I’m a firm believer in the notion that art matters. At the close of a chapter in his book Through a Screen Darkly, a friend of mine, Jeffrey Overstreet, writes, “God heals us through creation and art.” There has been more than one night when I’ve been lost and at a loss for words, and listening to Eric sing his song Tomorrow does just that, heals me, or at least points me towards home, towards a better truth.

wake me up when today is over
for I cannot bear the noise
put me to sleep in silent whispers
inside of God’s own voice
is this the feeling of redemption
or the shoulders of despair?
and since I fear tomorrow
please come and meet me there

angel of tomorrow
say a prayer tonight
when I find myself alone
afraid of being known
and holding on for life

Eric has begun working on a new album, and he just posted this message on his website, letting those of us who are thankful for his work know how we can play a small part in this next project:

As you may already know I have started recording a new album with friend and fellow Spike Jones appreciator, Ben Shive, at the production helm. Progress will be slow the next month or so as I will be out of town, but the work, at least, has officially begun. I wanted to try something a little different this time around by inviting folks to get involved early on in the process, rather than later. Briefly alluding to this in an earlier post, I figure now is as good a time as any to get the ball rolling on the experiment, this patronage of the arts if I may be so bold. Fundraising, on a larger scale like this, is something I have never done, but now with a bona fide family of three to support this time through the indie record-making gamut, I have been encouraged to put the call out and to let the people of earth help, invest and contribute what they may. Here’s my proposal:

The Goal: $15,000
300 people x $50/each

Click here to read the rest of Eric’s proposal and to make your contribution.

As of ten minutes ago, Randall Goodgame’s new site has officially launched. There’s a lot of great stuff up there, including some great photos. Check it out at http://www.randallgoodgame.com.

Here’s some info about his next project from the “About” page:

Four years have passed since the release of Randall’s last album “War and Peace,” and now he’s writing again for album number five. Well-versed in folk music as a frequent writer for the group Caedmon’s Call (INO Records), Randall is putting down his guitar and going back to the instrument he grew up on – the piano. “The songs I’m writing,” said Randall, “are what happens when I’m writing on the instrument I’m most comfortable with.” What you will hear is a representation of Randall’s musical past blended with his real-life experiences in the present. “Reverie,” a new song written about his wife of seven years, is the mark of Randall’s maturity as an artist, how the past four years have molded him and, in a way, reveals his true musical identity. From the smooth, soulful vocals to the rich and captivating piano melody, “Reverie” invites the listener to celebrate love and devotion with a joyful innocence. A whole new chapter begins to unfold through the infectious, piano-based melodies he is creating, once again letting all that surrounds him become a part of the song and a part of the story that is Randall Goodgame.

If you’re like me, you probably woke up this morning thinking, “I wonder when Eric Peters is going to start working on his new record?” Well, wonder no more. Last Tuesday, Eric joined fellow Square Peg Alliance member Ben Shive, who is producing the record, in the studio, and they started working out arrangements and laying down acoustic guitar parts and scratch vocals. So far, they have the basic tracks recorded for four songs. They’re taking a break this week, while Ben is recording the rhythm tracks for the new Sara Groves Christmas record he is producing, but hopefully will be back at work soon. Eric has started a new blog, The Middle of the Storm, where he will be posting updates every recording day, if things go as planned. There are already a couple of posts up, so check it out.

If you haven’t checked The Rabbit Room yet today, first of all, why not? Second, here’s what Andrew posted this morning about an event Saturday.

At Davis Kidd Booksellers, arguably the coolest big bookstore in the Nashville area, I’m honored to be reading from On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, as well as playing a few songs with my good friend Randall Goodgame. I hope you can make it out. Bring your kids, or your selves, or your cardigan sweaters.

Where: Davis Kidd Booksellers, at the Green Hills Mall
When: 2:00 PM
What: Toothy cows, singer/songwriters, books
Why: To experience the thrill of peril! Adventure! Mystery! Internal rhyme!

Hope to see some of you there.

Thanks!

