There's no denying that yours truly is a morning lark. Going to bed after 10PM is not my m.o. Therefore, I've never been to the "Midnite Jamboree" at the Texas Troubadour Theater in Music Valley near the Grand Ole Opry House. Indeed, if I've even listened to the second-longest-running live radio show (after the Opry), it's been infrequent brief segments of it and never the entire broadcast.
Such all changed this past Saturday, 5 November. Thanks to Facebook I got an invitation or notice that Connie Smith would be featured artist. I already knew I'd be working the late shift at the State Library and that a women's Walk to Emmaus retreat would be going on. So I made a "big day" of the Fifth!
Upon leaving work I first secured a room at a cheap motel, then ate supper at an IHOP in Hermitage, east suburb of Nashville. Then I went to nearby Hermitage United Methodist Church, where Nashville-area Walks to Emmaus are held, to participate in the "Candlelight" activity of the walk. A couple of my Clarksville neighbors also attended. As always, the Emmaus "Candlelight" was a blessing.
After relaxing an hour or so in my borrowed vehicle I drove to Music Valley Drive and the Ernest Tubb Record Shop (#2) with the Texas Troubadour Theater. After briefly browsing the bins in the record shop I found me a seat in the seventh row of the little theater.
Connie Smith was marvelous! The show's format was rather original, I think. Connie would sing one of her songs, then introduce a recording by somebody else; after which a pretty, nicely dressed emcee type would come to a podium at stage right, describe the album the song came from and how there was a price special on it -- "just tonite!" -- in the E.T. Record Shop. And then the final third (my guess) of the show was all Connie!
"The Rolls Royce of Country Music", as WSM's Eddie Stubbs calls her, sang several songs off her new album Long Line of Heartaches. It's her first recorded work in some 13 years (and before that was a 20-year gap), and some of the featured songs were co-written by Connie and her husband Marty Stuart. After hearing her sing a couple of these, I concluded that Connie Smith doesn't get sufficient credit as songwriter! And Nashville IS a songwriter's town.
One of the songs she sang off the new album was a Johnny Russell creation, "Ain't You Even Gonna Cry". I'd heard Russell sing it live, and I believe I've heard one or two other Country stars sing it. However, Connie sang it as tho' it were made just for her! I don't remember that she sang the title song, but I do recall "Anymore" and "I'm Not Blue" as I scan the songlist for the album.
Connie concluded the show, which ran a bit over an hour and a half, with her signature song, "Once a Day", then "Amazing Grace" and finally another Gospel song. Some people criticize Country Music stars who live a less-than-perfect life, record cheatin' and drinkin' songs and then turn around and record a Gospel album. They cannot so criticize Connie! She makes no bones about her Christian faith and she exudes the spirit of a devoted disciple of the Nazarene. This is one of the things that endears her to me, among female Country singers.
And experiencing her live and in person at the "Midnite Jamboree" is adding to the endearment!
Running account of my impressions of Nashville, Tennessee, a.k.a. "Music City", since my return at the end of July - altho' the blog commences at the beginning of November of A.D. 2008.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Books, Books, & More Books!
Yes, I work in a library, specifically, the Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA) in Nashville. So, yes, there are plenty of books in my work environment. But I'm actually posting about somewhat less job-related tomes and library issues.
First, on Thursday, 13 October, the Friends of the TSLA, a fairly new organization, held their board meeting in the TSLA building, followed by a reception with talk. This reception impacted my work, but in a positive way, as in greeting the Friends with an even warmer smile than usual when they entered, and at closing (4:30pm) inviting patrons to linger for the talk (alas! none did).
Refreshments for the reception consisted of elitist cookies and a tasty orange juiced-based punch. The talk, by author John Egerton, was "Sleuthing in the Archives". He gave a fascinating account of a murder in Knoxville almost a hundred years ago, and how a Black man was accused, convicted and executed -- and then a woman came forward eight years later confessing the heinous deed! His sleuthing was to discover what had happened to the woman after she was let go due to "case closed".
Friday was the beginning of the yearly Southern Festival of Books here in nearby Legislative Plaza, War Memorial and the State Capitol. Jenny, one of the admin staff for TSLA, went over to it on her lunch break and returned with a copy of the information magazine for me. Later I took my break and went up to the break room, where I found staffer Jay eating and reading. Jenny came in shortly afterward, and I told her I really liked her tee. It read,"There's no such thing as... too many books". Jay, Jenny and I had a great discussion about books, the festival, and the impact of the electronic media on printed books. Jay and I both much prefer to read a published book, of which we open the cover and turn the pages while curled up in a comfy chair!
