In the United States, we celebrate the birth of our nation this week, but among the calls for independence by our Founding Fathers was an understanding that a great country could remain great only with a dependence on God. As God calls us to develop our artistic skills, to learn and experience and to become the person He created us to be, He just as fully calls us to dependence on Him and to our functioning as a part of the greater body of the church. Independence with dependence.
Let's celebrate the freedom we enjoy in a nation where we can worship and serve as as artists without fear of persecution. Let's also celebrate a God in whom we can trust and on whom we can depend for everything. I am "in" dependence.
D elighting in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.
Psalm 119:15-17
Everpraising you Psalm 84:4
Protected forever Psalm 37:28
Eternally blessed and made glad with the joy of your presence Psalm 21:6
New-song singing with a hymn of praise in my mouth Psalm 40:3
Dancing instead of crying Psalm 40:3
Enjoying prosperity, a free nation and a royal inheritance Pslam 106:5
Nightly singing His song of prayer Psalm 42:8
Clinging to the Lord whose right hand upholds me Psalm 63:8
Everlasting to everlasting, you are God! Psalm 90:2
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
A Cornucopia of Talent in Christian Arts
God has blessed so many Christians in the arts and I just had the pleasure of fellowshipping with many of them at the Christians in Theatre Arts Conference in Los Angeles. We were moved, challenged, equipped and blessed as we spent three days exploring how to "Take Theatre to the Next Level."
Singer Marcia Whitehead and filmmaker Lauralee Farrer shared Marcia's inspiring journey as an opera singer. We were all moved by her perseverance and the message that "sometimes just pursuing the dream is enough." Find out more at http://laundryandtosca.com/home.html
Keynote speaker Robert Smyth, producing artistic director for the Lamb's Players in San Diego, offered four deceptively simple "secrets" to taking theater to the next level:
• eat well
• exercise regularly
• get out more often
• slow down
In fleshing out the spiritual meaning behind those points, Robert's challenge was to have vision, be bold and to be willing to step out into the darkness, guided by the knowledge and light of what God has done in the past. Check out the Lamb's at http://www.lambsplayers.org/
Also inspiring was a screening of the film "Purple State of Mind" featuring the ongoing friendship and religious discussions between Craig Detweiler and John Marks. The divide between "red" and "blue" state perspectives is examined with humor and passion. Find more at http://www.purplestateofmind.com/
Among numerous other presentations, I was impressed with sketches from writer Michael Leathers. Check out his new website at http://www.rileysdiner.com/
Next year's CITA conference is in Orlando, FL. See you there!
Singer Marcia Whitehead and filmmaker Lauralee Farrer shared Marcia's inspiring journey as an opera singer. We were all moved by her perseverance and the message that "sometimes just pursuing the dream is enough." Find out more at http://laundryandtosca.com/home.html
Keynote speaker Robert Smyth, producing artistic director for the Lamb's Players in San Diego, offered four deceptively simple "secrets" to taking theater to the next level:
• eat well
• exercise regularly
• get out more often
• slow down
In fleshing out the spiritual meaning behind those points, Robert's challenge was to have vision, be bold and to be willing to step out into the darkness, guided by the knowledge and light of what God has done in the past. Check out the Lamb's at http://www.lambsplayers.org/
Also inspiring was a screening of the film "Purple State of Mind" featuring the ongoing friendship and religious discussions between Craig Detweiler and John Marks. The divide between "red" and "blue" state perspectives is examined with humor and passion. Find more at http://www.purplestateofmind.com/
Among numerous other presentations, I was impressed with sketches from writer Michael Leathers. Check out his new website at http://www.rileysdiner.com/
Next year's CITA conference is in Orlando, FL. See you there!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Try a Little Jazz Accordion This Week
I'm at the Christians in Theatre Arts (CITA) Conference in California and am looking forward to telling you next week about the great training, fellowship and performances offered there.
