Date: 15 January 1999
To: MitchMailList
From: Danl Blackwood
Subject: [MitchMailList 018]: Cincinnati, OH 01/10 review

From: Tom Laughlin
Subject: Mitch McVicker concert
Date: Sun, 10 Jan 1999 22:54:47

Hi!

 Tonight (1/10/99) we saw Mitch McVicker & his band at College Hill
Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati.  It was a concert for the kick-off of the
new years youth group activities.  It was a free concert, attended by about
200 people in the fellowship hall at CHPC.

 They opened with "Here and Now", then Mitch sang an unrecorded song that I
missed the title of, but one line went "He is right here with us, and thats
why they call him Emmanuel".  It had a great clapping beat, and had everyone
on their feet.

  Next, from Canticle of the Plains they did "Heaven is Waiting".  Mitch
talked about who the real radicals  are...  that when you follow Jesus, you
become a radical person.

Then he said how he and Rich had been missing some old friends, and not been
good about keeping in touch with them, and so together those thoughts
inspired them to co-write "New Mexico", which they performed.  Next was
another song that I missed the title of but had the line "it don't take long
for things to fade, but faith, hope & love remain".  They introduced it by
talking about how life is between concerts.  During the concert, it is such
an emotional exclamation point, and then between concerts they are just an
anybody.  And how they realized that they need to be able to just live life
day to day, and not be too caught up in the "exclamation points" of life.

 Next they sang "Hope".  Then a song written by Ben Harper called "I want to
be ready". Mitch said the universe is so huge, and we are so infinitely
small, and yet God loves us, and will take us up to be with him in heaven
some day.

 Next was "Only Love Will", then a short intermission.

 They reopened with "Gospel Rain", and then an unrecorded song "When you
love" which was great  (it sounded very familiar... like it was a song from
"Zion" or one written by Rich). Next was "There you Are" from Canticle.

 An instrumental version of "It is well with my soul" followed, with Mitch
on guitar, Michael Aukofer on hammer dulcimer, and Eric Hauck on cello.  It
sounded as good or better than anything done by Windham Hill artists.  These
guys ought to put out an instrumental recording.  They were outstanding!

 Mitch mentioned that he is still having trouble with double vision, and his
voice is not the same yet.  He said that sometimes healing takes place, but
over a very long period of time.  But he figured he might as well get out
and perform, even though his voice isn't back yet..  And the crowds always
look huge.

 They closed with "Take Hold of Me", "Freedom", and "The Lemonade Song".

 It was an enjoyable concert.  Mitch and Michael had a lot of fun telling
the story about a little traffic problem in Alabama.  Apparently Mitch's
double vision prohibits him from clearly reading the speedometer, and from
noting the fact that he is passing a law enforcement vehicle.

  It is really great that Mitch is carrying on performing at small venues,
as Rich always liked to do.  The love offering from 200 people should keep
their gas tank full for the drive to the next performance.  I get the
impression that if any of you would like to host a concert at your church,
they would be interested in serving Jesus there.

 Performing with them this week is Shelly Yoder.  She sang back up on about
1/2 the songs, and she did a really good job.  Mitch introduced her, and
said that having her perform with them kind of makes it hard now to call
themselves the "Kid Brothers of St. Frank".  But she was a welcome addition
to the sound!

 Mitch is very talented on the guitar, and harmonica.  The show was a
blessing and an encouragement to all.  Keep praying for progress on Mitch's
healing. It isn't complete yet.  Apparently they will join the Ragamuffins
when their tour resumes in the spring!

 Mitch was kind enough to sign a CD for me, and it is great to have the CD
co-produced by our friend Rich Mullins just before he left us.  Since Rich
sings back-up vocals, and performs some, you'll have to get that one for
your complete Rich Mullins collection.

Thanks,

Tom

Return to top