open mic

I went to an open mic tonight in support of my friend, Brian. He’s just finished his first year of college and is home for the summer as of this week. Brian led the high school worship band as a junior and senior in high school at the church where I serve as worship pastor. I’ve tried to be encouraging and supportive of him, although I always wished I had more time to spend with him and build into him when he was here.

Anyway, turns out there were a couple of other young guys on the bill tonight that are in some way connected with Crosspointe - they play in cover bands with some of the musicians in our junior high band. So I decided to stay awhile and catch some of their sets, too.

Here are some of my observations and thoughts from tonight.

1. I remembered what it was like to be that age and discovering the joy of music. These guys just love to play - discovering old songs, writing new songs, whatever. An open mic night with no one there except family and a few friends, but that’s cool. They just love to play! I want to have that kind of fun with music again….

2. 60’s and 70’s seems to be the musical era of choice for junior high students. Tonight I heard songs from The Beatles, George Harrison, The Doobie Brothers, The Eagles, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and more. Is this phenomenon common to the whole country? Not surprisingly, the original songs that the guys played tonight sounded as if they were definitely influenced by these artists as well. Very interesting.

3. I realized that I’m growing up. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy listening to live music whenever, wherever. But at the end of the day, I was not there tonight for me, but instead I was there to support the younguns. At 32, I’m starting to recognize the need to build into the musicians of tomorrow. (Wow I sound old.) And I’m not just doing it out of obligation, but I actually enjoy it. I think of John Ferguson, my friend who was most responsible for putting me on the track to where I am today as a musician and worship leader. I see now that it was no accident that he built into me, but that he was intentional about it. And I’m very grateful. And I’m happy that it’s my turn to do the same.

I love God. I love music. I love musicians. I’m glad God created music.