Meanwhile, for those of you in the Nashville area, don't miss the accordion event of the year this Friday, June 13. Yes, I said accordion. As part of ATG's Annual International Accordion Festival, international accordion champion (and Masterwork Productions pianist) Jeff Lisenby will perform tunes from his first solo jazz album A Spy In Tortuga with a full band. The NashVegas Jazz features some of Nashville's A-list session players including Chris Brown, Andy Reiss (of The Time Jumpers), John Vogt, Todd London, Matt Davich and special guest vocalists Jaclyn Brown and
Abby Burke.
The event, beginning at 7:00 is open to the public at the Hotel Preston, 733 Briley Parkway, Nashville. If you can't make it to the show, buy the CD here: http://cdbaby.com/cd/lisenbyj
In other news, Jeff was recently filmed playing the accordion by Mark
Burnett Productions as part of the first episode of CBS's new reality
show "Jingles". Episode will air in late August 2008.
"A Spy In Tortuga" is Jeff's first independent jazz accordion
album, and features several brand-new original compositions by
Jeff, as well as several reinvented jazz standards. The
instrumentation is traditional jazz quartet: bass, drums, guitar...
and accordion. The additional sax, vocalist, keyboards, or
percussion here and there enhance the album well.
"The accordion has been stereotyped for a long time," Jeff said.
"I want people to hear this CD, enjoy it for its diversity, and hear
the accordion as another fine musical instrument, which can be used
in any type of music."
Jeff can be heard on numerous country and Christian recordings and was music director for the Broadway musical "Ring Of Fire". He also was a pianist with Masterwork Productions' touring show "Early One Morning."
Why a jazz album?
"I grew up in Kansas City, MO, where there is a jazz commission, as part of the city government," Jeff said. "Because of that, I grew up hearing many of the great national jazz figures who came to town to play for us -- Count Basie, Monty Alexander, Maynard Fergusson, Bill Evans, Chick Corea. So I've been loving and playing jazz for a long time. I like the freedom to play whatever I want in the improvised sections, and I like the sound of a big band all playing in ensemble."
"There aren't a lot of jazz accordionists around, but accordion is slowly coming back into style in the United States. We're hearing it on more and more pop albums."
Meanwhile, for those of you in the Nashville area, don't miss the accordion event of the year this Friday, June 13. Yes, I said accordion. As part of ATG's Annual International Accordion Festival, international accordion champion (and Masterwork Productions pianist) Jeff Lisenby will perform tunes from his first solo jazz album A Spy In Tortuga with a full band. The NashVegas Jazz features some of Nashville's A-list session players including Chris Brown, Andy Reiss (of The Time Jumpers), John Vogt, Todd London, Matt Davich and special guest vocalists Jaclyn Brown and
Abby Burke.
The event, beginning at 7:00 is open to the public at the Hotel Preston, 733 Briley Parkway, Nashville. If you can't make it to the show, buy the CD here: http://cdbaby.com/cd/lisenbyj
In other news, Jeff was recently filmed playing the accordion by Mark
Burnett Productions as part of the first episode of CBS's new reality
show "Jingles". Episode will air in late August 2008.
"A Spy In Tortuga" is Jeff's first independent jazz accordion
album, and features several brand-new original compositions by
Jeff, as well as several reinvented jazz standards. The
instrumentation is traditional jazz quartet: bass, drums, guitar...
and accordion. The additional sax, vocalist, keyboards, or
percussion here and there enhance the album well.
"The accordion has been stereotyped for a long time," Jeff said.
"I want people to hear this CD, enjoy it for its diversity, and hear
the accordion as another fine musical instrument, which can be used
in any type of music."
Jeff can be heard on numerous country and Christian recordings and was music director for the Broadway musical "Ring Of Fire". He also was a pianist with Masterwork Productions' touring show "Early One Morning."
Why a jazz album?
"I grew up in Kansas City, MO, where there is a jazz commission, as part of the city government," Jeff said. "Because of that, I grew up hearing many of the great national jazz figures who came to town to play for us -- Count Basie, Monty Alexander, Maynard Fergusson, Bill Evans, Chick Corea. So I've been loving and playing jazz for a long time. I like the freedom to play whatever I want in the improvised sections, and I like the sound of a big band all playing in ensemble."
"There aren't a lot of jazz accordionists around, but accordion is slowly coming back into style in the United States. We're hearing it on more and more pop albums."
