What News? Feb 2 2005
(terry gonda newsletter)terry's Eighth Notes
Life is wonderful and full. We've been very busy musically and in all things. This weekend, we are playing in Livonia, Michigan at the Unity Coffeehouse. See below for details.
Now that the holidays are over, I can tell you something I was keeping a secret from my dad (I used it as one of his Christmas presents). University of Michigan Transplant Center events director Bob Garypie contacted me about using some of the music from love, lose, repeat for a DVD they created to raise money for their Center and a summer camp they put on for kids with transplants. Well he ended up using the song I wrote for Dad and Betty's wedding, "New Heart" (how funny is THAT!) and "when you wish". He got the rights from both of us and put those two as backing music to scenes he shot of kids at the camp. I was so moved, I can't tell you. To see the DVD and hear "New Heart" at the same time all these courageous and wonderful kids are playing and laughing...the words to New Heart fitting incredibly well in this completely different context...it's just amazing. I just sat there when it finished, jaw dropped. If you want a copy to contribute to the fundraising, I'm sure Bob would love to hear from you. www.michigantransplant.org
Speaking of love, lose, repeat... Seeing the State of the Union address night reminded me of a concept Kirsti and I thought of a couple of years ago when we released the CD. We thought that true "marriage protection" would actually involve something constructive, so we thought we should start a campaign to make this time of year "State of the Union" for couples. Between the president's State of the Union speech and Valentine's Day, all couples should sit down annually and have a "state of the union" experience. This would be time to examine the union and clean house... examine expectations, allow engaged couples to do a reality check, allow married couples to become alert to cracks that needed repair, etc. If you're in a relationship and think this makes sense, here is an example of an inventory guide from the UltimateWedding.com site that contains some well thought out questions you can use as your own guide or tailor to fit your needs. The source is an engagement encounter for Catholic couples, but the information is suitably tailorable to all couples. http://www.ultimatewedding.com/articles/index.php?action=section&sec=23. It is obviously researched to look at the "critical" issues that make or break relationships and it seems like it would be essential "couple maintenance" to use a version of this to assure a strong "state of the union". Because, in the end, I believe a clear analysis would show the true threat to marriage is the lack of care by the people in the marriage itself.Recent Shows
Dec 9 2005 Benefit Concert at St. John Neumann Church, Canton MI. We raised a bit over $500 for local charities such as the local Habitat for Humanity and the Plymouth-Canton Clothing Bank
Jan 5 The Ark. With Colleen Sexton and Trina Hamlin. What a great night. And we have photos too! We'll post some. The three of us (and Kirsti and Matt) really had a blast
Jan 6, The Boulevard, Indianapolis, IN. With Colleen and Trina again. Another wonderful night and a great review (and photo!) to boot.
Jan 14 Kalamazoo Assisted Living Facility followed by Oxford House Concert in Grand Rapids, MI. Great weekend. Matt got to play in the same show with his brother and band member Ray at the assisted Living location his mother lived at for the last several years. She died in December and our thoughts and prayers are with the Ricketts family. The response to the show was great and Matt's mom was clearly loved. The house concert afterwards in Grand Rapids was a tremendous event. Jeff and Mary packed in their living room with more than 30 friends and family and it was a really amazing vibe. What a great weekend!
Jan 21-22 Subiaco Retreat House. Back for our 7th winter retreat with the "young" adults (18-35). This year's theme, Faith Amidst Failure, was timely for me personally and I really benefitted from it. Kirsti and I were again the resident musicians and the theme song we wrote is at the bottom. "Wrote" seems the wrong word. We just keep showing up until the song happens. :) I have my recording gear back from loan, so time to get these songs down in scratch form!Upcoming Schedule
Saturday Feb 4 2006 Unity Coffeehouse, Livonia MI
Terry, Matt and Kirsti perform two 45 minute sets. All your favorite songs and maybe even a new one or two. Put the date in your diary now!
Location: Livonia Unity Church, 28660 5 Mile, Livonia MI 48104
Time: Doors at 7:00pm, Terry will perform at 8:00pm.
Admission: $10
Contact: Church: (734) 421-1760 or John Alexander at (248) 896-5788
Contact Lee Bowers for ticket reservations and location information.
Location: Greater Flint Arts Council Gallery, 816 S. Saginaw St.
Time: Doors open at 7:00 p.m. Concert starts at 7:30 p.m.
Admission: $12. Children and students with current valid student I.D. are admitted free of charge
Fed up with me not playing anywhere near you? Consider booking a house concert, where myself or even the band will perform for you and your friends in your living room-or someone you wish to draft! It's an ideal way to celebrate a party or an anniversary or any occasion - simply invite a bunch of your friends, have a pot luck dinner, pass the hat and let us entertain you. No special equipment is needed. We love playing house concerts, and people who've put one on say it's the best show they've been to. Contact me if you're interested in learning more. Here's a quote from the recent concert we just did with Jeff and Mary Oxford.
"My wife and I recently hosted a House Concert with Terry Gonda as the featured artist. What an amazing experience! Terry and Friends (Kirsti and Matt!) really connected with the audience, making this an evening to remember. It's a wonderfully intimate format, with playful banter, singing along, and just really feeling you are part of the show. Terry has a diverse catalog of music that can have you rolling with laughter one song, or wiping away a tear on the next. She is a seasoned performer that delivers each song with passion, her musical talent evident from the first note! A House Concert is a great way to promote the arts in your own community, and to share your own love of music with your best friends!" - Jeff Oxford
Parting notes
When I'm Weak (Then I'm Strong)
(t.gonda/k.reeve)
A song to encourage us to use eyes of Faith in the midst of feeling failure
based on 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Chorus
When I知 weak, then I am strong
Trusting in Grace to lead me on
The power of Christ will dwell in me my whole life long
When I知 weak, when I知 weak
Then I am strong
Our failures are forgiven
Chorus
And become the stepping stones
To lead us onward
Stronger for our journey home
The women staring at the cross
Chorus
Thought it was the end of the story
But Love proved even death
Can be but a step to glory
So even when failure
Is all that I can see
The eyes of faith will show
God supporting me
When I知 weak, then I am strong
Trusting in grace to lead me on
The power of Christ will dwell in me my whole life long
When I知 weak, when I知 weak
Then I am strong.
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Thanks for reading!
Peace be in your heart and home...
-tg
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