptly twisted my ankle. I'm talking white light blinding, ears popping, unable to process thought other than OH.-MY.-JESUS! pain, unable to stand pain. A trip to the ER later and I'm told to rest it for 1-3 days and you'll be good to go. I'm counting Monday as day one right? I mean it IS early...Two half days of work with my foot propped on an upside down garbage can doing nothing more than hyper extending my knee followed by on the couch, foot in the air draining the swelling and I should be right as rain. (Speaking of rain, we arrived in NOLA in drizzling-just-enough-to-be-annoying rain under tornado watches.) Now the hotel is right on Bourbon Street remember? And it is an exceptionally beautiful hotel (The Four Points By Sheraton) decorated with exquisite chandeliers in the lobby, details in the woodwork and absolutely NO sound proofing in the rooms...so after hobbling around, in the rain, finally finding the National Jazz Museum JUST as the concert was ending (for future reference if you are headed to NOLA...go to the end of the open market, in the dark red brick building that was once the US mint. There you'll find the new location of the Jazz Museum...but to get your National Park stamp, head back up to the headquarters building in alley behind the Cafe Du Monde all the way at the end, just before the bathrooms...) Back to the hotel...with no sound proofing...sitting right on Bourbon Street...I have ear phones in playing two small beach waves, rain, and reflection...and it is NOT drowning out Bourbon Street. So here I sit, waiting for 2AM, praying that they do indeed stop in this state AT 2AM, because tomorrow, will be day four...and surely my foot won't swell, and all will be well, and it won't rain on my river boat cruise to my next National Park: Jean Lafitte...because they are planning a reenactment of the battle of NOLA!

The foot is better this morning but I am still aware of its tenderness at times on the cobblestones of the NOLA streets.  After a breakfast trip to Cafe Du Monde its off to catch a river cruise on the Creole Queen paddle boat to the Chalmette Battlefield.  I have decided hereto from this day forward to find other reenactments on my list of parks to conquer and make it a priority to be there!  I am also convinced that most of these southern gentlemen, after this battle, had to be deaf because these cannons were LOUD!  The drizzling rain made this day another day that I was so grateful and thankful for the invention that is Timberland waterproof boots! If you don't own a pair...why not?  The smoke from the cannons made for some beautiful photos.  Here is a synapse of my trip in photos, enjoy!

52 National Parks~ 52 Weeks

So, at the beginning of the New Year I saw a lot of challenges for people to start one 365 challenge after another...be it miles, photos, calories...lol you get the point.   Well, with my schedule, I never know where I'm going to be, or what I'm going to be doing.  I'm also just not passionate about walking/running/exercising...but I AM passionate about photography and National Parks.  So the thought occurs to me...Why not do 52 National Parks in 52 weeks?  There are a lot of places that are designated National Parks without having to travel to California or Wyoming, even though I do want to include at least one MAJOR national park in my quest this year.  But today I started at home, in my backyard, in Jacksonville FL.  Today I visited Ft. Caroline National Park, that actually included THREE parks in one small area! So even though it was three...I'm going to count it as one...however if later in the year I am unable for whatever reason to complete a park one week, I am totally planning on counting each one individually!! Today's parks were: Fort Caroline National Memorial Park, Gullah-Geechee National Heritage Corridor, Timucuan Preserve and technically a fourth because Gullah-Geechee National Heritage Corridor was divided into Timucuan Preserve and Fort Caroline sections! 

I could change the name of this blog to 52 Parks 52 Weeks...OR This-is-what-happens-when-you-buy-a-pair-of Timberland waterproof hiking boots! (Yes I got my Timberland's in September when I went to Yosemite and I completely plan on wearing them out!!)

Here are a couple of my images of the day.  I love how the lens caught a rainbow! 

I know I may just have my head in the clouds on this adventure...but never-the-less it is my challenge to myself for the year.  I'll be sure to keep you informed on my journey!