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
It's Time to Take Summer Stock
School's out, or at least it will be soon as summer vacation begins for teachers and students across the nation. Churches often see some sort of vacation schedule in the summer as well and the worship service takes on a different look and feel. Perhaps the choir takes the summer off, the number of services is decreased, the service switches to outside location or guest speakers and artists fill the pulpit while the pastor is on vacation.
A period of rest is good, but use the down time to do summer stock, that is, to take stock of what you're doing and why. When looking at any programming, whether it's a full scale production or the regular Sunday services, the question that has to be answered over and over is "why." Why are we doing this event? Why is this particular song or dramatic element included. Any of the following answers is unacceptable:
• Because that’s what we’ve always done
• Because we ran out of time to plan something else
• Because the same people always are involved
• Because we want to be cool and hip
• Because that’s what all the other churches we want to be like are doing
• Because I like that song
• Because our soloist sounds good singing that song
• Because the musicians didn’t have time to rehearse a new song
Those answers are unacceptable because the only answers that are acceptable are
•Because the Spirit’s leading has chosen this
•Because this will further God’s message
•Because this will allow us to express our love and worship of God
Take some stock this summer and give yourself a report card on the programming you're involved with at church. Ask yourself some questions:
• What are we measuring ourselves against? -- other churches or scripture?
• Are our goals realistic? -- Does video broadcasting to a second "campus" really make sense if you could just hold a second service at the same location?
• Are we learning from our mistakes? -- Are you holding post-event/ post-service evaluations and including input from your congregation?
• Are we actively pursuing knowledge? -- Is your team attending conferences? Are you bringing in people for workshops and retreats to stretch your people to the best of their potential?
• Are we spending time praying and planning according to His purpose? -- Or do you do what’s easiest regardless of relevance or quality?
When you prayerfully take stock, even if your "grade" isn't what you'd like it to be, you'll come away determined and excited for what God has in store for the new season that will begin in September. And remember, the grade you're striving for isn't an A or some other letter to reflect how you're doing. It's a "W" which gives all the glory and honor to Him. Worship.
A period of rest is good, but use the down time to do summer stock, that is, to take stock of what you're doing and why. When looking at any programming, whether it's a full scale production or the regular Sunday services, the question that has to be answered over and over is "why." Why are we doing this event? Why is this particular song or dramatic element included. Any of the following answers is unacceptable:
• Because that’s what we’ve always done
• Because we ran out of time to plan something else
• Because the same people always are involved
• Because we want to be cool and hip
• Because that’s what all the other churches we want to be like are doing
• Because I like that song
• Because our soloist sounds good singing that song
• Because the musicians didn’t have time to rehearse a new song
Those answers are unacceptable because the only answers that are acceptable are
•Because the Spirit’s leading has chosen this
•Because this will further God’s message
•Because this will allow us to express our love and worship of God
Take some stock this summer and give yourself a report card on the programming you're involved with at church. Ask yourself some questions:
• What are we measuring ourselves against? -- other churches or scripture?
• Are our goals realistic? -- Does video broadcasting to a second "campus" really make sense if you could just hold a second service at the same location?
• Are we learning from our mistakes? -- Are you holding post-event/ post-service evaluations and including input from your congregation?
• Are we actively pursuing knowledge? -- Is your team attending conferences? Are you bringing in people for workshops and retreats to stretch your people to the best of their potential?
• Are we spending time praying and planning according to His purpose? -- Or do you do what’s easiest regardless of relevance or quality?
When you prayerfully take stock, even if your "grade" isn't what you'd like it to be, you'll come away determined and excited for what God has in store for the new season that will begin in September. And remember, the grade you're striving for isn't an A or some other letter to reflect how you're doing. It's a "W" which gives all the glory and honor to Him. Worship.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Are You in the Know?
