NYC - Day 1

The Day in Two Acts:


ACT ONE

Arrive in NYC!

Strand Bookstore.

Vintage store.

Street meat.

Max Brenner's Willy Wonka-esque chocolate experience.

Guitar store.

Mac store.

Ipad.

Iphone 4.

Face Time!

Walking ... Gawking ... Walking ... Gawking ...

Check in.

Rest.

(wandering the stacks of Strand)

ACT TWO

Our rest was disturbed by a phone call. Our meeting was moved from tomorrow to tonight!

I don't want to talk about it too much, but let me just say that the meeting went really, really well. We walked in well prepared, and I really think we represented ourselves well. We left our music, and he's asked us to contact him tomorrow.

So, even though the meeting caught us by surprise, it also meant that it was done, so we could fully enjoy tonight.

Ever since our accident last year, I've had a heightened sensitivity to risky driving. Let's just say that the New York cab drivers are pushing my sensitivity to a whole new level.

We arrived at the Birdland just in time to order snacks and settle in for an amazing show with Charlie Haden and his Quartet West - tenor saxophonist Ravi Coltrane, pianist Alan Broadbent and drummer Rodney Green. The music was rich and interesting and dynamic. Haden is 72, and his vibrant stage presence is a testament to living a creative life.



After the show, we walked past the theatres and through Time Square.

People keep saying, "We want Dundas Square (in Toronto) to be like Time Square."

You know what, I don't think we do.

At the risk of sounding overly pious - as much as I loved the energy of Time Square, I also had to recognize that I was standing in a sea of advertising, and maybe a Temple of Consumerism isn't the best we have to offer?

Anyways - off my soapbox! New York is amazing, and so far, I love it!

Mark your calendar...

Gerald and I are going to host another Music in the Garden concert on Sunday, September 26.

I'll be posting details over the next few weeks, but I wanted you to know the date asap.

Mark your calendars, and let's pray for good weather!

Book Review: "The Voice - New Testament"

I first discovered The Voice project when I heard Chris Seay speak at Unite in Worship a few years ago. His desire to unite the voices of poets, songwriters, artists, and theologians to "rediscover the story of the Bible" sparked my creative interest.

The Voice has taken on several Bible books, and this year, they're coming out with their unique version of the New Testament.

Reading The Voice is different than reading other versions of the Bible. The "translation" is written in regular text. Extra words or phrases that give more information are written in italics. Boxed sections elaborate on certain topics. It sounds choppy, but the different sections flow to create a lively and dramatic reading of the Bible.

I started with Matthew 1, the dreaded "begats," and I've never enjoyed them more. Seriously! I could see the characters and their connections in a new way that was exciting and dynamic.

I wouldn't recommend this for your academic study or if you're trying to read several chapters a day (the extra text makes it a longer read), but if you're looking for something that will spark your personal Bible study, you may want to check out The Voice.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Que & Pew & the Studio Too...

This is very much a day-after post...

Yesterday and last night were amazing and exhausting, and just the kind of day musicians like to have.

There was the planning and organizing and pulling of charts and trying to find my tambourine and all the while humming and trilling and otherwise vocalizing...

Then in the afternoon, I brought Gerald to a studio in the Beaches where he was booked in to record some worktapes for next week's meeting in New York. We want to leave behind a CD that's simple but great. A generous friend lent us his studio, rounded up his bass player and engineer, and Gerald was set to record 4 songs.

Meanwhile, I rushed home to meet with Deanna (my AWARE buddy) to rehearse for tonight's Que & Pew. Because Deanna was a last minute sub for Gerald, I had to choose songs that we had done together, and that our mixed evening congregation would know.

We did a quick run of songs like "Shine, Jesus, Shine" and an uptempo version of "Fairest Lord Jesus." After enjoying the BBQ and fellowship, Deanna and I lead music for an awesome and summery service. Our youth leader and deacon-in-training (DIT?), Stephen Monk, has been leading the services, and they are the perfect cap for the end of the day.

