What’s going on?

 

So, this morning I could’ve sworn I distinctly heard the sound of an accordion playing Free Falling by Tom Petty.  That’s pretty specific, I know, but it was clearly that chord progression.  Turns out my 11 year old son had found my old accordion in the basement.  I asked, “Is that Free Falling by Tom Petty?”  He laughed and said, “Yes.”  Then he started playing the melody with his right hand while playing the familiar chord pattern using the chord buttons.  It was the kind of moment that just makes a Dad happy, so I snapped this pic.

 

Anyway, just thought I’d post today about what a few of us in the 1ATL community are up to right now.

 

Tomorrow night, several of us are going to Safehouse Outreach to play a few songs.  If any of you want to come listen and, more importantly, volunteer, then please drop me a line.  It’s a great experience.

 

Dan Hannon is in the studio with Manchester Orchestra and fellow producer Joe Chicarelli (U2, Counting Crows, The Shins, Tori Amos).

 

Jamie JAMM Portee has meetings this week regarding one of Akon’s new artists, who is on Universal Records; he might be producing her next record.

 

Moxie Davis and his wife are returning from Puerto Rico.

 

Rudy Vaughn is gearing up for the big announcement that you’ll read soon here on this site.

 

And, by the way, here’s an update on our filmmaker buddy Brandon McCormick; he is recovering from a Vespa scooter accident last week in which he apparently had to slam on brakes while going 50 mph.  He will have to have teeth replaced and some facial reconstruction.  He’s covered with road rash, and has two badly sprained wrists.  He reportedly looks like death.  But he should fully recover. 

 

Anyone else want to tell us what you have going on musically right now?  Or, for you non-musicians who read this blog, you can tell us what you’re up to as well….

 

 

 

 

Convoy pics.

Here are pics from Convoy of Hope yesterday, hosted by Safehouse Outreach.  There were about 3,000 people.  A whole lotta groceries, haircuts, and other necessities were given away.  I volunteered at the stage, where were some talented musical acts.  1-A-Chord was there.  I love those guys.  I told one of them that they’re like a Christian Kool & the Gang.  I also enjoyed hearing some talented guys I’d never heard like my new friend Scott Free.  Dude can freestyle like crazy.  It was really impressive.   And then there was Angel, freestyling in espanol.

 

I didn’t feel like I did much.  I tried to make sure the bands knew how much time they had before they went on stage.  I passed out water to the musicians.  The best part of the day was helping a guy named Rufus recharge his wheelchair using an outlet on stage.  I hate that I didn’t get a picture of him.

 

Last Call for Convoy of Hope

This is my last announcement about this Saturday’s Convoy of Hope, hosted by our friends at Safehouse Outreach.  In the words of my buddy, Safehouse director Philip Bray:

 

SafeHouse Outreach has partnered with several Atlanta churches and ministries to host the Atlanta Convoy of Hope, Saturday, August 9th, at the Blue Lot across Northside Drive from the Georgia World Congress Center. Convoy of Hope is a nonprofit organization that provides resources to organizations and churches to meet physical and spiritual needs for the purpose of making the community a better place. The goal of the Convoy of Hope outreach is to reach out to children and families by meeting some of their most basic needs. More than 80,000 pounds of free groceries will be distributed along with free health screenings, job fairs, haircuts, games and activities for children, and live entertainment.   The expectation is that this event will draw a crowd of 10k-15k guests.  Approximately one thousand volunteers from over 150 churches,  local businesses, and community organizations wilcompassion to make a difference in the city. 

 

Will you be there to volunteer?  Volunteers are needed starting at about 7:30am; we’ll wrap up at about 2pm.  Click here to contact us for more info, or to find out how to join up with the ONE Atlanta contingent that will be volunteering.  (Click image below for site map.)

 

Convoy of Hope.

Our friends at Safehouse Outreach are hosting the Convoy of Hope event August 9th in the World Congress Center parking lot.  Safehouse needs 3000 volunteers to help pass out groceries, among other things.  Click here for contact info if you’d like to volunteer or just to find out more.  We will be there!  Will you?

Visiting Safehouse

     Tonight’s visit to Safehouse Outreach in downtown Atlanta will not be our last.  My Iphone took blurrier pics than usual, but take a look anyway.  We took a group of about a dozen people including  Joni “INOJ” Portee, some Second Wave members and parents (including my wife and son and the Woffords) and other friends (like Adam, Bill, Will, and Nancy).  Also ran into (recent Dove winner) Seth Condrey there.

     We first walked into a worship service geared towards Atlanta’s homeless.  The band 1-A-Chord was playing and they were ridiculous - tight vocals and nasty funk; these guys were for real and were great to hang out with as well.  Then we took the Safehouse tour and learned about opportunities to serve, in ways both musical and non-musical.  One of these ways is the Convoy of Hope event August 9th in the World Congress Center parking lot.  Safehouse needs 3000 volunteers to help pass out groceries, among other things.  We will be there!  Will you?

 

Heading downtown

Please watch the video below.  ONE Atlanta is heading downtown to Safehouse Outreach this Tuesday, May 13th, at 7pm.  It’s our first official visit and we’ll mostly be getting to know them, seeing what they do, and hearing a band, made up of volunteers, called 1-A-Chord; word has it they’re an impressive group of musicians.  On later visits, we’ll be working, playing music, serving soup, whatever we can do to help.  Whether you’re a musician or not, please click here and comment if you’re interested in going.  I’ll get you more details.