On Saturday I used my lunch break to wander over to Legislative Plaza myself and enjoy some of the music and the various exhibit booths (TSLA had a booth, mainly for info). I went over fully intending to purchase a book or two. But the alacrity with which the acquisition happened all but took my breath away! Less than two minutes into my browsing the booths I arrived at that of the Vanderbilt University Press. There among the books for sale was Singing in the Saddle: the history of the singing cowboy by Douglas B. Green, aka Ranger Doug of Riders in the Sky (Grand Ole Opry members). Having read and enjoyed the book, which I checked out in 2008 or '09 from the Nashville Public Library just a block from the Plaza, I whipped out my wallet in a heartbeat!
Later I also purchased a Festival book bag and a Festival glass. I also hobnobbed with folks manning the TSLA and TWA (TN Writers Assoc.) booths and listened to "The Ukedelics", a local music group which includes Andy Hudson, member of Eastwood Church. (The Hudsons, however, were in Florida.)
Of course there was music in addition to the books and authors at the Festival. After all, Nashville in addition to being the Athens of the South is Music City USA!
First, on Thursday, 13 October, the Friends of the TSLA, a fairly new organization, held their board meeting in the TSLA building, followed by a reception with talk. This reception impacted my work, but in a positive way, as in greeting the Friends with an even warmer smile than usual when they entered, and at closing (4:30pm) inviting patrons to linger for the talk (alas! none did).
Refreshments for the reception consisted of elitist cookies and a tasty orange juiced-based punch. The talk, by author John Egerton, was "Sleuthing in the Archives". He gave a fascinating account of a murder in Knoxville almost a hundred years ago, and how a Black man was accused, convicted and executed -- and then a woman came forward eight years later confessing the heinous deed! His sleuthing was to discover what had happened to the woman after she was let go due to "case closed".
Friday was the beginning of the yearly Southern Festival of Books here in nearby Legislative Plaza, War Memorial and the State Capitol. Jenny, one of the admin staff for TSLA, went over to it on her lunch break and returned with a copy of the information magazine for me. Later I took my break and went up to the break room, where I found staffer Jay eating and reading. Jenny came in shortly afterward, and I told her I really liked her tee. It read,"There's no such thing as... too many books". Jay, Jenny and I had a great discussion about books, the festival, and the impact of the electronic media on printed books. Jay and I both much prefer to read a published book, of which we open the cover and turn the pages while curled up in a comfy chair!
On Saturday I used my lunch break to wander over to Legislative Plaza myself and enjoy some of the music and the various exhibit booths (TSLA had a booth, mainly for info). I went over fully intending to purchase a book or two. But the alacrity with which the acquisition happened all but took my breath away! Less than two minutes into my browsing the booths I arrived at that of the Vanderbilt University Press. There among the books for sale was Singing in the Saddle: the history of the singing cowboy by Douglas B. Green, aka Ranger Doug of Riders in the Sky (Grand Ole Opry members). Having read and enjoyed the book, which I checked out in 2008 or '09 from the Nashville Public Library just a block from the Plaza, I whipped out my wallet in a heartbeat!
Later I also purchased a Festival book bag and a Festival glass. I also hobnobbed with folks manning the TSLA and TWA (TN Writers Assoc.) booths and listened to "The Ukedelics", a local music group which includes Andy Hudson, member of Eastwood Church. (The Hudsons, however, were in Florida.)
Of course there was music in addition to the books and authors at the Festival. After all, Nashville in addition to being the Athens of the South is Music City USA!
Monday, October 3, 2011
Bluegrass Bonanza in Music City
October is a major month on the musical calendar of Nashville, in which is celebrated the anniversary of radio station WSM-AM 650 and the "birthday" of the Grand Ole Opry show. (the show was first broadcast, according to founder George Hay's memoirs, in late November of 1925, but since the station (which first hit the airwaves early in October of that year) and the show are inextricably joined together it hardly hurts to have the festivities together.