But it wasn't the end of the day!

After a quick check on the puppies ("Yay! You're home... Don't leave again!!!! Arg!!), I headed downtown again to join Gerald. By the time I got there, the guitar tracks were done and the bass player was adding his part. Monika came, and we sat in her car as we worked out 3-part harmonies on "Me and Patsy Cline."

As the clock hit midnight, the guitar, bass, and lead vocals were finished. The bass player left, and Moni and I moved into the tiny studio to record our parts. There was no booth, so Gerald, Moni, the engineer, and I were all in one tiny hot room. Being in one cozy space, with no partitions between us, gave it a communal, we're-here-to-do-something-good-together feeling.

Moni and faced each other, sang what we'd practiced, and changed a few notes to adjust to what Gerald had just recorded. Because we've been singing together so long, our blend and phrasing felt natural and easy.

By 1:00, we were finished. Everyone felt that wonderfully satisfied kind of tired. We were grateful for the 24-hour drive-through and comfortable pajamas.

Today, we took the morning off. We have another crazy afternoon and evening ahead of us, but you know, I wouldn't have it any other way...

Big Opportunity!!!

The last few days have been a whirlwind.

Last week would have been a great week by any standard - great rehearsals, great performances, great teaching - but then Thursday night happened...

Thursday night, we found out that a writer had given Gerald's name to the head of a record label in New York City.

By yesterday afternoon, plans were in place for us to record song demos this week and fly to NYC next week to pitch songs to this label.

O-MI-WORD!!!

*deep-breath*

This particular label has a wide range of artists covering the genres of Country, Pop, R&B, Rock, and Gospel. For a multi-faceted writer like Gerald, this meeting could open a lot of doors.

Since the label represents Gospel, they've also asked to hear my music.

So, this week, we're in the studio. Gerald will record 6 of his original songs, and I'll sing harmonies. Next week, we'll fly to NYC, meet with this gentleman, play some songs live, and leave the demos and a copy of "Real Big Fan."

If you're the praying kind, please throw one out for us this week...

Please pray for us as we prepare for and travel to this meeting.
Please pray that we represent ourselves well.
Please pray that we get extra work to cover the financial aspect of the trip.

Thank you!!!!

Off to look for discount Broadway tickets...

Que & Pew - Week 1

One of my favourite traditions at St. John's York Mills has always been Que & Pew.

Each Wednesday in July and August, people are invited to gather outside the church at 6:00pm for a BBQ of hamburgers and hot dogs. You're asked to bring either a side dish, dessert, or small cash donation to cover costs.

At 7:00pm, we hold a short, casual worship service (the "Pew", if you will). Each week, the message is delivered by a different member of the congregation. Early on, we focused on telling the stories of different Bible characters and historical church leaders. This summer, we'll be focusing on the parables. Each presenter is invited to use their creativity in giving the message, so you often get a fresh perspective on a well known story.

This week and next, Gerald and I are leading the music. Because you get such a wide range of people at Que & Pew, we wanted to offer a good range of music. We started with contemporary favourites like "Holy is the Lord" and "God of Wonders," and used the classic "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty" as our opening song. We closed with our version of "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" and that got everyone singing!

Great fun evening! If you're in the Yonge & 401/York Mills area, come join us next week!

(You can visit my Calender for more details.)

The Non-Stamps-Baxter Blog

As I write, hundreds of Southern Gospel students and teachers are gathering in Murfreesboro, TN, for the annual Stamps-Baxter School of Music, and for the first time since 2005 -

I'm not with them.

I first attended the school after hearing Ben Speer talk about it during a Gaither concert. I didn't even know that something like a 'Gospel singing school' could exist (which probably proves that I'm not Southern after all.)

It was because of that first school that I started this blog.

It was during that first school that I received my calling into full-time music ministry.

It was because of that first school that I had a job when I moved to Nashville 2 years later.

