Hurricane Katrina Benefit Concert: Gospel Angels

Last night I finally felt like I did something to contribute to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. I mean, I've been doing what I can already, giving money both personally and through my business, joining thousands of fellow bloggers in an effort to raise funds and awareness across the blogosphere, and praying for those left with nothing to go back to... nothing to call home. But I'm the kind of guy who wants to be where the action is - chainsaw crew? Sign me up! Late night, secret deliveries threatened by armed looters? I'm there! Hanging from a helicopter plucking people off of rooftops? Just show me the harness. And so I've been somewhat frustrated by my inability to just drop everything and run to help - especially with concerts booked in areas unaffected by Katrina.

Our involvement in "Gospel Angels: A Concert to Restore Hope" last night finally gave me that sense of being a part of something bigger than myself, of the church in action. In a matter of two weeks, the Gospel Music Channel (Paxson Communications Corporation's i, formerly PAX TV) along with the Gospel Music Association put together a 2-hour live benefit concert to help raise funds for Word Vision and Feed the Children to aid Katrina victims. Filmed outside in downtown Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park, it was a really cool night to be a part of. Hosted by CeCe Winans, we were joined by BarlowGirl, Blind Boys of Alabama, Natalie Grant, American Idol George Huff, Israel & New Breed, Nicole C. Mullen, NewSong, and Aaron Shust. Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, Kelly Price, Mary Mary, Yolanda Adams and Micah Stampley all chimed in from Dallas, TX, while Third Day made an appearance with a taped performance from Houston just days before they started evacuating due to Rita.

We were joined by 1000+ people there in the park and who knows how many million others via XM Radio, cable TV stations, and web streaming In fact, I overhead someone last night mention that the television broadcast would be available in over 90 million homes - then tried unsuccessfully to wipe that thought from my mind as I walked on stage, readjusting my grip on my sticks and preparing for the scariest three minutes and thirty seconds on stage in a long time, as we had only performed the song we played twice previously... everything went fine besides the loss of hearing in my right ear due to Marc's screaming loud guitar amp sitting right beside me.

I have no idea how much money was raised last night or how many people actually watched the event. I'm sure that matters to some people - not to me. What mattered to me last night was the fact that I had the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself and see the church in action. I'm not an expert with a chainsaw; I'm an okay shot with a hunting rifle but pretty useless with a handgun and can't drive a semi; and I'm guessing I would require a fair amount of training before the Coast Guard would let me hang from one of their choppers. But - for better or for worse - I am a professional musician (some would even say a rockstar); when people ask me what I do, I tell them I'm a drummer. And so last night I was able to reach out to the victims of Katrina - the widowed, the poor, the hungry, and the displaced - by doing "my thing"... drumming.

It was a cool night.

Comments

[Alexis]

Jeremy: I tried so hard for over an hour to get connected. I guess the link provided was so busy that it was next to impossible to hook up. I wish I had seen the concert but I know time will present it self and eventually I will see it through downhere connections.

I can so identify with your wanting to be there to help. Unlike yourself I have no real commitments to Cambridge and work at this time that if God presents the opportunity for me through the Salvation Army to go I am so out of here and there.

Thanks for your part in helping. What you and the guys do on a regular basis help so many children, it is wonderful. You are always promoting World Vision and the adopting a child program, what a wonderful ministry you do daily in that aspect.

My cousin is working full time for World Vision our of Brampton I think. She just spent 6 months in Africa, can't wait to hear of her travels.

God Bless the work you, the guys and the band are doing.

Alexis

[kathryn]

how much money was raised?!

I'm sure with living in the Southern States you will feel much more affected by this than those who live further away. . . sometimes i feel just really out of touch when things happen far from where i live - its hard to understand it. .its hard to feel. . but its easier if i see footage or interviews, etc.