Aurora

I read this blog and cried! It's from a woman that was present during shootings in Aurora, CO. I think it's better than anything I could say about the events of this weekend.
http://aminiatureclaypot.wordpress.com/2012/07/20/so-you-still-think-god-is-a-merciful-god/ 

I am praying for this community, these people and for all the families involved...even the man who did the shootings...it must be just as deviating for them as well, they're also dealing with the brunt of anger of not only our nation but the globe.  That must be a horrendous weight on them.  God that your peace, glorious grace and mercy that is new everyday strengthen and uphold them today and in the days ahead.  

Filter-less

I'm sitting here outside the Hospice facility and I noticed a tree that looks a little worse for wear. For the middle of the summer after all of this rain I would think its leaves would be greener, perkier or at least more lifted up. Then a squirrel runs along the fence top behind the tree, the wind blows, a serenade of grasshoppers (my aunt says they're June bugs) start a chime in the distance and the sound rolls across my spectrum from right to left. A turtle pops it head up from the retention pond causing ripples to bounce the water ever so gently across to the other side. It's then my eyes see the oh so ordinary, slightly worse for worn, tired tree in the beauty of its reflection. The serenade grows louder and wind now amplifies the rippling, distorting the image to unrecognizable and it's colors melt into the taller oak behind it and the crystal blue of the sky. I tried to capture that image with my camera but it lost its majesty in the iris of technology but not in my minds eye. I know I've written about the importance of perspective, but today I see the beauty of it.

I know that the God of all creation is taking the shell of a woman I've had the honor and privilege to call mom, and more recently the joy of calling friend, and transforming her out of her tired, a little worse for worn, always-anything-but-ordinary body into a beautiful reflection of what her forever is going to be. It started as an assignment for me to walk her through the valley...and there have been some dark twists and snares...but I pray it won't be long until I can report to you that she has accomplished the task before her and won the race, with more wisdom and grace and peace than I have ever known. Yes it started as an assignment, but it has become my privilege. My heart hurts to let her go...I miss her already...but this is not her last breath...it will be her first.

When Things Get Bad

If I could throw this lifeless lifeline to the wind
Leave this heart of clay, see you walk, walk away
Into the night...and through the rain
Into the half-light and through the flame...

Mom was admitted to the hospital Friday. I've been sitting with her, watching TV, talking, remembering the this and that's of our lives. I have discovered exactly how funny she is with her filter removed...and IV pain meds are great for removing filters. She is also VERY fidgety!!!! I am not. I am usually annoyed by those who can't be still. I have always been very still. A thinker more than a doer. But she is not annoying me. These are the precious times. The calm before the storm. (There are storms coming that can't be prayed away.)


Yesterday I went to church but got the call that she needed me before church. In Sunday school (first church) I wrote a letter to her.


Dear Mom,

Chance told me the other day that some of his best / favorite memories of you and daddy were our cabin / mountain trips. When we would all get snuggled into bed and you would start laughing. We all knew it was because you had just 'got' the joke of the day. But to him it would cause a joy to come again and that moment to him was funnier/ better than the original joke. He remembers going to sleep with such a peace and joy.

When he told me that story, it brought back to me my childhood-because that's what you've done for all of us throughout our family life. You have been the JOY of this family. I know that it must have seemed like we were laughing at you- but we weren't. We were laughing because of you. You have been our joy all of these years. I want you to rise up and continue to be our joy for years to come.

I know that the pain you are in is great.

If I could through myself
Set your spirit free
I'd lead your heart away
See you break, break away...

I'm praying that God takes this pain from you.

If I could, you know I would,
If I could, I would
Let it go.....

I pray that HE restores to you YOUR joy! Chance is funny because you are funny. I am strong because you are strong. And you are healed because He IS healing. You are holy because He is too holy to fail you!
I love you momma!
Love,
Jant.

(Song by U2 from the album 'The Unforgettable Fire' October 1984/ Lyrics by Bono)

It's Not A Hill It's A Mountain As You Start Out The Climb

They say it’s all about perspective. One of the driving factors in my life has been that I want to know the truth about what people think of me. It’s the only way I can change. But we are blind to ourselves. We simply don’t see the need for change in ourselves. “How can you stand next to the truth and not see it?” We think we are the ones who are okay and everyone else is nuts. I think it would be one of the most hateful things to get to the end of our road or journey and look back to find that those we chose to surround ourselves with were merely tolerating us, that there were things about us that they really didn’t like, things that we could have changed if we only realized how others really saw us.

