The Secret MUSIC Life of Kat

JJ Heller House Concert Recap and Video

2010-01-18T05:04:00Z

Well, what a wonderful evening it was! (If you need the backstory on the event, you can read that here.)

Frankly, I was afraid I’d be pretty worn out by the time Saturday evening rolled around. Jimmy had been on vacation for THREE weeks and then his first day back to work he flew to Chicago for a whole week. That was a bit of a shock.

I survived the week, though, and so did my kids. We’ll call that a success.

Jimmy arrived back laaaaate Friday night and in about 18 hours we were having a concert at our house!

After a busy morning, Dave, JJ, Lucy (their 1 year old girl) and Jess (Dave’s sister who helps with Lucy) arrived in the afternoon. We watched the playoff game (Jimmy was thrilled Dave wanted to watch football), played with the kids and ate dinner. Finally, our friends started to arrive and the concert began.

Wow. JJ’s voice is simply amazing. I was in heaven having such incredible music IN MY HOUSE! Jimmy and I sat towards the back and I loved watching our friends enjoy the music.

The best part of the day was discovering that JJ and Dave are every bit as great as their music. They are genuine, unpretentious and really live out the music they write.

I’ll stop recapping now and just share a video (more to come) with you. This is JJ and Dave playing Your Hands....

If you don’t own any of JJ’s albums, I really couldn’t recommend them more highly. You can get them at iTunes or at JJ’s online store.

Amazing music, amazing people. Definitely an evening to remember.

I’ve never been more grateful for a sister-in-law who can dance.

(Incidentally, the pic at the top was taken well after the evening was over. That’s why my son is shoeless and in his pj’s. We decided he needed to get ready for bed when he started headbutting our guests. He cheerfully walked up to several people and introduced his forehead to their thigh. Ah, boys.)

Ok. Name an artist you’d like to have sing in your living room…

A Concert At My House!!!

2010-01-16T07:06:02Z

JJ and Dave Heller are coming over tonight! And so are 30 wonderful friends (if you’re reading this and a friend and you want to come, call me).

I. Am. So. Excited.

Stay tuned.

Giveaway Winner, Our Weekly Game and Another Giveaway!!

2009-11-12T14:52:00Z

photo by edwin.11

The Winner

The winner of the Christy Nockels CD from last week’s game is ....Jenn from House of Stone!

The Name Game and Another Giveaway

I gave in to my craving for alliteration and decided to name our Thursday Question Game: The Blog Bonding Game. I thought it was SO much fun to read everyone’s questions and answers and I can’t wait to see what you all come up with today!

And did you get your FREE music last week?

As a reminder here’s how the game works - I’ll ask a question. The first commenter will answer it and then ask another question (about anything, just keep it clean). The next commenter will answer that question and then ask one of their own. Make sense?

I think it’s a fun way to get to know one another. If you’ve never commented here before, today is a great day to jump in!

And this week I’ll pick one comment randomly to win Britt Nicole’s CD (She sings the song The Lost Get Found). My girls and I love to listen to it and dance around the house. Sound good?

LET THE GAME BEGIN

Here’s my question:
If you could only listen to ONE cd for the rest of your life, what CD would it be?

Lots O’ Free Music - JJ Heller, Matt Wertz and Christy Nockels

2009-11-05T04:37:00Z

Free Christmas Music from JJ Heller

Speaking of JJ Heller, she is now giving away her Christmas EP along with a demo copy of the song Your Hands.

Now because of my personal email ettiquette issues, I can’t say the album is ENTIRELY free. If you’ve been around here for long, yes, we’ve had this discussion before.

You will need to hand over 5 friends email addresses in order to get the album for free. I highly recommend getting their permission first.

In any case, it’s a great Christmas EP. I particularly like the song Wake the World.

Free Live Album from Matt Wertz

In other musical news, Matt Wertz is giving away his live album for “free.” All you need to do is enter your email address and/or Twitter about the album. Get it here.

Nothing gives me the warm fuzzies more than being able to tell you all about great free music. Enjoy!

Christy Nockels CD Giveaway

Since JJ and Matt are feeling so generous, I thought today would be a good day to give away another CD. (I actually have quite a few cd’s from some great artists I need to give to you all. Be sure to stay tuned...)