Well, during the final week of September leading into the special month, Music City hosted the annual convention of the International Bluegrass Music Association -- the IBMA. Nashville is the birthplace of Bluegrass Music, specifically in the Ryman Auditorium in the 1940s when Opry member Bill Monroe created the genre, using his band The Bluegrass Boys. And the Father of Bluegrass Music was born in September a century ago in Rosine, Kentucky. Therefore, naturally plenty of observance and celebration of his centennial took place at this year's IBMA.
One of these observances was a free concert Tuesday afternoon under the blue sky outside the Ryman, hosted by the Del McCoury Band. On my way from work to a medical appointment I stopped by for a few minutes of listening pleasure.
The next evening, Wednesday, 30 September, featured a Monroe centennial bluegrass concert, not at the Ryman but in Ingram Hall of the music school at Vanderbilt University. Dieta, wife of fiddler extraordinaire Stuart Duncan, arranged for admission for me, bless her! I was not about to miss it just because it meant a 50-mile trip either way!
And I'm thankful I didn't miss it; it was a dynamic and dynamite performance! I appreciated the format, with WSM's Bill Cody serving as emcee; for about the first half hour Del McCoury Band was on-stage, then Nashville Bluegrass Band (Stuart is NBB's fiddler) took over for the remainder of the concert, and both bands were joined by various other Bluegrass stars in varying configurations. These others included Dale Ann Bradley, Ricky Skaggs, Claire Lynch, Roland White and Matt Combs, who's a fiddle teacher in VU's Blair Sch. of Music.
Stuart and Matt did twin fiddles more than once, and had a fine "chemistry" playing off each other. And then there was the finale, when all the artists took the stage (except Del McCoury and his group who had to leave early for another engagement) and did all the verses of "Working on a Building" and closed with what Bill Cody said was Monroe's signature song or best-known song, the instrumental "Rawhide".
What an evening! What a Bluegrass bonanaza!
The next evening, Thursday, 29 September, WSM broadcast the IBMA Awards Show from the Ryman over the airwaves. I'd have loved to be in the building for it, but the listening in on the radio was pleasure enough. More than once the Monroe centennial was commented on, and the musical performances between presentation of awards were all superb. Stuart was nominated for "Fiddler of the Year" but the award went to someone else. Dale Ann won "Female Vocalist", but I'd have been happy with any of the five nominees, all very talented and endearing women.
And so, for A.D. 2011 Bluegrass Music had their annual party and celebrated Bill Monroe's birth centennial, in the place where Bluegrass began: Music City USA.
Well, during the final week of September leading into the special month, Music City hosted the annual convention of the International Bluegrass Music Association -- the IBMA. Nashville is the birthplace of Bluegrass Music, specifically in the Ryman Auditorium in the 1940s when Opry member Bill Monroe created the genre, using his band The Bluegrass Boys. And the Father of Bluegrass Music was born in September a century ago in Rosine, Kentucky. Therefore, naturally plenty of observance and celebration of his centennial took place at this year's IBMA.
One of these observances was a free concert Tuesday afternoon under the blue sky outside the Ryman, hosted by the Del McCoury Band. On my way from work to a medical appointment I stopped by for a few minutes of listening pleasure.
The next evening, Wednesday, 30 September, featured a Monroe centennial bluegrass concert, not at the Ryman but in Ingram Hall of the music school at Vanderbilt University. Dieta, wife of fiddler extraordinaire Stuart Duncan, arranged for admission for me, bless her! I was not about to miss it just because it meant a 50-mile trip either way!
And I'm thankful I didn't miss it; it was a dynamic and dynamite performance! I appreciated the format, with WSM's Bill Cody serving as emcee; for about the first half hour Del McCoury Band was on-stage, then Nashville Bluegrass Band (Stuart is NBB's fiddler) took over for the remainder of the concert, and both bands were joined by various other Bluegrass stars in varying configurations. These others included Dale Ann Bradley, Ricky Skaggs, Claire Lynch, Roland White and Matt Combs, who's a fiddle teacher in VU's Blair Sch. of Music.
Stuart and Matt did twin fiddles more than once, and had a fine "chemistry" playing off each other. And then there was the finale, when all the artists took the stage (except Del McCoury and his group who had to leave early for another engagement) and did all the verses of "Working on a Building" and closed with what Bill Cody said was Monroe's signature song or best-known song, the instrumental "Rawhide".
What an evening! What a Bluegrass bonanaza!