On the last day of high school I found out what one of my closest friends really thought of me. I hunted her down to confront her. I wasn’t as mad as I was hurt. After all of these years, to find out at the end what she really thought. It cut me deep. A couple of years later, in college, I found a former roommates’ car unlocked in a place that it usually wasn’t. When I found her she wasn’t impressed that I was concerned. But rather she hurled an insult at me, thus letting me know what she had really felt but kept pent up about me. “Everybody needs to cry or needs to spit.” I found myself developing a clinging nature. The need to know, to be told…how do you really feel about me? I became “That” girl. Not long after I suffered “THE” breakup. (You know the one…the one you STILL haven’t gotten over…yup THAT one) Looking back, I can’t blame him. I would have ran from me too! “There’s a part of me in the chaos that’s quiet…”

As I moved to Atlanta, I took with me my favorite pair of blue jean, knee length shorts. I think they were my favorite because the “crew” had signed them…(don’t ask…even I don’t know what I was thinking then) I took a sharpie and wrote “Never Never” (Stacked as if in shadow) People thought it was because of a band of the same name. (Were they a local group? Or popular? I don’t know…) But it was in fact because the Raven cries nevermore… I began introducing myself as Raven. I had decided that no one was ever going to make me cry again. I was not going to let anyone get close enough to me to even know me, let alone inflict pain on me. Because they say it’s all about perspective. My perspective was that if you didn’t know me, you couldn’t affect or effect me. It amazes me how quickly I put that wall up…and how long it took to break it down. I still from time to time catch myself standing off, wondering…”Oh, a change of heart comes slow.”

Yesterday I had someone say to me, “Maybe the memory issues you’re having is because you’re too self-consumed.” I suffered a concussion on October 5th. I’ve developed headaches, but my “memory” issues have been with me for YEARS lol…it’s been a running joke in our family that you could get me the same gift every Christmas I wouldn’t remember it was the same! I didn’t know if I wanted to scream or cry. I moved to Houston, TX because Chance begged me to. (Yes I did want to move there myself but I would not have taken him out of school to go.) I took close to a $10 an hour pay cut to move back to FL because I was asked to. ”Is it true that perfect love drives out all fear.” But I don’t want to wait 20 years to reflect back to see that they were right. Because, remember my high school friend? Yup, she was right…I really didn’t ever shut my mouth. And my former roommate? I wasn’t always the most upright honest person. And my boyfriend? Yup, I was clingy/needy/ and altogether unlovable at that point in my life.

“Do you believe me or are you doubting We’re gonna make it all the way to the light”

I guess I’ve got some perspective to work through. I do love the peaceful life. As the middle child I’ve always thought that I was spending all of my time doing everything for everyone else. But that is simply my perspective. I’m not sure what I am doing now that has me consumed with me…but I intend to find out. I’ve heard for years to get yourself off of your hands. I honestly thought that was one sermon I had nailed into my personality…apparently not. I am open to suggestions. And I am dead serious when I say I want to know what you REALLY think of me. I don’t care if you think it will hurt…THAT hurt will only last for the night, but the feeling of betrayal that comes after discovering years later is much worse.

I know, I’m asking for it now. LOL Feel free to email/text me.