AP

Randall Goodgame just posted this bulletin on his myspace page:

Hey ya’ll,

So I’ve been thinking, it’s time for two things:
1. a new record (which is coming soon, we might start next week, Amen!!!)
2. a string of shows

This is where I need your help:
Some of you have already sent me some ideas, thank you! But I need a few more, is there a church or ministry in your local area that would like to host me for a show. I’ve got my long lists I’m working through on places, but I want to play where ya’ll would like me too, and yes, I’m recruiting your help…

So here’s the deal, if you have any ideas, shoot them to me here: booking@wintonelliott.com

Sincerely with great thanks in advance,
RG

Andrew just posted an announcement over at the Rabbit Room giving a link for pre-ordering autographed copies of his book, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, which comes out in two weeks. Get it here.

Or so says their website:

There are no words to describe the awesomeness that is Andy and the Andy’s. When was the last time you saw a band spell out their name, the word that drew them together, on their white t-shirts, one letter per shirt, with duct tape? Drawing from their vast catalogue of six songs for tonight’s concert, they decided to sing all six, plus three older songs (After the Last Tear Falls, Kara, and Alright Here).

After the concert, when I asked Andy and Andy about the status of the recording that was mentioned, they said the tracks are finished, they just have to add the vocals. Which could happen tomorrow, or it could happen in three months. Be sure to keep an eye on their website, www.andyandtheandys.com, for details about the record as they become available. And stand in awe of Andy G.’s graphic design skills and Andy O’s web design talent.

Oh, and it was a night full of surprises, too. Like, when it’s time for the solo before the last chorus of a song and someone says “Take it away, Andy”, who gets the solo?

If you’re within, oh, about 18 hours of Nashville, you might want to start driving this way now. Thursday evening is the debut performance of Andy and the Andy’s: Andy Osenga, Andy Peterson, Andy Gullahorn, Andy Hubbard (on drums) and possibly another Andy on Bass. At Osenga’s birthday show tonight, he sang a new song, “I’m On Your Side”, that he said would be on an upcoming record from Andy and the Andy’s. You don’t want to miss this. Details here. (They are playing at Christopher Williams‘ CD release show)

On March 18th, the wait will be over. On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness -
Adventure. Peril. Lost Jewels. And the Fearsome Toothy Cows of Skree. will finally be in our hands.

Once, in a cottage above the cliffs on the Dark Sea of Darkness, there lived three children and their trusty dog Nugget. Janner Igiby, his brother Tink, their crippled sister Leeli are gifted children as all children are, loved well by a noble mother and ex-pirate grandfather. But they will need all their gifts and all that love to survive the evil pursuit of the venomous Fangs of Dang who have crossed the dark sea to rule the land with malice and pursue the Igibys who hold the secret to the lost legend and jewels of good King Wingfeather of the Shining Isle of Anniera.

Andrew Peterson spins a quirky and riveting tale of the Igibys’ extraordinary journey from Glipwood’s Dragon Day Festival and a secret hidden in the Books and Crannies Bookstore, past the terrifying Black Carriage, clutches of the horned hounds and loathsome toothy cows surrounding AnkleJelly Manor, through the Glipwood Forest and mysterious treehouse of Peet the Sock Man (known for a little softshoe and wearing tattered socks on his hands and arms), to the very edge of the Ice Prairies.

Full of characters rich in heart, smarts, and courage, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness presents a world of wonder and a tale children of all ages will cherish, families can read aloud, and readers’ groups are sure to discuss for its layers of meaning about life’s true treasure and tangle of the beautiful and horrible, temporal and eternal, and good and bad.

Okay, so I know that Geof has already mentioned this in his weekly listing of new tour dates, but in case you missed it, here is an announcement Christianity Today had in their weekly news roundup:

Acclaimed singer/songwriter Andrew Peterson will hit the road with friends Jill Phillips, Andy Gullahorn, Ben Shive, and others for the Resurrection Letters Tour, which will support Peterson’s album of the same name to be released in spring 2008. In other news, Peterson will make his debut as a novelist this March with On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness (WaterBrook Press), a fun and fast-paced fantasy novel for “readers of all ages.”