Hi All:
How are you guys? Should've been at the 'house on Saturday! It was a great show with a special CD Release event by Harold Kinder and incuded performances by Harold, Cindy Ratliff, Emily Ratliff, and comedic relief by Matthew Vandyke. FUN!
The show fired up with the house band's rendition of "Sweet Home Hosanna" - always a crowd favorite...and a fun song to boot. We are going to work oout some audience participation on that for sure. We had a couple of sit-in members on SAturday - Big thanks to Jack and Robert - awesome job, guys! Emily Ratliff followed with support from the House Band with the song "Hungry." Her set was fantastic, with one acoustic version of the song, "God Will Move."
Cindy Ratliff followed up with a rousing set! MAN! It was cool. She graciously invited the House Band to help out on "Friend of God," and "We will Ride" which were KILLER! Cindy has an awesoem voice with a great range. She is a fantastic performer. We can't wait to get her to come back.
Matthew Vandyke, well,....uh,...er..."Matthew Motivational Speaker" joined us for about 15 minutes of nonstop comedy. Matt kept everyone on thier toes. His bit is reminiscent of the old Saturday Night Live stuff. Matt has an open invitation to join us anytime and has promised that he will!
Harold Kinder took the stage at around 8:40 to promote the release of his new CD, "Forgiven." Harold did a great job with songs by Big Daddy Weave, Mercy Me, and others. It was a real treat to hear some of the music from the new CD, which was available for sale for the first time on Saturday night. He started the show from the back of the room, walking between tables and getting the crowd hyped...the music started and everyone was looking for Harold - but not behind them ;) pretty cool. Harold presented some of the musicians who worked on the record, including Ren Harman and Robert (? sorry, I can't recall his last name! ;) ) who played on a couple of songs live. Check out his web site at
www.kinderministries.com, where you can purchase a copy.
Higher Ground will be closed through the month of July. Our next show is scheduled for August 6, 2005 at the usual time. PELASE JOIN US --- AND BRING A FRIEND! Entertainment is yet to be scheduled, but we will keep you posted here and at
www.geocities.com/ofghigherground.
REAL QUICK :: A BIG thank you to all who helped run the kitchen during my precious wife's absence. As many of you know, Missi had surgery on Friday and could not be there. She was broken hearted, but each of you really picked up the ball and saved the day. Thanks to Rita Keen, Becky Keen, Wanda Kinder, Linda Harman, Tina Lester, Donna, and everyone else to had a hand in on keeping things going! From my end, I want to thank Ted Watson (way to go, Bro!), Jeff Arwood, Derek Stilwell, Harold Kinder, and Tab Keen for keeping the fire burning upstairs! I would also like to offer a special thanks to Steve Vandyke for so competently sound engineering for the show. YOU GUYS ARE APPRECIATED!!!
PASTORS - we missed you!
Godspeed, everyone! BR