And it was at that first school that I became part of a community of friends and musicians who are still friends and colleagues now.

And for the first time since 2005, I'm not with them.

Ugh.

I'd be lying if I said my heart wasn't breaking a little this weekend.

But I'm trying to find strength in God's plan and this particular twist.

There's a reason why I'm here and not there for these 2 weeks.

Maybe that will be revealed to me in this time, maybe not - God's funny that way.

But I do know that I'm glad I'm missing my friends and the school, because it just proves that they are all dear to me, and dear friends are a rare find.

If you wish to wander through my July posts from 2005-2009, you can read about my experiences as both a student and a staff member at the school.

My wonderful friend and theory teacher, Shawn Degenhart, will be blogging about his experience this year. You can read about his adventures here.

Please keep the students and staff of Stamps-Baxter in your prayers over the next few weeks. It's a busy time, but I, for one, can tell you:

It can change your life.

Needles in my Neck

Today, I stepped outside my comfort zone. A big, wide, wobbly step.

On an almost daily basis, I'm still experiencing pain and stiffness in my neck from our car accident. (Yes, the accident from May 3rd, 2009!)

I've been in ongoing treatment since last summer, and today we tried something new:

Acupuncture.

Now, the word gives the heeby-jeebies to the average soul. What makes me above-average (or below-average, depending on your perspective) is that for all my childhood and a few years of my adult life, I suffered from a phobia of needles, and more specifically, blood tests.

"Oh yes," you're thinking, "I don't like needles either."

No, I said "phobia," from the Greek for "morbid fear." Imagine a 90-pound, shy little girl who needed two male orderlies, an extra nurse, and her Mom to hold her down so they could take a blood test.

Pho-bi-a!

Things got so bad that I finally went in for desensitization therapy. In just three sessions, I received a blood test. No orderlies, no extra nurse, no Mom - just me.

Victory!

So, even though the phobia is gone, I don't particularly rejoice at the thought of a plethora of needles sticking into me at one time.

As we've already noted, no one likes needles.

So today, I had my physiotherapist explain and re-explain and demonstrate the process. It would happen on the back of my neck and shoulders, and I wanted to know what was happening so there would be no surprises.

I got into position, and even though I was doing okay, I started to feel nervous.


I prayed and took deep breaths.

I reminded myself that people experience this all the time and no one has ever exploded like a popped balloon.

I imagined my back as a beach and the needles were palm trees being planted in the sand.


After a few minutes, I found myself lying on the table with ten needles in my back.

Ten!

The physiotherapist left me for 5 minutes so the needles could do their work. I kept breathing and visualizing.

But one palm tree wouldn't stay still. The muscle was gripping and twitching.

When the physiotherapist returned, she could see the tense needle. She asked if I was okay or if I could handle another 5 minutes.

"Will 5 minutes be more effective?" I asked.

"Yes, but we don't want you to be uncomfortable if you don't need to be," she replied.

Uncomfortable??? I've been uncomfortable since May of 2009!!!


And with that, my Warrior Spirit kicked in.


"I'll be fine for the 5 minutes, " I calmly replied, breathing deeply and imagining sunshine and a gentle breeze on the beach.

Within a few minutes, the needles were gently removed. I felt a little tired (one of the expected side effects), but mostly, I felt powerful!

I had stepped way outside my comfort zone, and taken on a challenge that will only benefit me in the long run.


I was reminded of two simple truths I've learned time and time again:


#1. The more you step outside your comfort zone, the larger your comfort zone becomes.

#2. You're never alone when you step outside your comfort zone -
God is already there, awaiting your arrival.


Next challenge: Giving blood!

Farewell to the Choirgirlz

When I was Artistic Director for the Music on the Hill concert series, I always loved finding new musical groups. If they could combine great music with great personalities, even better!

