Let me begin at the beginning. At the end of September, my mom, Kayla and I met Susan, Jessie and my mother-in-law, Joyce, in San Luis Obispo. Our first stop was at Bro. Fluitt's house, due to the fact that he graciously opened his home to us for the night. Next we went to Coco's for a bite to eat, then headed to the church where the concert was held. (As a side note, Coco's has the best broccoli soup!)
We arrived to a rather full parking lot and got to our chairs in time to hear a local band do the opening act. I must say that I was rather partial to the fiddler. His bow was a literal blur at times and I've got a picture to prove:
After the band performed a few classic songs, The Isaacs took the stage. I think my jaw remained slack during the entire concert. That family is beyond talented. Not only are they phenomenal musicians, but their song writing skills are so unique! Amazing!
They sang several songs off of their latest release, Why Can't We, as well as pieces from many of their other albums- including a few of their a capella numbers. It was the perfect variety to showcase their versatility.
One of the many highlights of the night was a duet by Sonya and her husband, Jimmy. The song, You Never Know, was written by Jimmy in memory of a friend who passed suddenly a few years ago. Beautiful! Here is the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1D6jPyvurvY
Another touching part of the evening was when Rebecca performed a song she wrote based upon her personal healing experience. Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dk3W9kBwJK8
Apparently, Rebecca has been told many times over that she looks like Cher (Sonny and Cher). Not too long ago she and Sonya went shopping. When they got to the check-out counter the checker said to Rebecca, "Do you know who you look like?" Rebecca sighed and said, "Yes... Cher." The checker said, "No! You look just like Rebecca from The Isaacs!"
Which reminds me... A while ago, Jonathan and I were in Arizona when a group of us got onto the subject about couples who look alike. Jonathan remarked how odd a concept it is to be married to someone who looks like yourself, to which I agreed. The next day we were at a potluck when Jonathan sat down at a table with an unfamiliar man. I hadn't quite reached the table when the man motioned towards me and asked Jonathan, "Is that your sister?" Jonathan replied that I was his wife. The man said, "Oh, really? You guys look alike!" :)
O.K. Back on track! Here are a couple more pictures taken that night.
Becky, Sonya and Ben
I don't know that much more can be said to even begin to do that night justice... Besides simply saying GO if the opportunity ever arises!! Well. Worth. It.
Now, time for some interesting tidbits on a couple of the Gaither Homecoming artists:
- Kim Collingsworth met her husband, Phil, when she was 14 years old and married him when she was 17! Her favorite songs are: I Then Shall Live, It Is Well With My Soul, and Now More Than Ever.
- Matthew Holt, the Gaither's new pianist, was 3 years old when his parents heard him playing Sweet Hour of Prayer after returning home from a church service where he had heard the song. (Need I continue?!) At 19 years old he was hired by The Perry's. Through that connection he met Gene McDonald, who in turn told Bill Gaither about him when the position became available! And for those of us who were wondering, he is 27 years old. So glad he's on board, as he seems to fit right in!
**NEWS FLASH** Come February 5th, Heidi is going to be one happy gal because there will be two new DVDs released based on the Gaither Vocal Band's latest CD project, Pure and Simple. Judging from the promo, I highly doubt that disappointment will be an option! Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=934bFL2_r7I
On a different note, I was so saddened to read that David Phelps's sister, Sherri Proctor, departed from this life at the end of September. What a tremendous loss for David and his family. The Gaither web-site posted a lovely blog about Sherri, which you can read by going to: http://gaither.com/news/loving-memory Also, here is a song she and David recorded just a short time before her passing:
May that family be greatly comforted during this time.
In closing, I would like to leave you with a quote:
Music speaks what cannot be expressed
Soothes the mind and gives it rest
Heals the heart and makes it whole
Flows from Heaven to the soul
Author unknown
Until next time...
Mizz Babs
*** A special thanks to Erin for once again helping me to understand the ropes of working this blog site! Because of her, you are able to automatically view the posted videos by a simple click- as opposed to the 'copy and paste' technique! :) ***
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