This was the third opportunity I have had to see Mitch play. Each time he has gotten better and better. I have never heard his voice sound as good as it did tonight. He was joined by Brad Layher and Joe Curet, and as a special treat Ragamuffin Mark Robertson, who produced his new CD, as well as co-produced the first CD (along with Rich Mullins) drove in from Nashville to help Mitch out. This was the first concert that Mitch's new album "Chasing The Horizon" was available.

Some friends of mine and I drove down from Kansas City to see Mitch play. We arrived at First Baptist Church of Augusta about 4:30 p.m. The concert started at 6:00 p.m. We walked in and there was Mitch and his band, rehearsing for the concert. We made our way over to the tables where they were setting up product to be sold at the concert and had the honor of meeting Mitch's mom and dad, Doug and Wendee McVicker. They were very nice people, very gracious.

There were a lot of old songs as well as new songs played during the show, and they were mixed in very well. The set started of with "Strength To Move", which showcased the tight sound the band had developed over the course of months of touring. "Anything" was the next song featured, and is one of the most catchy tunes on the new CD. These two songs were showcased on Mitch's "Chasing The Horizon" EP released in 2000. Next up was "There You Are" from Canticle of the Plains, complete with the driving guitars present on the album. Brad did a nice job with the harmony vocals, sung by Rich on the album. Emmanuel, the first song on the new album was played next, and I immediately liked the catchy chorus and hooks. Mitch also showed his skill on the harmonica, while playing the guitar. A very different, but outstanding version of Canticle's "Heaven Is Waiting" came next, with very earthy, subdued music accompanying Mitch's vocals. I have never heard the song performed like that, but again it was great. "Rich's Song" was the next song played, and after a long intro from Mitch, we got to hear the emotion pouring from his soul. It could not have been easy for him to perform that song. It was clearly very emotional for him as well as the audience. Mitch, Rich would have been proud. The first song from the first album, "Here & Now", a crowd favorite was next up, and it was a nice change of pace from the previous two slower songs. Mitch then announced they would perform one more song and then take a break. He encouraged everyone to check out Compassion International, and the information that was provided for people to look at. He spoke of the opportunity that people had to really show the love of Jesus and that showing love to the least of these, was showing love to Jesus. The band then performed "Solid Rock", the popular praise chorus, and then left the stage.

Following intermission, "Gospel Rain", a personal favorite of mine was played. A lot of driving acoustic guitars in this one, which was awesome. Another new track "Suits Of Skin" was played next, followed by "The Lemonade Song", another crowd favorite, again showcasing Mitch's skill on the harmonica. "Watch Over Me", from the Horizon was the next song in the set, followed by a solo song from Brad Layher, from his upcoming album produced by Mark Robertson.

The haunting "Only Love Will" was next up, with Mitch's commentary regarding no matter what we do to try to make our lives better, nothing matters except God's love and his working in our life to set us right. "Kingdom Of The Heart" from 'Horizon' was next up followed by "When You Love", which was a remake of a Rich Mullins song from 1987's "Pictures In The Sky" album. This was released to radio on January 22. Please call and request it, it is a great song. Mitch definitely put his own signature on the song. The twangy guitar lead gives it a catchy feel. Probably one of my favorites was played next, which was "Upside Down" from the new album. It was a slow, acoustical ballad talking about the way in which the world measures success, and how though we may not have the things the world says we need, "we just might see God". The last song of the evening was "Burning the Fields". This was especially significant to me because we drove through the Flint Hills on the way to the concert and saw the signs posted on the highway cautioning motorists not to drive into the smoke. Mitch shared how he wrote the song on the road traveling through to a concert. The most poignant line in the song pretty much sums it up, "Renew my soul, like the green grass on the prairie". Mitch and the band left the stage and then came back for an encore of praise music which included "Step by Step".

After the concert Mitch was gracious with the crowd, posing for pictures and signing autographs, as was Mark, Joe and Brad. Mitch, just so you know the picture you signed for my nine year old son is framed in his room! Thanks!

The concert was great. The music was very well played. What I appreciated most however, was Mitch McVicker's sincerity. He was open and honest. He appeared to wear his heart on his sleeve. He acknowledged what God had done in his life, and how in times of despair he found hope. He made it very clear that without Jesus we have nothing. You could feel his pain, but you could hear the hope coming through his music, like another troubadour poet that used to live here on earth. Keep it up Mitch, we're all listening.

Bobby Shaw
Independence, MO