August 2010
August 21, 2010
We started off at Lake City Community Church in Coeur d’Alene, ID, with just Jake Johnson on upright bass and me on the mandolin and singing – first time playing with just the two of us and we were so blessed by the warm reception from that congregation. It really turned out to be an awesome weekend. Jake hooked us up with a wonderful guitarist and fiddler named Andrew Wilson, who joined us in Olympia, WA, for a concert and then the weekend services at Christian Faith Center in Seattle. I’m so blessed to have such amazing musicians to play with and really can’t overstate how grateful we were to be so well-received everywhere we played.
One of the highlights of the trip was when Jake and I went to Montana to the Weber Mandolins factory. Some might think us crazy for driving 10 hours round-trip in one day to make it happen, but I had my heart set on going while I was within driving distance and it was worth every mile (and the speed limit is 75!). The Weber people are just some of the nicest folks I’ve ever met and they run an incredibly impressive operation. There are only 13 employees, including Bruce and Mary Weber, so you know they’re some of the most highly trained and skilled craftsmen in the world. I so respect and admire the amount of passion, innovation and hand-work that go into the Weber instruments. You just know when you see it that these people are doing what they love, and you can’t get any better quality. I’ve admired Weber mandolins since I was a kid and have played them exclusively for years. When I played my first Bridger F Weber for the first time (after a long hunt for the right F-style to take on the road), I knew I was home. While we were at the factory, they installed the LR Baggs mandolin pickup (Baggs overnighted it and it arrived just after we did – perfect timing). I played through it for the first time over the weekend and it’s just amazing. The Baggs people and products are awesome. I’m so blessed.
Also since my last post, I’m yet again a very happy and proud aunt – this time of my first niece – thanks to my sister, Heidi, and her husband, Tom. I got the little diva set up with her first pair of Converse, Vans and Barbie sunglasses – first things first! That’s what aunts are for. Oh how I love these babies. Every time one comes into the world and into my life, I’m reminded of what an awesome Creator I serve.
I’m really looking forward to playing at the historic Goss Opera House in Watertown, SD on August 28th. If you’re anywhere close, please come out and see us. The Opera House has a museum, restaurant and gift shop and is really an amazing experience – totally feels like you’re stepping back in time. I’m thrilled to be featuring Jacob Johnson on bass and Justin Moses on guitar again – such incredible musicians and people. If you can’t catch us in South Dakota, please keep checking the tour page for new dates. Thank you so much for reading. Be blessed.
Haley
Hi, Haley! I loved reading your letter. I’m sure you loved visiting the mandolin factory in Montana. Don’t you just LOVE the state of Montana? I absolutely LOVE it out there. It’s so beautiful and reminds me so much of OUR CREATOR. I always feel closer to God out there, too. I loved the pic of you holding Leila Grace. I got to see her and hold her in Heidi’s home a couple of weeks ago. She is precious! I sure wish I could go to South Dakota to hear you. I bet it’s beautiful there, as well. Take care, My Sweet Cuz. God be wih you in all your travels and your ministry for HIM. Love you, Roxy
We were in the Lake City congregation that Friday night and you knocked our socks off – husband bought 2 cds! I worked at Baggs once upon a time, and Nadine, Lloyd and Bo are some of my favorite people. Bless you as you travel homeward.