OK, just got back from a Luke 18 retreat at Mary Queen of Peace Parish in Webster. I now officially declare MQP as my favorite Luke 18!

I have never experienced a more gracious, sweet bunch of people, and I can't remember ever being thanked more anywhere, any time. Not that I needed to hear it, but it seemed like every teen, Luker, parent and everyone in between was effusive with kindness and gratitude, including and especially the YMs Kathleen and Todd and Fr. Meyer. And Lynne bringing espresso in the morning modef helped :). Anyway, many blessings on everybody at Mary Queen, you guys made my week, month, and maybe year!

And not to forget the obvious, but God was truly present this weekend -- it was a very powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit -- some pretty amazing stories of faith and changing lives. Thank you Lord.

Care to help me with a song list..?

OK, I mentioned the Memphis gig -- its going to be a secular gig with the Big House Band -- piano, bass, drums, guitar, vocals (male and female). We have a partial song list:

* Honky Tonk Woman
* Brown Eyed Girl
* Twist and Shout
* Accidentally in Love
* Fly Me to the Moon
* L-O-V-E
* Mustang Sally
* 500 Miles
* Amie/Falling In and Out of Love
* I Walk the Line
* I’m A Believer
* A Hard Day’s Night
* On the Road Again
* Swingtown
* Moon Dance
* Monday Morning
* Walking On Sunshine
* Drift Away
* Meet Me in Memphis
* The Way You Look Tonight
* Red Red Wine
* Walking in Memphis
* Piano Man
* Walk On the Ocean

The following list is of songs we’re considering:

* New York State of Mind
* Louisiana 1927
* Georgia on My Mind
* God Bless the Broken Road
* Don’t Be Cruel
* That Thing You Do
* Won’t Back Down
* Only Wanna Be With You
* Pretty Woman
* Doo-Doo-Doo Dah-Dah-Dah (or other Police song)
* Friends in Low Places
* Girl from Ipanema
* Misty
* Margaritaville
* Melissa
* Peaceful Easy Feeling (or other Eagles song)
* Redneck Woman
* Listen to the Music
* Jailhouse Rock
* Wonderful Tonight
* You Won’t See Me
* Sweet Home Alabama
* My Best Friend’s Girl -or- Just What I Needed
* Where the Streets Have No Name -or- With or Without You
* Who’ll Stop The Rain
* Can’t Help Myself

The question is -- what other songs should we consider? It's a reception at a technical conference -- the demographic is 30ish to 50ish males who may or may not have their significant others with them. We'll do some of the swing/jazz mellow songs toward the beginning and then rock it out a little later. Ideas..?

Four weeks from today, I'll be in Memphis -- for two reasons -- one, my day job has me there for a technical meeting. Two, me and the Big House Band are playing a reception, for which I get to learn a bunch of top 40 songs from just about the last 5 or 6 decades. A challenge, but a fun challenge.

Saw Matt Maher Saturday night. Matt is a great songwriter, no doubt, and a much more accomplished piano player than anybody knew for sure. But what struck most about his concert was how prayerful it was. Every song was really a prayer. The words of the tunes were displayed for all to see and we cold just sing along and pray. Matt is a blessing and a gift to the whole Christian community, but in a special way, for Catholic musicians who love the Lord, love the Church, but also love guitar band P&W. Thank you God.

On day nine, still holding strong :)...

It's been awhile but honestly, not much to say ...

Ok, I lied -- I am on day 6 of giving up soda --

Random thoughts on a cold Monday morning...
- It's cold out, like Winter is finally here. Thank goodness February is only 28 days long.
- Catholic Schools Week seemed to go fast this year. Had fun gigs in Millstadt, Breese, New Athens, Mascoutah, and of course, SCL. The kids are awesome. Good times. Steubenville is cool, but I kinda get the feeling that these are the ones God really likes. Thanks, St. Charles...
- Get to go to Iowa this week, then Vegas. One cancels the other out.
- Illini lose to Penn State at home. Ouch. Well, it ain't over yet.
- I have at least 4 songs that are ready to be recorded, not including a bunch of psalms which may or may not be. Definitely gonna be in the studio this spring/summer.
- Praying for my Rockford family... not the best of times...

CSW this week -- one gig today, two tomorrow, one more on Saturday, the usual Sunday -- nothing I'd rather do...

Illini 20-2 dang...