One such find was The Choirgirlz - a trio of singers who met in the Mendelssohn Choir, were inspired to sing a few bluegrass tunes, and went to on record 3 CDs and sing in numerous festivals and concert series. The 'girlz' made a name for themselves with amazing harmonies, great arrangements, and original songs with a quirky sense of humour.

Tonight, The Choirgirlz ended their musical journey in the gorgeous Plein Air Salon - a backyard venue complete with waterfall, wooden pavilion, and an outdoor art gallery. The ladies charmed the supportive audience with their most requested songs and the stories behind them.

Tonight was a reminder of how precious it is to sing with your friends - the harmonies are tighter, the smiles are broader, the creativity is brighter.

Thanks for the music, girlz! You will be missed...

Photos posted...

I've just posted the rest of the photos from our weekend with Sally Barris.

You can see them in the Gallery of my site.

The Moonshine Cafe

Our weekend with Sally had a glorious finale tonight at the Moonshine Cafe in Oakville!



The Moonshine is casual, quirky, and just overall wonderful. It's like singing in an awesome, relaxed living room. Tonight, we took the stage for a Nashville-style round.

Sally opened with "Little Voice" and played a great selection of folk and country influenced songs. Gerald covered everything from rocking party songs to his always beautiful 9-11 song, "Angels in the Dust." I emceed and did my Gospel thing, including "Brighter, Happy Day," which got a few laughs.

It was great to do the round tonight - we've really had a lot of fun with Sally over the past week. We've kept busy and had a lot of fun, so tonight, we just relaxed and enjoyed each other's company on the stage.

The crowd included two 8-year-old musicians - one who plays guitar and one who plays drums. They both write their own songs. Amazing!

It's been such a successful and wonderful week! Gerald and I have a few things coming up on Canada Day, and then we're taking a few days off. I'll post photos from the weekend on my site soon, and we might have some more things coming up at the Moonshine in the winter - I'll post more info as things unfold... there's always a new challenge waiting to begin...

Music in the Garden with Sally Barris!

After weeks of prepping and planning and praying, we held our first Music in the Garden backyard concert today! Sally Barris arrived on Wednesday, and we've kept her busy with songwriting students, singing at church, and shopping in Kensington Market.

This afternoon, we started prepping for the backyard concert under serious threat of rain. We decided to be brave and set up outside. Then the rain started, so we moved it all inside. Then the rain stopped and the sun came out, so we pulled everything outside again.


A wonderful group of music lovers dragged their lawn chairs into our backyard, filled their plates with cookies and fresh fruit, and sat back for a great afternoon of music. Gerald and I opened with a short set of our own songs, including Gerald's "Saturday Morning" and my new song, "I Wanna Make Some Noise."

After a quick break to refill glasses of lemonade, Sally took the stage. Her gentle presence and great songs quickly won over the audience. The sun shone, and the whole afternoon was just lovely.

More lemonade, CD sales, and lots of great feedback followed the concert. People were thrilled with the venue and with the whole experience. Gerald and I have talked about doing more backyard concerts in the fall, so we'll talk about that in our postmortem.

And just as we were cleaning up, the rains came fast and furious. God is good!

Gerald, Sally, and I are singing at the Moonshine Cafe in Oakville on Monday night.
Join us if you're in the area!

Praying for Strangers...

Last night, Gerald, Sally, and I were on our way home from an evening of Thai food, when a young girl sat opposite us on the subway car. She couldn't have been any more than twenty - gorgeous, curvy, tanned, bleached hair, too much make-up, not enough coverage - but it was the shoes that gave her away. Not many professions require 5-inch bright red stilettos. Her awkward gait suggested a walker, not a dancer.

It was hard not to look at her - she was really striking - but what really caught me were her eyes. They held a quiet kind of sadness.

Every once in a while, our eyes would meet for just a second. I tried to smile, but she would quickly, without attitude, look away.

The other thing that struck me was the 50-ish tattooed man that found a seat opposite her - the perfect position to gaze upon her.

When we switched trains, she sat in our car again, and again, he found a seat next to her.

