Catching up and winding down

First off MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!

We kicked off our Christmas season with an incredible Coffee House at New Beginnings. Our special thanks to Tom Shiness, Jim Webber and The Sounds Of Life! They were all just fantastic and we can't wait to work with them all again soon.
We will wrap up our Christmas performances this Sunday at Belle Meade UMC and invite you all to come join us in celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Beginning next week we will start the process of preparing and recording our new CD. We are very excited in that this band has grown and evolved so much since we recorded our first CD a little over a year ago. This should be a very diverse CD and I can't wait to share all the new music with you all.

Hopefully the CD will be ready by March and we are in the process of setting up a show schedule that will keep us busy and hopefully give you all a chance to come out and join us in some great nights of "Rhythm & Praise".

I will keep the blog updated with the progress that we are making and as always you are all welcome to join us at New Beginnings for a Sunday service. Watch the appearances section of the blog for those dates.

Thanks for all you support and love.
Vince

Christmas Coffee House

Don't Forget the great CHRISTMAS Coffee House, this Saturday night at 7:00 at New Beginnings Church, 7700 George E. Horn Road, Nashville Tn 37221 (Map Quest the address for directions).
The Coffee House is FREE (no cover charge) and features

The Sounds Of Life
Jim Weber
MEN-U
Tom Shinness
and
X-ALT!

It's going to be a great way to kick off the Christmas Season.
See you there
V

Where the River Bends...

Hi everybody! It's Ginger here, and I wanted to take a moment to share with you the blessing that we experienced last weekend as we went back out to Riverbend Maximum Security Prison. We once again sang to a group of inmates who showed such genuine appreciation, and blessed us with their kindness. They played and sang for us at the end of the service, and the fellowship was just amazing.

Vince told them about how earlier in the week, we got to sing at The Wildhorse, but if he had to choose between that and playing for them, he’d choose playing at the prison.

I’d have to agree. Knowing that you are giving a person a bit of joy through your smiles, singing, interaction, and acceptance of them, means much more than any amount of applause ever could.

While most assuredly these guys know what it’s like to be at the very lowest one can be, it was beautiful to witness the healing power of music as it broke down the barriers of pain, grief, hurt, doubt, hate, racism, hopelessness…and, even if but only for a few moments, replaced those things with faith, hope and, the very greatest of these, love.

Jesus once said…

"…for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ …‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these, My brethren, you did it to Me.'"

With experiences like these, I believe I'm beginning to grasp what He truly meant.

*

Rockin' at the Wild Horse Saloon

SO what is a christian/gospel group doing playing in Nashville hottest Bar? Well, hopefully taking a little bit of Gods word to folks that needed to hear it but also we were competing in the first annual Media Challenge to benefit the United Way. We were one of three acts asked to represent WSMV-TV Channel 4. We didn't win but that's not important. What is important is that God was glorified, a great charity was helped and we had a blast playing on the biggest stage we have ever had a chance to appear on, and as you will see Tommy made the most of every inch of it!



We really had a great time but now it is time to get back to what X-ALT! is really about as we head back to Riverbend Prison this Sunday to bring the service to the men who are incarcerated there.
God has truly blessed us with opportunities to do so many different things and to serve him in so many different ways.
Always remember that God is good, and his blessings overflow.
V

John Wesley UMC

Thank you so much to the great folks at John Welsey UMC, especially our dear friend Elder Kenneth Edmondson, for inviting us to take part in the Homecoming celebration. We were blessed, and I'm not just saying that, to be a part of this wonderful afternoon of Praise and worship. The speaker for the service was Pastor William Dobbins II of Springfield Parish United Methodist Church who preached on Peace. Peace in the world, in our homes, in our relationships and in our personal ministries. The Springfield Parish UMC Choir also joined in the festivities and lifted the Word to a all new level. It was so cool when we did "Put a Little Love in Your Heart" and "Lean On Me", they joined in and added so much to our music that I just could not believe how cool it all sounded.
It was truly a wonderful afternoon.
Thanks again to Pastor "E" and the good folks at John Wesley UMC.
God Bless you all!
Vince