Latest update on the Sanctus Real Bus Fire

___________________________   ** SANCTUS REAL MEDIA ALERT **   BAND’S BUS INVOLVED IN FIRE   Monday, 4 June, 2012 - Many of you may have heard the news that the tour bus of Sanctus Real was involved in a fire early yesterday morning, destroying the entire bus and losing all of their personal belongings. Thankfully, everyone that was on the bus got out safely and no one was injured.   At approximately 4 a.m. Sunday morning, the band members and a few of their family members, including four children, were all on the bus departing from their performance in Mitchellville, Maryland, on their way to return home to Ohio and Tennessee. While on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, their bus driver saw flames via the side view mirror, quickly stopping to get everyone off the bus. Everyone left their belongings behind, not knowing how severe the fire was encapsulating the bus. As a result, everything was destroyed in the fire, from clothing to laptops, cell phones and wallets. The trailer behind the bus remained in tact, receiving the least amount of damage, yet the band will find out later this week if any of their equipment did suffer any damage.    Thankfully, many of the band members were able to return to their homes later in the day, while band member Dan Gartley is still in Pennsylvania going through the wreckage along with the crew. The band will continue to perform their scheduled shows, beginning this weekend in Atlanta with The FISH Radio and at a performance at Lake Lanier Islands Resort, just outside of Atlanta.   Many of you have expressed interest to help support the band. To find out how you and your audiences can help by giving a donation to the band, please visit here.      For more information about Sanctus Real and to connect with the band, please visit: SanctusReal.com Twitter.com/SanctusReal Facebook.com/SanctusRealMusic   For media inquiries, please contact: Merge PR Lori Mahon and Stacie Vining Lori@MergePR.com  |  Stacie@MergePR.com   Photos from the fire, June 4, 2012

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BEC RECORDINGS’ ARTIST JESSA ANDERSON SET TO RELEASE LABEL DEBUT,
NOT MYSELF ANYMORE ON SEPTEMBER 13


Seattle, WA...August 05, 2011...Earlier this year BEC Recordings’ announced the signing of female singer/songwriter Jessa Anderson. Her label debut, Not Myself Anymore, will release on September 13. The new single, “Fireflies” was co-written by Phillip LaRue and Pete Kipley and is going for adds at radio August 19. Fans can hear the new song as well as listen to Jessa talk about the meaning behind the song here. The label debut album is produced by Brandon Perdue and Kevin Bruchert as well as Pete Kipley on two tracks.

A 20-something Michigan native, Jessa, met her singer/songwriter husband, Jordan, while touring with Cedarville University. Shortly after she transferred to Belmont University and they married, the couple decided to pursue music full-time. With no back-up plan, they struck out on their own recording albums independently and booking their own shows. Jordan plays guitar for his wife, and he and their young daughter (Lorelei, of course inspired by “Gilmore Girls”) continue to travel with Jessa full-time. Her goal in songwriting and being an artist includes honesty and a genuineness that can be found in her music and life.

“We have a real life, and part of that is our relationship with God and praising Him, but other than that you’re taking your kids to school or you’re going to work or whatever you have to do that day. So to focus only on that one little sliver in your songwriting feels like cheating people out of what really happens,” shares Anderson, who believes talking about real-life issues makes her music accessible to Christians and non-Christians alike. “If all I say is ‘I love God,’ then [non-believers are] wondering, ‘OK, what if I don’t?’ I think everyone can relate on some level whether you have the same religious beliefs or not. Hopefully, I can connect with people and then share what God’s done in my life.”

Jessa will be taking this genuine approach on the road, as she will be touring with label-mate The Museum for the second leg of the Not For Sale Tour. It is through the Not For Sale tour that the artists hope to help people, regardless of their age or life stage, realize everyone has a roll to play to fight trafficking. She will also be traveling for dates in October overseas in Germany.

Make your move

My favorite band, Third Day, released a new CD called Move. And so that's what I did! I know it had nothing to do with Third Day and more to do with my mother being sick again. I've known for years that there were storms coming that can't be prayed away. So in this we will stand...and having done all~stand. But what happens when the ground your standing on shakes beneath your feet, and the life is sucked out of the air that you breath? You stand. You stand until the day comes that you no longer stand here but stand before the God that you've believed in, that you've trusted in, who is your beginning and your end. I walked through death with my daddy, and while I'm not ready to go there with my mom, I am willing to stand, and trust in Jesus, my only hope. Leaning on friends doesn't mean that your not standing on your own...it just means your standing along side those who've chosen to stand with you. Ideally you'll be standing so close that you wont notice that your leaning... So forget that song by the Police, Don't Stand So Close To Me...I want, and need, all the friends who are not afraid to walk through the valley to stand again on the mountain of God with me! There will be dark days ahead, but there will be memories made that can't be taken away. Treasure your health. Treat it better than your wealth. And having done all...stand.