I had this strong desire to speak to her. I didn't know what to say, but I felt like I wanted to say something...

"Be safe."

"Do you need someone to talk to?"

"If you need a ride home tonight, give me a call."

I wanted to speak to her, but I didn't get that knot-in-my-stomach urge to say something. When I asked, "What do I do?", the answer came in one word:

"Pray."

So, I prayed.

Silently, with no showiness, I started to pray for her. I prayed over and over and over. I kind of couldn't stop. I prayed that she'll find friends and family to support her. I prayed that she'll discover God's love for her. I prayed for healing and wholeness of being. And again and again, I prayed for her safety.

She won't be aware of my prayer, but I trust that God heard me, and that He'll do the work that needs doing. I don't know how, but I know my prayers will make a difference.

I'm not saying this because I think my prayers are so great - I'm saying this because God has promised to hear and respond to our prayers - always.

So it got me thinking -

What if we prayed for the strangers
we encounter each day?

The guy who cut you off on the 401, the telemarketer who called during dinner, the neighbour with the dog who poops on your lawn - what if we prayed for them? What if we asked for their protection, for healing in their lives, for their salvation?

Imagine a world where everyone is walking through their day, covered in prayer...

I wonder how this could change us, our communities, our world...

Picture yourself here....

... lounging in a lawn chair, sipping lemonade, enjoying the beautiful songs of Grammy Nominated songwriter, Sally Barris....

Only a few more days til our backyard concert! Sally has arrived in the country and will arrive at our house in just a few minutes. I've been cleaning, gardening, and just getting everything ready for days now. So excited!

We'll set up the sound equipment on the slate patio (where I'm standing with the camera) and the area in the photo is where the audience will sit. We'll also have a table with lemonade, cookies, and CDs.

If you don't know what I'm talking about, here's the info. Comment or email me with any questions. Hope you can join us!

Sunday, June 27, 2010
MUSIC IN THE GARDEN:
an intimate backyard concert with SALLY BARRIS
Also featuring your hosts & opening act,
ALLISON LYNN & GERALD FLEMMING

Comer House
11 Don. Ridge Dr, North York
3:00pm - Rain or Shine!

TICKETS: $20.00

Near Yonge & 401, and York Mills subway
Free street parking available.
BYO lawn chair
FREE cookies & lemonade will be served.
Please feel free to bring your own snacks & beverages.

Sing in Peace, Maureen...

Today, Canada has lost a musical icon.

Maureen Forrester's rich contralto voice and beautiful stage presence endured her to audiences for generations.

I remember watching her from the stage one night. I was singing in the Opera in Concert Chorus - she was our superstar guest artist. Every word she sang had intention and clarity. I remember feeling overwhelmed by her combination of awesome talent and genuine humility.

In 2002, I, along with the cast of "Most Happy Fella," had the privilege of singing for Ms. Forrester in a tribute concert. I was so nervous, so honoured, to sing for this amazing lady. So gracious, so elegant.

Today, heaven's choirs sound just that much better...

Thank you for the inspiration....

Dreams are Resilient...

Dream messages have been coming to me all day.

This afternoon, I was a judge in the Senior Star talent competition. We watched a dozen seniors sing and play in an attempt to win the trophy and move on to the next level of competition.

Some had been making music their whole lives.

Some had finally found time to do it in their retirement.

I spoke with one lady who only had the courage to follow her musical dream after receiving her cancer diagnosis.

It reminded me of SARK's statement that:

"Dreams are resilient - they will wait for you!"

A well-timed thought, indeed, because this evening, I spent an hour listening to SARK in another cool teleclass. In the class, we focused on doing a few active things each week towards pursuing our dreams.

She reminded us that dreams are meant to be a part of our daily lives, and not pushed into a corner like an old and unwanted piece of furniture.

I'm feeling very inspired tonight...

Music in the Garden with Sally Barris

This is what I've been working on all day.
Mark your calendars and join us for this intimate and unique music event!