Let’s play a game my friend Mandy plays on her blog. She calls it Whatever Wednesday, but since I’m rebellious, I’m doing it on Thursday and my game name won’t alliterate. Let’s call it “Answer A Question And Then Ask A Different Question That The Next Commenter Will Answer And Then They’ll Ask A Different Question...And So On.”

Clearly, I rock at making up catchy game titles.

In case the game title didn’t communicate the game well enough, here’s how it works - I’ll ask a question. The first commenter will answer it and then ask another question (about anything, just keep it clean). The next commenter will answer that question and then ask one of their own. Make sense?

I think it’s a fun way to get to know one another. And I’ll pick one comment randomly to win the Christy Nockels CD. Sound good?

Let The Game Begin

Here’s my question:
What was the last restaurant you ate at?

An Absolute Dream Come True

2009-11-03T16:42:00Z

photo by bashed

Grumpy. Cranky. Should not have been allowed to open my mouth.

That was me this morning. For no particular reason.

By the grace of God, I was able to get my kids to school without much damage. Much.

After dropping the last one off, I grumpily got in the car, grumpily started it and with every bit of grumpiness and cynicism in my body, I turned on the radio.

Grumpily.

Turning on the radio could have been DANGEROUS this morning. Because, really? If Big, Big House by Audio Adrenaline was playing ONE. MORE. TIME…

As I pushed the button, I thought doubtfully (and grumpily), “Hmm...I wonder if there’s ANYTHING playing that could kick me out of my moooood.”

“....When my world is shaking, Heaven stands. When my heart is breaking, I never leave Your Hands.”

I instantly smiled, giggled and, if I can be embarrassingly honest, I shouted with glee.

Yes, glee.

Jimmy told me that JJ Heller’s song was on KLOVE, but this was the first time I heard it.

My Late Night Surfing - Justified

One of my absolute most very, especially, favoritest things to do - ever - is to listen to new music on YouTube. I just love watching artists perform and hearing it live.

One way or another, that’s how I happened upon JJ Heller. I loved the sound of her voice, the sound of her music and the deep yet accessible lyrics.

I asked her to be a part of the Bloggable Music Network, a blog which I never had as much time for as I wanted. I also raved about her and gave a copy of her CD to my sister in law, Diana.

Diana then chose the song for her try out dance at SYTYCD. The show that one of my old co-workers at KSBJ (one of the biggest CCM stations in the coutry) watched. He loved the song and played it on the air.

KSBJ got such a great response that they added it to their rotation. I heard it was only the 2nd time they’ve added a song from an independent artist to their rotation in 20 years!

Now KLOVE is playing JJ’s music and I’m sure many smaller stations will follow.

For Your Reference

If you haven’t seen these, here is Diana’s segment from SYTYCD and JJ’s video from the Bloggable Music Network:

Now You’ll Probably Think I’m Weird

This is one of the coolest things that has ever happened to me! I’ve worked at radio stations and venues most of my adult life. I’ve been around lots and lots of music, but oddly enough, playing this miniscule part in JJ gaining a bigger audience is the most amazing music thing I’ve been a part of.

Granted, I could never replicate it. I didn’t really do anything. But, just knowing that all this happened partly as a result of my music nerdery… Well, that’s just fun.

I have no desire to be a musician or to be famous, but the idea of connecting incredible lesser known artists with all the other music geeks out there - thrills me to no end.

I have this sneaking feeling that this isn’t going to make much sense to anybody, but it’s just been SO incredibly exciting to me that I had to write about it…

And the icing on my musical nerd cake? There is a 90% chance that JJ is going to play a concert AT. MY. HOUSE!!!! I love live music, but to have it playing in my own house is just crazy amazing.

Hmmmm....I can’t believe I was grumpy this morning.

So, if you could have any musician perform at your house, who would it be?

The Crazy Days of Summer (and another cd giveaway)

2009-07-07T14:51:00Z

Catching fireflies. Sleeping in. Lounging by the pool.

Aren’t these the things of summer? Isn’t summer supposed to be slow, lazy and relaxing?

Apparently, not around these parts.

As most of you know, we’ve been house hunting. The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of activity. Packing, repairing, deep cleaning, and searching for a house.

On Sunday, we finally found a house and put an offer on it. Yesterday they countered and today Jimmy plans to counter-counter.

Can’t. Handle. Negotiations. I feel ulcers forming as we speak.

My Crazy Summer

But we should know sometime today whether or not we will get the house. And if we DO get it, my crazy summer will be kicked up a couple notches. Here’s what the next few weeks would contain:

1. Mother/Daughter trip to Kentucky - I’m taking my 5 year old on her first plane ride to visit my brother and sister in law in the Blue Grass State.