The next evening, Thursday, 29 September, WSM broadcast the IBMA Awards Show from the Ryman over the airwaves. I'd have loved to be in the building for it, but the listening in on the radio was pleasure enough. More than once the Monroe centennial was commented on, and the musical performances between presentation of awards were all superb. Stuart was nominated for "Fiddler of the Year" but the award went to someone else. Dale Ann won "Female Vocalist", but I'd have been happy with any of the five nominees, all very talented and endearing women.
And so, for A.D. 2011 Bluegrass Music had their annual party and celebrated Bill Monroe's birth centennial, in the place where Bluegrass began: Music City USA.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Melodious Music City Sunday Worship
Altho' I moved to Clarksville, I retain my church membership in Eastwood Christian (Disciples) for reasons evident in my earlier postings regarding the mid-size East Nashville congregation. I plan to attend at least one Sunday a month.
Yesterday (25 September) I had an additional reason for being at Eastwood. Early in the week it was published that Assistant Pastor Michael Lehman had accepted a call to go be senior pastor at a Disciples of Christ congregation in Pennsylvania. We all knew this day was coming, that Michael would leave us for bigger and better things -- he has a great future ahead of him. Nevertheless it's hard to let such a fine young leader go. Michael himself expressed that personally it was a "bittersweet" situation.
I'm sure it had nothing to do with Michael putting in his notice, but Eastwood's worship service yesterday had even more and even heartier music than usual. And this is saying a LOT, considering the musical talent among the members and our typically very song-filled worship!
On two selections Michael played drums. The choir's Anthem early in the service was the powerful and rousing "Mighty to Save", a paean to our God Almighty.
Later, during the collection of the offering, an ensemble the worship bulletin labelled "Eastwood Friends" -- who included Michael at drums, Stuart Duncan as one of TWIN fiddles (!), Jonell Mosser as lead singer and choir director Julie Duemler, Liz Johnson and the other fiddler as background vocalists -- presented a strong spiritual, "Oh, Mary Don't You Weep". Jonell was vintage Jonell, getting 100% into the song, expressing herself with gestures and facial cast as well as singing. The whole song and its singers and musicians had me ready to get up and dance in the pew! And all the congregation stood as one in acclamation at the final note.
At some moment during the service Michael approached the lecturn mike and began with the comment that "Eastwood has so many musicians that even the feedback is in tune!" LOL
Also at some moment during the worship I considered that at its conclusion I'd ask around to see where folk might be going for Sunday dinner. But a lot was on my mind after the benediction and I forgot. A few minutes later as I drove down Gallatin Avenue considering possibly dining at Shoney's or Sub-Way, I espied Calypso, across the avenue from East High. Knowing that the café offered delicious and healthy selections at reasonable prices, I turned into the Calypso parking lot.
Knowing how popular Calypso is with many of the Eastwood congregation I was somewhat surprised that none were already there before me. I took a solo seat, but within minutes, to my great delight first one, then two, then another from the church entered. The "another" was no less than Michael Lehman. We all chatted about the excellent music we'd experienced, and in a couple cases provided, during worship at Eastwood.
Only in Music City USA. Or to put it another way, "so Nashville!"
Yesterday (25 September) I had an additional reason for being at Eastwood. Early in the week it was published that Assistant Pastor Michael Lehman had accepted a call to go be senior pastor at a Disciples of Christ congregation in Pennsylvania. We all knew this day was coming, that Michael would leave us for bigger and better things -- he has a great future ahead of him. Nevertheless it's hard to let such a fine young leader go. Michael himself expressed that personally it was a "bittersweet" situation.
I'm sure it had nothing to do with Michael putting in his notice, but Eastwood's worship service yesterday had even more and even heartier music than usual. And this is saying a LOT, considering the musical talent among the members and our typically very song-filled worship!
On two selections Michael played drums. The choir's Anthem early in the service was the powerful and rousing "Mighty to Save", a paean to our God Almighty.
Later, during the collection of the offering, an ensemble the worship bulletin labelled "Eastwood Friends" -- who included Michael at drums, Stuart Duncan as one of TWIN fiddles (!), Jonell Mosser as lead singer and choir director Julie Duemler, Liz Johnson and the other fiddler as background vocalists -- presented a strong spiritual, "Oh, Mary Don't You Weep". Jonell was vintage Jonell, getting 100% into the song, expressing herself with gestures and facial cast as well as singing. The whole song and its singers and musicians had me ready to get up and dance in the pew! And all the congregation stood as one in acclamation at the final note.