Help us Support United Way

X-ALT! will be one of the acts representing WSMV-TV in the upcoming media challenge / talent show at he Wild Horse Saloon. The show is Oct. 30th beginning at 6:00pm. We will be competing against all kinds of acts representing the four major TV broadcasters in the area and the Tennessean Newspaper. Please make plans to join us at the Wild Horse on the 30th and bring you checkbook to make a donation during our set. The acts that raise the most money during their set will receive a 1st, 2nd or 3rd place prize there is also a professionals prize that will be given away by group of judges. So come on out and support United Way and X-ALT!
thanks
Vince

Check Out Our Guests

Two of our performers at this weekends coffee house have web sites where you can find out more about them, so head that way and check them out. Then be at New Beginnings Church at 7:00pm sharp Saturday night because you won't want to miss a minute of this one.
V




















http://www.myspace.com/sarahvalley

























http://www.jimweber.com

New Beginnings Coffee House is Saturday the 13th

You don't want to miss this one. We have tried hard to surpass (or at least live up to) the last coffee house at New Beginnings and I think we have done it. Check out the poster and make plans to attend. I'll be updating the blog with info on the performers as we get closer to the event.

God Bless

V

Now here's some of what you missed

Yesterday I posted some shots from our busy Sunday, here are two videos from the Word Of Life Christian Center Event.

First off, here is a group of incredible kids that performed before us. The Unity Steppers from Word of Life in Dickson, TN. How do you follow something like this?!?



Well, if you are X-ALT! you do it like this...



Need I remind you that God's spirit, strength and love was in the house that night.

More to come
V

Some Memories of Sunday!

Just a quick post with some pictures from Sunday's (Sept. 30th) activities. There will be much more to come...

Shots From Brotherton Baptist Church in Cookeville



>


Back Stage at Word Of Life Christian Center International






No explanation for this one.....

Some Days Will Last In Your Memories Forever

This is part of an e-mail I sent to the band this morning...

I hope you are all as proud as I am to have been a part of both the Homecoming in Cookeville as well as the incredible night at Word Of Life. I wish you all could have stayed through the end. To say we made an impression would be an understatement. Pastor Arthur has asked us to return to do the next Praise and Worship concert but he also wants us to do a Sunday Morning service as well. This is a huge deal! And honestly something I had not expected. You all took that extra step last night and were on the top of your game and proved that X-ALT! can stand with the best! God has blessed us and continues to do so and I truly hope you all felt God moving through us and through that church last night. God was there and let all of us know it!

I'm still reeling from our day yesterday, especially our appearance at Word Of Life Christian Center last night. When I've had more sleep I'll post pictures and video for the appearances and do my best to describe what was a totally un-describable evening of worship.

God Bless
Vince

Back in the studio

X-ALT! will be returning to the recording studio tonight to record the new theme song for Nashville's longest running gospel music program. "Nashville Gospel" hit the Nashville airways over 35 years ago and was for a long time the standard by which local "religious" music programing was judged. Over the past 10 years with the change in viewing habits, and management at WSMV-TV, "Nashville Gospel" has seen it time slot changed again and again till it came to it's final resting place in the wee hours of Sunday morning basically destined to defeat by scheduling. Lack of advertising income caused by it's ever changing position led the show to stop new production about a year ago and they have been airing re-runs while trying to create new revinue but unfortunately WSMV made the decision to drop the show off the schedule about a month ago. But host Tommy Lewis is determined to get "Nashville Gospel" back on it's feet. He has begun working with a partner that will allow for new content to be shot and they have brought on a new producer/editor (That would be ME)to update the look of the show. They are in talks with another local broadcaster about picking the show up, and it continues to run in a few other television markets. X-ALT's new theme is the first step in a hoped for revival of the program. Please add "Nashville Gospel" and it's producers to you prayers and keep your eyes open for it's return. I will keep everyone updated through this blog on "Nashville Gospel" news and watch for the theme to appear here first in the next few weeks.
V

A Good Thing - A GOD Thing

There are not words to express how proud and blessed I feel to be a part of a band like X-ALT. Last night we returned to Belle Meade UMC, the church where we used to lead the contemporary service and the church that was a source for great pain and heartache for so many of us after we were asked to step down from our leadership position there. I will admit that I was not sure of the reception that we would receive, would the crowd be small, would the ones that came for dinner leave once we started playing, I really was worried. But GOD took over last night and showed me that HE is bigger than our petty worries and that HE is in charge and last night's show became one of the highlights in my mind of anything this band has done so far.