MUSIC IN THE GARDEN
with Sally Barris
Grammy Nominated Songwriter

With your hosts & opening act, Allison Lynn & Gerald Flemming

SUNDAY, JUNE 27, 2010
3:00 pm - Rain or Shine!
Comer House
11 Don Ridge Dr., North York

TICKETS: $20.00

Near Yonge & 401, and York Mills subway
Free street parking available.
BYO lawn chair
FREE cookies & lemonade will be served.
Please feel free to bring your own snacks & beverages.

Comment or email me with any questions!
Allison@AllisonLynn.com

Turn, Turn, Turn...

This month, I've written my final article for SoGospelNews.com. You can read it here.

As much as I love the site, I've decided I really need to reshape my focus and prune away a few activities.

I think I explain it well in the article. Hope you like it, and of course, if you keep reading this blog, you'll know where all the redirection is heading....

Please Don't Jump

So yesterday I went on one of my favourite blogs, Post Secret.

People write their secrets on postcards and mail them in. The secrets get posted on the blog and get made into books. They reveal deep, beautiful, and sometimes disturbing pieces of our humanity.

Yesterday's offering contained a secret that was completely frightening.
On the postcard, the person wrote:

I have lived in San Francisco since I was young.
I am illegal.
I am not wanted here.
I don't belong anywhere.
This summer I plan to jump off the Golden Gate.

My stomach dropped when I read this. I flashed back to the night I got the phone call about Steve - how I wished he had told someone his plans, how I wished he'd revealed how dark it had gotten, how I wished we could have known what was coming so someone, anyone could have stepped in...

I'm not alone my reaction. People around the world have immediately sprung into action. Some have sent emails through the Post Secret blog. Tens of thousands have joined a facebook page to send notes of love and encouragement to this anonymous friend.

I pray that this secret-writer will see the notes, will call for help, will change his or her mind.

But my heart still hurts because I know there are countless others feeling that lonely, countless others who are trying to decide if today will be the day they end it all.

To anyone who is feeling this way, please let me say this:


Don't! Please don't!

You are not alone.

You are loved by people in your life, even if you don't feel it at this moment.

You are loved by God, even if you don't feel it in this moment.

There is a better day coming, if you don't feel it in this moment.


If you're feeling overwhelmed today, please call someone for help.

1-800-273-TALK (8255)
U.S. and Canada
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Please feel free to share this post with anyone who may need an extra hand today.

Another St. John's Double Header!

Gerald and I continue on our quest to sing at every St. John's church in Ontario.

(Just kidding, but it does feel that way!)

This morning we sang at the beautiful St. John's church in Rockwood. Dad is doing an interim there, and it worked out that the one Sunday we had available was the one Sunday that their organist had to take off!

We started with a few originals, and then led the congregation in "How Great Thou Art." When you have a smaller crowd, the fear is always that they'll be shy and not sing, but let me tell you, these people SAANG! (say "saang" with a Southern accent for full effect.) It was awesome!

We led all the hymns, and did some originals and signature pieces throughout the service. It was just a wonderful service, and so great to hear Dad preach.

After a short turn-around time, we made our way over to St. John's York Mills for the Gathering service. Drew had asked us to kick it up a notch this week, and we were up for the challenge. Our team included us, Brian on drums, and Monika and Derwyn on vocals.

I'm not bragging, but I have to say, tonight felt great! There was a flow to the songs, and the energy was all very positive. We had some great harmonies happening, and they all kind of built and flowed very naturally. Gerald's guitar grooves kept the energy moving, and Brian's rhythms lifted us in all the right places.

We also featured a song Gerald wrote last year with Sue Smith called "My Soul is Spoken For." It fit in well with the theme, and at the end, we added a repeating refrain so the audience could join us.

We really felt like a team tonight. Awesome.

I've said this before, but it's so true:

Church is always pretty good, but some times, it's just really good!

Today, it was really good!