At some moment during the service Michael approached the lecturn mike and began with the comment that "Eastwood has so many musicians that even the feedback is in tune!" LOL
Also at some moment during the worship I considered that at its conclusion I'd ask around to see where folk might be going for Sunday dinner. But a lot was on my mind after the benediction and I forgot. A few minutes later as I drove down Gallatin Avenue considering possibly dining at Shoney's or Sub-Way, I espied Calypso, across the avenue from East High. Knowing that the café offered delicious and healthy selections at reasonable prices, I turned into the Calypso parking lot.
Knowing how popular Calypso is with many of the Eastwood congregation I was somewhat surprised that none were already there before me. I took a solo seat, but within minutes, to my great delight first one, then two, then another from the church entered. The "another" was no less than Michael Lehman. We all chatted about the excellent music we'd experienced, and in a couple cases provided, during worship at Eastwood.
Only in Music City USA. Or to put it another way, "so Nashville!"
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Sweet Saturday in Music City
On my way to another 12-hour work shift at the Tennessee State Library and Archives in Nashville I ran into heavy downpours. Not one, but three! I'd be driving along Interstate Hiway 24 and hit a curtain of rain; it lasted for a mile or two and suddenly no rain. Odd. . . .
The work shift went fine. I love my new work!
Still, I was happy when the security relief arrived at seven in the evening. And not because I was tired from twelve straight hours, either.
It was because I'd gotten an e-invitation to a CD release party at 3rd and Lindsley. And not just for any old musician; she was Jonell Mosser, who attends my church, Eastwood Christian. and occasionally sings with the choir or sings a solo special.
It was my first experience of 3rd and Lindsley. Jonell had already her performance when I entered, and quickly I ascertained that the house was full. SRO, it appeared! But I was hungry, so I went ahead and approached an order station (computer terminal) at the end of the bar and made a request for nachos supreme. Within a couple minutes I lucked out and found a vacant seat at a table next to the dance floor and near the corner of the stage. When the nachos arrived, they were worth the wait and the challenge of finding a seat. De-e-e-licious!
And let my add, that my vexation at the scarcity of available seats was more than compensated by my delight to see that Jonell draws such a good crowd at one of Nashville's famous live music venues! (Jonell performs at 3rd and Lindsley several times annually.)
And it was Jonell Mosser I'd come for, not nachos or easy seating! She had a band with her, two guitarists (one prossibly a bassist) and drummer. They had been with her (or at least the drummer) when she'd performed at the public library and I'd gone.
Jonell was vintage Jonell, if I may say so. She has a great singing voice, really gets into her music with gesture and even outright dancing, and sings from her heart an eclectic repertoire. The Nashville Public Library labels her albums in their catalog as "CD Country", but Jonell is like Mary Chapin Carpenter in being "Country".
Jonell is a songwriter, and often writes songs with Tom, one of the guitarists. One of these, which I think she said is on the new CD, is about Chinatown. She sang it at a reflective pace and the song wrapped itself around me as listener. It was beautiful and so perfect for Jonell to sing! Later, her "other band", the three women singers of "Kentucky Thunder" joined her on the 3rd & Lindsley stage (they are not Ricky skaggs band).
After such wonderful live singing, how could a radio show compete? And yet the Grand Ole Opry gave me additional listening pleasure on WSM-AM 650 while driving to Clarksville. But since this involves another location, it's another story for another time.
The work shift went fine. I love my new work!
Still, I was happy when the security relief arrived at seven in the evening. And not because I was tired from twelve straight hours, either.
It was because I'd gotten an e-invitation to a CD release party at 3rd and Lindsley. And not just for any old musician; she was Jonell Mosser, who attends my church, Eastwood Christian. and occasionally sings with the choir or sings a solo special.
It was my first experience of 3rd and Lindsley. Jonell had already her performance when I entered, and quickly I ascertained that the house was full. SRO, it appeared! But I was hungry, so I went ahead and approached an order station (computer terminal) at the end of the bar and made a request for nachos supreme. Within a couple minutes I lucked out and found a vacant seat at a table next to the dance floor and near the corner of the stage. When the nachos arrived, they were worth the wait and the challenge of finding a seat. De-e-e-licious!