Houston...We've had a problem

I have been writing most of my life. As a child, maybe just the requirements, but as I moved into High School I expanded my creative process. I wrote for the school news paper. I wrote for the city news paper. I secured a job writing commercials for the local radio station. I wrote songs for my yet-to-be-formed rock band, Fluid Vision. I wrote.
In December of 2008 my father died. For 2009 I slowed down in my writing. Forcing myself to complete a couple of assignments and attending my usual events, (like the Doves.) In 2010 I stopped writing. I don’t know if it can completely be blamed on depression over my fathers death, or on technology overload, heaven knows I put enough “tweets” and “Facebook status updates” out there. I had a really great friend tell me that I had moved my “line” in the sand. That I was allowing things to flow out of me that she hadn’t seen or heard before. I dismissed her comments (and quite frankly her) for a brief time.
In August of 2008 I had moved away from Jacksonville, FL, my home and my home church. I have been faithfully attending churches in Houston, but not really “feeling” any of them. I think I attended out of guilt. Not wanting to walk away “from” God but not exactly walking “toward” Him either. We’ve all read the scripture about your first love (Rev 2:4) It has played in my head for a year. Another scripture also plagued me over the past year is James 3:10-11. I have begun a new journey with a church here in Houston that I finally feel at home in. There, I have begun a new study…on James. Its funny how God can take simple words on a page and make them hit you where your hurting, yet use that hurting to heal you!
My first loves were simple: writing and music. While I’ve dreamed the lofty dreams of writing the song that touches the emotions of all who hear it, I’ve yet to hear one of my songs sung. But I have written the reviews, done the interviews, and seen my work in print (my own byline both in digital and actual print).
Houston, yes, we’ve had a problem. But I am praying that 2011 moves me back into God’s will for my life. I believe that it is writing, until He shows me something else, I will once again… write.

41st Annual GMA Dove Award Nominees: Here are my predictions!

Here are my predictions in bold!! (and wishes in italic !)!

Artist of the Year:
Casting Crowns
Jars of Clay



New Artist of the Year:
Revive

Group of the Year
Casting Crowns
NEEDTOBREATHE OR
Jars of Clay I'd be happy with either...


Female Vocalist of the Year
Natalie Grant



Male Vocalist of the Year
Brandon Heath
Bebo Norman


Song of the Year
“I Will Rise” by Chris Tomlin and Louie Giglio
“Revelation Song” by Jennie Lee Riddle or
“Two Hands” by Jars of Clay


Producer of the Year
Ed Cash


Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year
“End of My Rope,” KJ-52, by Jonah Sorrentino, Aaron Sprinkle
“Movin',” Group 1 Crew, by Jeremy James, Byron Chambers, Christopher Stevens


Rock Recorded Song of the Year
"Mess of Me,” Switchfoot, by Jonathan Foreman, Tim Foreman


Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year
“How He Loves,” David Crowder*Band, by John Mark McMillan
“Lay 'Em Down,” NEEDTOBREATHE, by Bear Rinehart and Bo Rinehart


Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year
“City On Our Knees,” TobyMac, by Toby McKeehan, Jamie Moore, Cary Barlowe
“Until The Whole World Hears,” Casting Crowns, by Mark Hall, Bernie Herms, Jason McArthur, Roger Glidewell

Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year
“Since the World Began,” Matt Maher, Amy Grant, Ed Cash, Mac Powell, by Mac Powell and Trevor Morgan


Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
“Because He Lives,” Gaither Vocal Band, by William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither
“Live With Jesus,” Oak Ridge Boys, by Paul Kennerley

Bluegrass Recorded Song of the Year
“This World Is Not My Home,” Ricky Skaggs, by Albert Brumley


Country Recorded Song of the Year
“God Is There,” Diamond Rio, by Marty Roe, Jimmy Olander and Bernie Herms
“King of the World,” Point of Grace, by Cindy Morgan



Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
“The Power of One,” Israel Houghton, by Israel Houghton and Ricardo Sanchez


Worship Song of the Year
“I Will Rise” Chris Tomlin, by Louie Giglio, Chris Tomlin, Matt Maher and Jesse Reeves
“Revelation Song,” by Jennie Lee Riddle

Dove Awards in album categories are given to the artist and producer, if other than the artist.