Dinner was scheduled to start at 5:15 but so many folks were showing up early that the decision to go ahead and start serving was made and for the next hour or so a steady stream of people made their way into the fellowship hall where they were treated to an incredible dinner prepared by the ubber talented Susan Meador and her staff. Pork Tenderloin, Cheese Grits with Shrimp, Green Beans and "That Special Salad", Hot Rolls and Pie. It was truly a feast. Looking around I was watching the different band members prepare for the show, I think all of us were a bit surprised at the size of the crowd that was making their way into the fellowship hall.

At about 6:00 Pastor Mike Ripski announced that tables had been set up in one of the nearby classrooms to handle the overflow. It was just amazing. Smiles were starting to spread throughout our little group and worry was starting to turn to excitement and optimism.
At about 6:20 Pastor Ripski started with the weekly announcements, birthday and anniversary celebrations and generally welcoming everyone back to Wednesday night activities after a summer off. Then after blessing the meal he introduced X-ALT! and we took the stage to a full house.

We had purposely put together a set list that mixed our original music with contemporary worship standards and hymns done X-ALT! style, a little something for everyone. We opened with our version of "Down To The River To Pray" then went straight into a beefed up version of the standard "I'll Fly Away". The crowd was singing along and clapping their hands and my head was spinning, I never expected to receive this type of reception, it went from being a concert to being worship.

It was amazing, the little kids were dancing around, folks our age were on their feet clapping and getting into it and the older ones were smiling and singing along. This has got to be what church will be like in heaven! Or at least I hope it is!

40 minutes later when we closed with "Oh, Happy Day" the good people at Belle Meade came to their feet and came forward to shake our hands and hug our necks, congratulate us and tell us how much the music meant to them, and I can't tell you how much it meant to me.


I got this e-mail from our guitarist Mark Pierce who was not with us at the time we were leading the service at Belle Meade...
"Being that I was one from the outside looking in, I saw from my own observation that the people there really loved all of you that were part of that church prior to X-ALT!. Just the interactions that I observed showed that. I think the message that went unspoken but was definitely illustrated was just loving people and all the good stuff WE are and were made of. As I remind myself each day..........WWJD! Rock on!"

Mark Mills our music director and resident piano player sent this along...
Great job last night! I thought the energy was way up (especially for middle of the week!) and alot of people were truly blessed. I spoke to Susan Meador (she did the cooking) and she told me it's about the largest Wednesday night supper crowd they've had. And they came to hear X-ALT!. Thank you all for your giving of yourselves.

This just in from Susie...
Being back at Belle Meade was like visiting family...everyone was so receptive and supportive...I kinda had to take a step back for a moment and ask myself if I was at the right place! But I was, and I also feel like X-Alt was...at the right place to mend the hurts caused so long ago...the people that were there loved having us back and we truly appreciated their warm reception and good hugs...maybe we can do a contemporary service or music there for them sometime!


We need to say a special thank you to few folks.

Ben Jones a member of the youth group at Belle Meade and Mark Mills' nephew filled in on drums for Eddie who was in school and did a great job. THANK YOU BEN!!!


Our Old Buddy Lawrence Bailey returned to play sax for us and as always did a wonderful job. THANK YOU LAWRENCE - AGAIN!



Also a great big THANK YOU to Brandon Boozer who did sound for us, and to my daughter Lucy for all the pictures I've used in this post.


A Special THANK YOU to pastors Mike Ripski, Pam Hawkins and Regina Proctor for inviting us to come out and play. It was a wonderful night of music, praise, and rekindling of old friendships and a time for making new friends. Wounds were healed and hearts were opened, and most importantly GOD was glorified.

It was a good thing - It was a GOD Thing.
V

Prayer Request

X-ALT! will be making it's return to Belle Meade UMC on August 29th for the first time since we left there almost two years ago under some unhappy circumstances. Time truly heals all wounds, but some take longer than others. Please pray for us and for those at Belle Meade that were involved at the time that this appearance will go well and will lead to healing and closure for so many of us. Also pray that the members of the band can put any hurt or personal feelings aside and treat this appearance as we do all others - as a way to celebrate God and His glory, the saving grace of his Son Jesus, and the power of music to cross all boundaries whether they be physical, mental or emotional. This appearance is something that Tommy, Brooke and Myself have been hoping for, for a long time as we are still members at Belle Meade and it's really hard to handle a rift in your church family and your musical family. So please pray and pray hard for all of us!