2. Camp Counselor - a week after the Kentucky trip, I’ll be a camp counselor for my oldest daughters first trip to summer camp.

3. Travel - AND one or all of us will be visiting - Odessa, Texas - Carlsbad, New Mexico - Lincolnshire, Illinois - Austin, Texas

4. House Prep - Of course, we’ll also be selling our house, planning renovations for the new house, packing and getting ready for school to start.

Whew. Talk about a busy month! Sounds fun yet exhausting.

Tell Us About Your Summer (CD Giveaway)

So, has your summer been lazy or crazy?

(One commenter will win another copy of Christy Nockels new cd Life Light Up, so don’t be shy. Tell us all about your summer!)

FYI - I’ll announce ALL cd winners tomorrow.

Motherhood Video from Christy Nockels, pt. 2

2009-07-01T02:31:00Z

I loved reading all your comments on Motherhood from the posts this week. They’ve encouraged me, challenged me and reminded me that I’m not alone on this journey.

I hope you enjoyed Part 1 of the Christy Nockels video (if you haven’t seen it yet, please take a moment to watch it.) As promised, here is Part 2. It’s soooo good and the way it ends? Perfectly priceless.

Share the Videos

Please take a few minutes today to share the videos on your blog or link to them via Twitter or Facebook. There are so many moms out there that need this encouragement.

To post them on your blog, just click the video and then click the “embed” button. Copy the code that appears and paste it into the html editor on your blog.

If you want to share it on Twitter or Facebook, just use this short link - http://tinyurl.com/m9ndgr.

Share the Music

While you’re at it, don’t forget to tell your friends about the FREE song that Christy is offering. You can get the free song here.

CD Giveaway

I’ll be giving away another copy of Christy’s CD Life Light Up - except today, I’m giving it away on Twitter/Facebook so be sure to follow me on Twitter and add me on Facebook if you want a chance to win

Remember

Finally, remember that what you do today MATTERS. I challenge you to lose yourself in Jesus today so that your children might find Him.

Christy Nockels and an iPhone Make a Really Good Week

2009-06-03T11:59:00Z

It’s been a crazy couple of weeks ‘round these parts. Crazy. Some good, some not as good.

And some super, duper cool.

My New iPhone

I have an iPhone now! A sweet friend of mine, who recently upgraded to the 3g iPhone, gave me her old one.

Gave it to me. How incredible is that? I’ve been having a blast figuring it all out and buying fun new apps.

Here are the apps I’ve bought so far: Things, Flight Control, iFitness, BibleReader, Kindle for iPhone, Remote, PacMan, AniMatch and Pandora.

What are you favorite iPhone apps?

Christy Nockels

Another fun moment was when I got an email from Christy Nockels’ (of Watermark) PR team. They wanted to know if I’d be interested in helping them get the word out about her new album.

Um, YES!

I only play Christy’s song Invade every single morning. I love listening to that song as a prepare for the day and pray for my family. If you don’t own it, you need to buy it - here.

Even cooler, is that they want to know if you all would be interested too.

Christy and her team have some VERY cool ideas up their sleeves AND they’d love for you to be a part of it all. So, if you are a blogger, Twitterer, Facebooker or anything like that, please email me, leave a comment or message me on Twitter. I’m compiling a list of folks interested in getting the inside scoop on it all.

Question For You

It’s AMAZING how far cell phones have come. I remember the bag car phone my grandmother used to have back in the day. When I was in college I had a big black brick phone (no comments about my age please...) that I never used because it was only for emergencies. And did I have a doosy of an emergency. I’ll have to tell that story sometime…

I’m curious - when did you get your first cell phone?

Africa, Stockholm Syndrome and That’s Pretty Much It

2009-05-23T14:07:00Z

My friend Annie is leaving for South Africa with Mocha Club on Thursday.

She’ll be blogging about it here and I highly encourage you to follow along She’s a wonderful writer.

Oh, yeah, and she’s hilarious! And my kids love her. And she’s written some great articles for me at the Bloggable Music Network.

This, my friends is called a segue. Watch and learn. Watch. And. Learn.

Speaking of the Bloggable Music Network...