Rock Album of the Year
Awake, Skillet, Howard Benson


Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year
The Outsiders, NEEDTOBREATHE; Rick Beato, NEEDTOBREATHE, Jim Scott and John Alagia

Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year
Speaking Louder Than Before, Jeremy Camp; Brown Bannister and Jeremy Camp
The Long Fall Back to Earth, Jars of Clay; Jars of Clay, Ron Aniello


Inspirational Album of the Year
A Grand New Day, Women of Faith Worship Team; Chance Scoggins
Fearless, Phillips, Craig & Dean; Bernie Herms



Traditional Gospel Album of the Year
Shout! Live, Mike Farris & The Roseland Rhythm Revue; Mike Farris and Joe McMahan



Special Event Album of the Year
Glory Revealed II: The Word of God In Worship, Mac Powell, Shane Everett, Jonathan Shelton, Brian Littrell, Trevor Morgan, Mark Hall, Jason Crabb, Bear Rinehart, Matt Maher, Amy Grant, Ed Cash, Geoff Moore, Natalie Grant, Laura Story, Brandon Heath, Mike Donehey, Aaron Shust, Shawn Lewis, Sara Evans, Bethany Dicks Olds, Shane & Shane, Bethany Dillon, Kari Jobe; Mac Powell, David Nassar
Oh Happy Day, Jonny Lang, Fisk Jubilee Singers, 3 Doors Down, Robert Randolph, Clark Sisters, Jon Bon Jovi, Al Green, Heather Headley, Mavis Staples, Patty Griffin, Michael McDonald, Angelique Kidjo, Aaron Neville, Queen Latifah, Joss Stone, Buick Audra; Ken Levitan, Bill Hearn, Jack Rouner, Ken Pennell, Cedric Thompson I know right? NOT VOTING FOR MAC POWELL?? but its JON BON JOVI!!!

Christmas Album of the Year
Glory In the Highest: Christmas Songs of Worship, Chris Tomlin; Ed Cash
The Family Force 5 Christmas Pageant, Family Force 5; Joe Baldridge
I think if FF5 wins this...it will be one of my highlights of the year!!

Praise & Worship Album of the Year
Church Music, David Crowder*Band; David Crowder*Band



Recorded Music Packaging
Long Fall Back to Earth, Jars of Clay; Tim Parker, Jars of Clay; Tim Parker; Kharyn Hill

Short Form Video of the Year
"Lose My Soul," TobyMac featuring Kirk Franklin and Mandisa; Danny Yourd; Danny Yourd and Steve Hoover
"Wait and See," Brandon Heath; Eric Welch; Tameron Hedge


Long Form Music Video of the Year
"Live Revelations," Third Day; Andy and Jon Erwin; Dan Atchison, Jonathan Erwin and Andrew Erwin

Hello Huricaine!

In 2008 in the wake of hurricane Ike, Houston struggled to put the pieces back together again. As the Music Builds tour rolled across America they had lost their venue in Houston to hurricane Ike, so they renamed themselves the Music Re-builds tour... and Swithfoot was there. Through natures providence and Gods grace, Houston did not see another hurricane again...until Switchfoot was there.

On a rainy night fans lined the outside of the Wirehouse Live to catch Switchfoots Hello Hurricane tour that is literally taking the nation by storm. In a new approach Switchfoot is playing their new CD from start to finish in the CD track order, rounding out their show with fan favorites. It is a bold move to say the least but it also accentuates the flow of the CD that the band meticulously arranged. It also signifies the bands belief in their new songs, they know that you will love Hello Hurricane and are willing to prove it. The show works. The show flows. This is one of the best concert experiences of the year.

Even if you are not a “die-hard” Switchfoot fan you will enjoy this concert. The band uses a complete stage of showmanship mixed with their talent to capture and hold your interest and expectation. Judging from the “chatter” of those exiting the concert there were not disappointment mixed in the emotions of the evening.

As the band continues to take control of the forces of nature and ride their storm known as the Hurricane Tour allow yourself to get caught up in the whirlwind, if only for one night. The band is enjoying sold out shows across the country so don’t wait until the last minute to get your ticket.