God is at work in the Christian arts with a number of great opportunities to stay or get in the know through services and training provided by believers experienced in ministering through the arts. Check them out:
Christian in Theatre Arts (CITA) presents is annual summer networking conference June 10-14 at Azusa Pacific University in California. Robert Smyth, Producing Artistic
Director of Lamb’s Players in San Diego will be the keynote speaker. Workshops on a wide range of topics will be available. For more infomration, click in the space: www.cita.org
The International Worship Institute Conference will be held June 30-July 3 in Dallas/Forth Worth. The theme is "Embracing His Presence" and planners this year are doing just that by moving away from the more commercial feel of many larger Christian Conferences.
"Over time, the nature of our gatherings became too market-driven and self-absorbed," said Steve Fry, president. "Now, we feel that the Lord has graciously and lovingly corrected us. So, those returning to the IWI will see some changes. Although we will all receive great ministry from the anointed leaders who guide us, we will be far more focused on the Lord’s Presence than on personalities."
Presenters include Jack Hayford and Ross Parsley among others. For information, click in the space: http://worshipinstitute.com/iwi2008/index.php
The Worship Teleseminar hosted by Kenneth Voritskul is offering another lineup of free online training from some top instructors. Upcoming sessions include:
- How to make the best with less if you're short on talent or people
- How to continue growing as a worship leader over time
- How to build a more committed, united, and passionate worship team
For more information and to sign up for the seminar click in the space: http://worshipteleseminar.com/
If you're a song writer who'd like to see your music spread to the worldwide church or if you're a worship leader looking for ways to blend traditional and contemporary in your service, check out Consuming Worship. They offer worship tools and inspiration at http://www.consumingworship.com
Lillenas Drama and Music Publishing has come great end-of-season sales going on check out the drama and msuci sites by clicking in the space: http://www.lillenas.com
Vote for which upcoming Broadway show you'd like to see reviewed from a Christian perspective at Reflections in the light. Click here: http://reflectionsinthelight.blogspot.com/
Christian in Theatre Arts (CITA) presents is annual summer networking conference June 10-14 at Azusa Pacific University in California. Robert Smyth, Producing Artistic
Director of Lamb’s Players in San Diego will be the keynote speaker. Workshops on a wide range of topics will be available. For more infomration, click in the space: www.cita.org
The International Worship Institute Conference will be held June 30-July 3 in Dallas/Forth Worth. The theme is "Embracing His Presence" and planners this year are doing just that by moving away from the more commercial feel of many larger Christian Conferences.
"Over time, the nature of our gatherings became too market-driven and self-absorbed," said Steve Fry, president. "Now, we feel that the Lord has graciously and lovingly corrected us. So, those returning to the IWI will see some changes. Although we will all receive great ministry from the anointed leaders who guide us, we will be far more focused on the Lord’s Presence than on personalities."
Presenters include Jack Hayford and Ross Parsley among others. For information, click in the space: http://worshipinstitute.com/iwi2008/index.php
The Worship Teleseminar hosted by Kenneth Voritskul is offering another lineup of free online training from some top instructors. Upcoming sessions include:
- How to make the best with less if you're short on talent or people
- How to continue growing as a worship leader over time
- How to build a more committed, united, and passionate worship team
For more information and to sign up for the seminar click in the space: http://worshipteleseminar.com/
If you're a song writer who'd like to see your music spread to the worldwide church or if you're a worship leader looking for ways to blend traditional and contemporary in your service, check out Consuming Worship. They offer worship tools and inspiration at http://www.consumingworship.com
Lillenas Drama and Music Publishing has come great end-of-season sales going on check out the drama and msuci sites by clicking in the space: http://www.lillenas.com
Vote for which upcoming Broadway show you'd like to see reviewed from a Christian perspective at Reflections in the light. Click here: http://reflectionsinthelight.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Accomplished Artists Are Students
When we’re young and starting out in the arts, we acknowledge that we don’t know everything, that mentors are a godsend and that constant learning is a part of becoming the best actor, director, musician, technician, dancer or singer we can be. As skills (and accolades) increase, however, artists sometimes can lose site of those truths. We stop learning, fear competition and don't take the time to help others starting out.
I was encouraged last week at the Drama League Awards in New York to discover that some very accomplished and honored persons in the theater have not forgotten the importance of gleaning from those with whom they work.