And let my add, that my vexation at the scarcity of available seats was more than compensated by my delight to see that Jonell draws such a good crowd at one of Nashville's famous live music venues! (Jonell performs at 3rd and Lindsley several times annually.)
And it was Jonell Mosser I'd come for, not nachos or easy seating! She had a band with her, two guitarists (one prossibly a bassist) and drummer. They had been with her (or at least the drummer) when she'd performed at the public library and I'd gone.
Jonell was vintage Jonell, if I may say so. She has a great singing voice, really gets into her music with gesture and even outright dancing, and sings from her heart an eclectic repertoire. The Nashville Public Library labels her albums in their catalog as "CD Country", but Jonell is like Mary Chapin Carpenter in being "Country".
Jonell is a songwriter, and often writes songs with Tom, one of the guitarists. One of these, which I think she said is on the new CD, is about Chinatown. She sang it at a reflective pace and the song wrapped itself around me as listener. It was beautiful and so perfect for Jonell to sing! Later, her "other band", the three women singers of "Kentucky Thunder" joined her on the 3rd & Lindsley stage (they are not Ricky skaggs band).
After such wonderful live singing, how could a radio show compete? And yet the Grand Ole Opry gave me additional listening pleasure on WSM-AM 650 while driving to Clarksville. But since this involves another location, it's another story for another time.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
News from Nashville
The past seven days or so have witnessed the end, or potential end of two Music City "landmarks".
Early last (calendar) week it was announced on local broadcast news -- doubtless also in the Tennessean newspaper -- that the iconic and beloved Elliston Place Soda Shop would close its doors for good after business on Saturday, 23 July. It seems the management of this landmark could not come to agreement with the landlord concerning rent.
But hooray for us soda-shop aficionados! A third party stepped in and averted the shut-down!
And then Sunday evening late news included a touching tribute to "landmark" Channel 5 sportscaster Hope Hines. You see, dear reader, he was fixin' to retire brom his broadcast position. His final reporting for Ch. 5 was on Wednesday (yesterday).
When I began following local TV news in 1983, I had no preference among the local TV sports guys. But Hope sort of grew on me, especially after I heard him speak at the Clarksville funeral of legendary Olympian runner Wilma Rudolph as the turn of the century and millennium approached. And altho' I found it odd that Mr. Hines was the only Hope I knew of who was not of the female persuasion, I certainly didn't doubt his masculinity nor his sports-reporting acumen.
Even tho' we will no longer see Hope's face on the Ch. 5 newscasts -- unless he does a Brett Favre-style (multiple) un-retiring! -- we who love him haven't heard the last of him. He will be writing his memoirs, due to be printed next Spring. Can't wait to "read all about it!"
Early last (calendar) week it was announced on local broadcast news -- doubtless also in the Tennessean newspaper -- that the iconic and beloved Elliston Place Soda Shop would close its doors for good after business on Saturday, 23 July. It seems the management of this landmark could not come to agreement with the landlord concerning rent.
But hooray for us soda-shop aficionados! A third party stepped in and averted the shut-down!
And then Sunday evening late news included a touching tribute to "landmark" Channel 5 sportscaster Hope Hines. You see, dear reader, he was fixin' to retire brom his broadcast position. His final reporting for Ch. 5 was on Wednesday (yesterday).
When I began following local TV news in 1983, I had no preference among the local TV sports guys. But Hope sort of grew on me, especially after I heard him speak at the Clarksville funeral of legendary Olympian runner Wilma Rudolph as the turn of the century and millennium approached. And altho' I found it odd that Mr. Hines was the only Hope I knew of who was not of the female persuasion, I certainly didn't doubt his masculinity nor his sports-reporting acumen.
Even tho' we will no longer see Hope's face on the Ch. 5 newscasts -- unless he does a Brett Favre-style (multiple) un-retiring! -- we who love him haven't heard the last of him. He will be writing his memoirs, due to be printed next Spring. Can't wait to "read all about it!"
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
A Most Memorable Music City Weekend
Have I truly moved from Nashville to Clarksville? Dear reader, you might not know it from all the hours I spent in Music City this past weekend!