On a happier note we want to thank - ahead of time - two great guys that will be filling in with at Belle Meade. Our old buddy Lawrence Bailey will be once again filling in on sax and Mark Mills' nephew Ben Jones will be behind the drums filling in for Eddie who is stuck in a night class. Ben is an incredible young drummer with a great future and we are so proud to welcome him to the fold!

V

Welcome to our newest member

Ginger Eldridge made her first official appearance with X-ALT! yesterday at New Beginnings and we are so glad to have her aboard as part of our Group. Her voice blends so well with Brooke, Katy and Susie giving us a true Angel Choir. Those of us fellas that sing are now out numbered so we have got to stay on our toes!

Welcome Ginger - now lets get busy!!!
V

A Little More On The Prison Service

This in from Fearless Leader MARK MILLS

It never fails. We go out to the prison to do our “Christian Duty” , and we end up being the ones blessed. Isn’t that the way God works, though? Every time we get a set together for Riverbend, it seems our hearts are the ones being lifted. God’s Spirit moves among these men, and they are so eager to have us share in that joy. Seems odd, huh? Joy, inside of a prison. But with the singing going on Sunday night (them and us), I’m surprised the walls didn’t just fall in, like in the Bible. So often, prisoners are put away, never to be thought of again, not even by their own families. Thank God, He never forgets them, and just like with us, meets them where they are. May we always be so aware of His presence.

I Love Going To Prison

We had the previledge of bring the Word to the men at Riverbend Prison again last night and as usual it was a great night of praise and worship. I've asked the folks in the band to write their feelings about the service and as they come in I'll post them here for you to read. We had a special guest, one of Tommy's Blogger friends Ginger (I won't give her last name because I don't know if she gives it out on her Blog) anyway Ginger has a beautiful voice and it was a blessing having her with us. Here is what she said on her blog about the service...

The prisoners wanted contraband, not a “country band”!August 5th, 2007
…but they did enjoy the gospel band that played tonight!

I had the incredible opportunity to sit in with Slarti’s band, X-Alt this evening for a concert at the Riverbend Maximum Security Prison.

It was a great experience! The men were all very kind to us, and so grateful that we came out to sing for them. It was cool to me how they helped set up our equipment, and when we realized that the piano that used to be in the chapel was gone, one of the inmates let us borrow the keyboard he had been allowed to have for good behavior. I noticed how a couple of them were so excited to be able to play Katy’s guitar and she was very gracious to them when they asked if they could play it.

The two most moving parts of the evening, for me, was when each man was asked if he had a need that he would like to be prayed for. These guys wanted prayers for their families, for each other, and even for us. Then one of the guys stood and spoke about how earlier in the week, he hurt one of his fellow inmates, who was now sitting across the aisle from him. He said that he wanted to publicly thank this man because he showed compassion toward him even when he had hurt him so bad. He said it was the first time in his life that somebody had shown him that kind of compassion. It was a very compelling moment to watch two very tough-on-the-outside hardened criminals be so touched by an act of kindness.

The other thing that was just amazing was listening to one of the inmates play and sing a song he wrote. It’s called, “Where the River Bends,” and it was REALLY good. (Remember the name of the institution?) Anyway, having just an acoustic guitar accompanying his R&B flavored voice fit perfectly together for this song. All of the guys seemed to know the song, too, and were singing along. He sang of struggling to stay afloat in the raging river of life and of praying that the Lord would keep him safe where the river bends. It made me all teary (of course).

It was a blessing to be a part of this band tonight. It felt great to be singing with a group again. There are few things I enjoy more than singing harmony with some really great singers. It was a blast.

I am very thankful to Slarti for the opportunity. I can’t put in to words how much I appreciate it.

A good man once said…”…for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ …‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these, My brethren, you did it to Me.’”

After the experience tonight, I kinda feel like I know what he meant

Here is the link to her post...
(http://gingersnaps.wordpress.com/2007/08/05/the-prisoners-wanted-contraband-not-a-country-band/)
This is Tom's Post on his blog from this morning...

You’re MenAugust 6th, 2007 — Slartibartfast

The church service at Riverbend Prison yesterday was quite intense, and it’s hard to gather my thoughts on it, because I have feelings more than thoughts about the whole experience.