Bartlett Sher, honored for excellence in directing (see list of winners below), spoke of a teacher who had influenced him, said that he and his cast and crew had learned a lot from each other and that “everything is passed on.” Patrick Stewart, star of Macbeth, was cited for serving as the team’s leader who poured into his fellow cast members. All the young actors in the production “want to be him and work with him again,” we were told.
Distinguished Performer winner Patti LuPone honored those who had helped make her performance possible:
•Gypsy director Arthur Laurents as a director who allowed the cast to reinvent something that “wasn’t broke”
•the producers for their boldness in restaging a musical that had just been on Broadway five years ago
•the other actors for their ensemble skills
“I’m still a student, “LuPone said, “…awed by what I see on a stage.”
Somehow I think it’s that teachable spirit that allows Ms. LuPone and others like her to reach new heights in their ability to perform. It’s when we feel we have “arrived” and that we’re the one everyone else should be looking to for inspiration that we forget who the Master teacher is and from whom the talent comes in the first place.
Make a new commitment this week to learn from all those God has placed in your circle and to pass on His wisdom to those who view you as mentor.
“You'll only hear true and right words from my mouth;
not one syllable will be twisted or skewed.
You'll recognize this as true—you with open minds;
truth-ready minds will see it at once.
Prefer my life-disciplines over chasing after money,
and God-knowledge over a lucrative career.
For Wisdom is better than all the trappings of wealth;
nothing you could wish for holds a candle to her.” (Proverbs 8:8-11 THE MESSAGE)
Winners of the Drama League Awards:
Distinguished Production of a Play
August: Osage County
Distinguished Production of a Musical
A Catered Affair
Distinguished Revival—Play
Macbeth
Distinguished Revival—MusicalSouth Pacific
Distinguished Performance Award
Patti LuPone, Gypsy
Julia Hansen Award for Excellence in Directing
Bartlett Sher, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific
Unique Contribution to the Theatre
Ellen Stewart and LaMaMa E.T.C.
Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre
Paul Gemignani
I was encouraged last week at the Drama League Awards in New York to discover that some very accomplished and honored persons in the theater have not forgotten the importance of gleaning from those with whom they work.
Bartlett Sher, honored for excellence in directing (see list of winners below), spoke of a teacher who had influenced him, said that he and his cast and crew had learned a lot from each other and that “everything is passed on.” Patrick Stewart, star of Macbeth, was cited for serving as the team’s leader who poured into his fellow cast members. All the young actors in the production “want to be him and work with him again,” we were told.
Distinguished Performer winner Patti LuPone honored those who had helped make her performance possible:
•Gypsy director Arthur Laurents as a director who allowed the cast to reinvent something that “wasn’t broke”
•the producers for their boldness in restaging a musical that had just been on Broadway five years ago
•the other actors for their ensemble skills
“I’m still a student, “LuPone said, “…awed by what I see on a stage.”
Somehow I think it’s that teachable spirit that allows Ms. LuPone and others like her to reach new heights in their ability to perform. It’s when we feel we have “arrived” and that we’re the one everyone else should be looking to for inspiration that we forget who the Master teacher is and from whom the talent comes in the first place.
Make a new commitment this week to learn from all those God has placed in your circle and to pass on His wisdom to those who view you as mentor.
“You'll only hear true and right words from my mouth;
not one syllable will be twisted or skewed.
You'll recognize this as true—you with open minds;
truth-ready minds will see it at once.
Prefer my life-disciplines over chasing after money,
and God-knowledge over a lucrative career.
For Wisdom is better than all the trappings of wealth;
nothing you could wish for holds a candle to her.” (Proverbs 8:8-11 THE MESSAGE)
Winners of the Drama League Awards:
Distinguished Production of a Play
August: Osage County
Distinguished Production of a Musical
A Catered Affair
Distinguished Revival—Play
Macbeth
Distinguished Revival—MusicalSouth Pacific
Distinguished Performance Award
Patti LuPone, Gypsy
Julia Hansen Award for Excellence in Directing
Bartlett Sher, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific
Unique Contribution to the Theatre
Ellen Stewart and LaMaMa E.T.C.
Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre
Paul Gemignani
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