Beginning Saturday: I drove from C'ville to my work at the Tennessee State Library & Archives building, signing in at seven in the morning. It was what I've been told is a typical Saturday: busy! Certainly we served more Patrons than on Thursday or Friday, same shift time (7am to 2:30pm). I took some photos while at work. BTW, I truly feel as tho' I'm a State employee now; Thursday I received my photo ID and Friday my State Internet system ID and password -- now I can do work-related e-mail.
After work I drove to Vanderbilt University's central library building, to do Internet stuff -- personal e-mail, Facebook, blogging -- and listen on-line to one of my favorite radio broadcasts, "Front Porch Fellowship". It's an hour show featuring the best in Bluegrass Gospel music, hosted by Les Butler on Solid Gospel 105 (FM). You can catch it at 4pm Saturdays, repeated same time Sundays.
I topped off my Music City Saturday by returning to downtown, specifically to the Nashville Convention Center, where I joined in the "kick-off" worship service for the biennial General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the denomination thru which I participate in the universal Church, and which denomination ordained and endorsed me to Army chaplaincy (1981-84). I saw several D o C folk I knew, both from Texas and from Tennessee (or formerly from Tenn., now from Ohio). The preliminary music and brief speeches made much of Nashville as "Music City" and our friendliness. And the actual worship included hymns and songs. As one speaker commented, "Singing is NOT a spectator sport for us Disciples!"
Sunday morning the Tenth I drove IH 24 from C'ville to Nashville again, for choir rehearsal, breakfast and an early (8:30am) worship at my church, Eastwood CC(DC). It was SO GREAT to see and speak with my Eastwood brothers and sisters again! The sanctuary was packed to the walls with worshipers -- I hate to imagine how over-the-top SRO the "regular-time" service would be! But members and our many visitors (including former Eastwood pastors) got treated to a rousing choir Anthem of "Lord, Here Am I" (hence my showing up extra-early for rehearsal), other fantastic musical offerings, and a fine sermon by Mike Kinnamon, titled "Why 'Tell It' Isn't Enough". "Tell It!" is the theme of the Assembly taking place right now in Music City.
Don't get me wrong! I love Clarksville, and am glad to be dwelling in the Queen City. But for this special weekend Music City was almost my home again!
Beginning Saturday: I drove from C'ville to my work at the Tennessee State Library & Archives building, signing in at seven in the morning. It was what I've been told is a typical Saturday: busy! Certainly we served more Patrons than on Thursday or Friday, same shift time (7am to 2:30pm). I took some photos while at work. BTW, I truly feel as tho' I'm a State employee now; Thursday I received my photo ID and Friday my State Internet system ID and password -- now I can do work-related e-mail.
After work I drove to Vanderbilt University's central library building, to do Internet stuff -- personal e-mail, Facebook, blogging -- and listen on-line to one of my favorite radio broadcasts, "Front Porch Fellowship". It's an hour show featuring the best in Bluegrass Gospel music, hosted by Les Butler on Solid Gospel 105 (FM). You can catch it at 4pm Saturdays, repeated same time Sundays.
I topped off my Music City Saturday by returning to downtown, specifically to the Nashville Convention Center, where I joined in the "kick-off" worship service for the biennial General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the denomination thru which I participate in the universal Church, and which denomination ordained and endorsed me to Army chaplaincy (1981-84). I saw several D o C folk I knew, both from Texas and from Tennessee (or formerly from Tenn., now from Ohio). The preliminary music and brief speeches made much of Nashville as "Music City" and our friendliness. And the actual worship included hymns and songs. As one speaker commented, "Singing is NOT a spectator sport for us Disciples!"
Sunday morning the Tenth I drove IH 24 from C'ville to Nashville again, for choir rehearsal, breakfast and an early (8:30am) worship at my church, Eastwood CC(DC). It was SO GREAT to see and speak with my Eastwood brothers and sisters again! The sanctuary was packed to the walls with worshipers -- I hate to imagine how over-the-top SRO the "regular-time" service would be! But members and our many visitors (including former Eastwood pastors) got treated to a rousing choir Anthem of "Lord, Here Am I" (hence my showing up extra-early for rehearsal), other fantastic musical offerings, and a fine sermon by Mike Kinnamon, titled "Why 'Tell It' Isn't Enough". "Tell It!" is the theme of the Assembly taking place right now in Music City.
Don't get me wrong! I love Clarksville, and am glad to be dwelling in the Queen City. But for this special weekend Music City was almost my home again!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)