First off, if you didn’t know it, Ginger can sing. Oh, I know you knew she could carry a melody well, but the hallmark of a great singer is someone who can do that, AND slip into harmonies with an ensemble; well, Ginger is spectacular in that regard.

Sometimes, I take that particular talent for granted, I am surrounded by it: Mark, Vince, Susie, Brooke, Katy - they all have oodles of vocal talent, and it’s so wonderful to see that talent offered up in service to the Lord.

It was great that Katy went along this time. She just adds that extra something to the vocals that takes the music from “good” to “wow”.

The main speaker preached a sermon that spoke to me, about building and nurturing a spiritual garden no matter where you are. The sermon was meant for the men, but it spoke to me, nonetheless.

Men. That was a moment that sent chills down my spine - when the preacher said, “Outside, they think of you as criminals; they call you inmates. You’re not inmates. You’re men. You’re men.” Amen.

I sure wish y’all could have heard the song “Where The River Bends”, written by one of the men. If I’m ever able to write that well, I’ll know I’m a songwriter.

Ginger has summed up the evening perfectly for me, and Ford will have a post up about it soon. Be on the lookout. No pictures - those are kind of out of the question in this setting.

I can tell you this: pick a group of people that you have had a degree of cognitive dissonance about in the past. A “them”. Ask God to send you to minister to “them”, no matter how much it scares you. Allow your heart to be opened.

This is the place where true healing is found.

Link to Tom's Blog...
(http://shootthemoose.wordpress.com/)

Hopefully some of the others will put thier feelings into words over the next few days, It was as touching a service as I have ever been a part of.
God Is Good!
V

Sorry for the delay

It's been a while since I posted, sorry about that, it's just that time of year where we all are spread thin with vacations, mission trips, reunions and the usual X-ALT appearances.
We had a great service last weekend at New Beginnings and will be gathering later this afternoon to host a service at Nashville's Riverbend Maximum Security Prison. The services at Riverbend are always so uplifting and really let you feel God's presence in action.
More up dates soon - I Promise - until then....
V

A Great Weekend

Saturday Night we said goodbye to TBG Coffee House, it was a night of fun and mixed emotions. We will miss playing at TBG but we can say goodbye knowing that Dana and Wade are moving forward with their ministry. We have not seen the last of them! Here are a few pictures from Saturday Night with thanks to Katy Landers (Tommy's Daughter)






Sunday Morning Susie, Brooke, Mark Pierce, Tommy, Susie's Daughter Jessica, Eddie and myself led the worship at Nashville's Oak Hill Assembly Of God. It was an inspireing morning of worship and we made a lot of new friends along the way. I hope God sends us their way again sometime soon.

We will be taking a break in July, but beginning the last Sunday in Juy we will start a three Sunday Run at New Beginnings Church then moving on with more services at Riverbend Prison, Belle Meade UMC, John Wesley UMC, Cumberland Heights Rehab center. We love keeping busy and the Lord has truly blessed us by allowing us to do just that.
Peace
V

Saying Goodbye To An Old Friend

It's with great sadness that I have to announce that the T.B.G. Coffee House in Ashland City is closing it's doors. I recieved word this afternoon from TBG's owner Dana that our appearance there this Saturday night will be the final show at the Coffee House. TBG has been a blessing to us, an outlet for our music and has been a shining light in the Christian Music community. We will miss them greatly as will the community of Ashland City. We wish Dana and her family the best of luck and we will keep them in our prayers as they move on to the next phaze in their lives.
V

A New Beginning

Words cannot describe the Coffee House at New Beginnings Church, let me start out by saying a special thank you to those who participated...
Bryan Cumming & Band
Radnur Siitam
Steven Troy
Jennifer Herron
The members of X-ALT!
And most importantly the good folks at New Beginnings Church. There is no way to tell you how important and special it is to have a group of people that are willing to step up and make people welcome. The congregation at New Beginnings are the warmest most giving group of Christians that I have ever encountered and I thank God daily for every one of them.
In the near future I will be posting videos from the program but for now I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.


First up was Bryan Cumming and his kickin' band



Next up Radnur Siitam who defines the Christian Singer/Songwriter


Radnur Set the stage and then Steven Troy took it over and played a set of brand new songs that had the audience bouncing in their seats, clapping their hands and partying for the Lord!