This was an amazing week for the site. I wrote a post about Derek Webb’s alleged controversy with his label regarding his upcoming album, Stockholm Syndrome. That post and subsequent ones were linked to by various bloggers AND the likes of CCM Magazine, CM Central and New Release Tuesday. Pretty fun stuff.

Here are my posts from last week:
FREE Music From Joel and Luke - Amazing.
The Derek-Heist?
Free Music - Take Everything by Joel Rakes (One of Kat’s Favorite Songs…)
Derek Webb Heist Update - Free Song And Clues

I hope you’ll stop by and enjoy the free music and fun.

That’s all folks! Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!

Okay, So How About A Little Music And Controversy?

2009-05-19T12:25:00Z

Well, it seems that sharing “About Me” pages isn’t what you all are into. Major props to Kjaere (who has a MUST READ testimony), Beachmom and Lori Jo for sharing their pages!

So instead of talking about yourselves, how ‘bout a little Derek Webb. In light of a couple interesting and cryptic emails he sent our recently regard the label controversy surrounding his new album, I’ve written a post at the Bloggable Music Network with my take on the whole situtation. Check it out.

I also posted this entry about the new FREE album from Joel and Luke, a couple Australian brothers who have a sister you may know - Rebecca St. James. The music these guys put out is simply stunning. Almost Brooke Fraser level, which if you know me, that’s saying a lot.

So go, check out my other blog - The Bloggable Music Network. Join in the discussion and download the awesome EP from Joel and Luke.

Any Derek Webb fans out there?

Better Than LOST or 24…

2009-04-30T20:25:01Z

Something pretty incredible is happening tonight. I’ll tell you all the details after I share some other important links and news:

Joy Williams Interview and Massive Twitter List

I’m getting serious about the Bloggable Music Network. This week we’ve posted a two part interview with Joy Williams (thanks to the ever awesome Annie) and I’ve also updated our now massive list of artists on Twitter. Did you know Brooke Fraser Tweets? Oh yeah. Get the latest on all your favorite musicians here.

Compassion for Kids

Compassion has launched a new site for kids called Quest for Compassion. My 4 year old and I played it today. Some of it was a bit over her head, but she really liked the games.

These People Have Turned My World Upside Down

There have also been some absolutely amazing posts from the Compassion Bloggers in India. Here are a few of my favorites. So incredibly well written, stunning photographs and fun videos…

My Worst Road Trip Ever
04.29.09 Pass The Biscuits
Looking Into The Eyes of Bondage

Here’s the Big News - Don’t Miss This!!!

Tonight the team of bloggers from Compassion who are in India are going to broadcast LIVE tonight at 10pm CST here.

How cool is that? Definitely better than anything else on TV. I hope to see you there!

Free Song: You Can Thank Me Later

2009-02-05T03:44:00Z

I’m pretty sure you’re going to LOVE the free song I wrote about over at the Bloggable Music Network.

You’re welcome.

52 Christian Artists You Should Follow On Twitter

2009-01-26T04:58:00Z

I just posted a list of 52 Christian artists you should follow on Twitter.

Just like the title said…

Are you on Twitter? I am.

Are there any Christian artists that you know of that I missed?

Music Monday: No More Lame Kid’s Music!!!

2008-12-15T15:55:00Z

Today is Music Monday over at Bloggable Music Network. Be sure to check it out.

If you’re a parent, aunt, uncle, grandparent or anyone who has been subjected to the endless variety of horrible kids music, you are SO going to thank me for what I’m about to share with you.

A dear friend gave us a scripture memory cd for kids by a group called Seeds Music.

AND IT’S REALLY GOOD.

Shocking, I know. I mean, of course the lyrics are good - it’s the B-I-B-L-E - but most of the memory verse music I’ve heard has been pretty cheesy.

This is different. It’s really, really good. There are 4 other albums in the collection and I definitely plan on buying them.

Here’s the link to the Seeds Music website where you can listen to the music and buy the cd’s.

You’re welcome.

Music Monday: What’s In Your Player?

2008-12-08T14:52:00Z

Our family has been listening to Phil Wickham’s Singalong a LOT lately. It’s really such a great album. We’ve only interrupted it to listen to Christmas music.

Phil sings so passionately and it’s amazing how he can create such a full sound with only his guitar and his voice.

If you don’t own this, you really need to go download it. After all, it’s free.

This post is a part of Music Monday at the Bloggable Music Network. There’s also a new FREE song posted at the BMN site. Check it out.

Your Turn

What’s currently on your music player?