X-ALT! had it hands full following Bryan, Radnur and Steven and if I say so myself we steped up and hit it out of the park. All I can figure is that we had been so filled with God's glory by these other great performers that when we hit the stage all that glory came spilling out in what had to be one of the most spirit filled performances that we have ever done.











We ended the night by getting all the performers to join us on stage for a group performance of "Amazing Grace" & "Awsome God"





It was just one of the greatest nights of my life and I am so proud to have been a part of it. We raised a good amount of money for the church, but more importantly we raised up the name of God and Jesus and filled those in attendance with God's Grace, and in the process got filled ourselves.
Keep checking back for video and more comments about the evening, I can't wait to do it again and we will soon!
V

A big thank you from Katy

Dear Friend,
I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your most gorgeous gift.
I can't tell you how that beautiful guitar has lifted my spirits. It
sounded so wonderful at rehearsal Tuesday night. I have been practicing with it since and have actually written some new songs! With the help of my band X-ALT, that guitar will be used to spread the joy of music and especially the promise of God's grace and love.
I do hope that you can come out to see some of our shows. I pray God's
blessings for you.

With Love,
Katy

It's Almost Time

It's almost time for the NEW BEGINNINGS COFFEE HOUSE and after what I can say was our finest practice in a long time X-ALT! is ready to go! If you have not made plans to attend it's time to make those plans and come on out to New Beginnings Church located at 7700 George E. Horn Road, Nashville TN 37221.
You will not be dissapointed. I can say with out a doubt that this is the finest line up of Christian musicians to appear under one roof in a long time. Bryan Cummming, Radnur Siitam, Steven Troy and X-ALT! How can you go wrong? And once you know where New Beginnings is you might as well come back for the Father's Day Service Sunday, X-ALT! will be leading the service and Pastor Brian Howes will be bringing the message. The Coffee House begins Saturday Night at 7:00 and the service is Sunday Morning at 11:00. WHAT A WEEKEND! See you there.
V

This Just In

Jennifer Herron host of WSM Radio's Midnight Jamboree and one of the hosts of WSMV-TV's morning show has signed on as host of The New Beginnings Coffee House. We are so excited that Jennifer has decided to join us and it just adds to the excitement of what is already turning into a very exciting night of music, all for the glory of God and to help out a great church.

Make plans now, you don't want to miss it!

V

Thank You! West Nashville SMC

We had a great Sunday afternoon celebrating homecoming with the folks at West Nashville SMC. X-ALT! was one of four sets of performers that sang throughout the afternoon and a good time was had by all.

MARK YOUR CALANDERS

New Beginnings Coffe House is just 2 weeks away!



We can't wait - hope to see all of you there.
V

Prayers Do Get Answered

If you are a friend of this band or if you have been following this blog for a while you know that a little over a year ago we were asked to step down from a long running commitment we had made to lead the contemporary service at Nashville's Belle Meade UMC. The reason why is still unclear, but many members of the band X-ALT! were badly hurt by the way things were handled. As a member at Belle Meade, along with my wife Brooke and Tommy and his wife Luann we have been facing our own challenges in continuing to worship at Belle Meade.

Not long after we were let go, a new Assistant Pastor, Pam Hawkins, was assigned to the church and she has made quite a difference, especially where Tommy, Luann, Brooke and myself are concerned. She has spent time talking, praying with and for us and counseling us and it has made a huge difference in our outlook. But there has still been that feeling of hurt and betrayal that continues to nag at me. I have been praying for a chance at closure for the situation and also for a chance for
X-ALT! to return to Belle Meade. We have many friends there who stood by us while we were going through everything and transitioning from a "Church Praise Band" to a working "Contemporary Gospel Group" and we so missed all of them.

Well today my prayer was answered with an invitation from Senior Pastor Mike Ripski for X-ALT! to return to Belle Meade and play an after dinner concert on Aug. 29th. We have accepted his invitation and it will now be my prayer that this appearance will be a stepping stone to the healing that needs to happen. God is good and everything happens on His schedule. I've always felt that when the time was right we would be asked to return to Belle Meade, and now that time has arrived.
Thank God! (Literally)
V

Portland Strawberry Festival

I'm not going to waste a lot of space telling you about our day at the Portland Strawberry Festival. Let's just say "We Had A Blast"! Here's the pictures to prove it.




















A special thanks to my daughter Lucy for the stellar pictures she took of us on stage and to Susie and her family for the ones they took as well.
V