Sacred Blues and a "Point of View"

For those of you in the Birmingham area that attended the launch of the Genesis Coffee House series, you might recognize the shadowy figure in this pic... lol. For those of you who missed "Sacred Blues", well... I have a feeling that we'll be doing another such event. We had a packed house, a LOT of fun, and (most importantly), we helped raise several hundred dollars for the "Babies First" charity. Not bad... doesn't really make you blue, does it?

I am excited about this extra bit of news; I'm finally beginning to work on my new CD project! This new record, under the working title of 'Point of View', is going to be a blast to make. I've spent the last few years writing, and I feel like I have some of the best songs I've written. Time will tell, won't it?

So, hang on for the ride. I'm going to attempt to document the work in progress on this blog. Keep an open mind and keep me in prayer!!

More to come...

GV

Sacred Blues!

Hey! Me and some of the P150 guys are playing at this event.
Here's the official word on this cool new concert series. Glad we can help kick it off! Hope to see you there!

GV

Genesis Coffee House series presents “I Have A Hope; An Evening of Sacred Blues”

Leeds, AL, 7:30 pm, June 20th, 2008 – The Genesis Church will kick off its coffeehouse concert series this June with “I HAVE A HOPE; An Evening of Sacred Blues” with Liturgical Autopsy featuring Rick Sutton, 2Blu, The Lucky Stiffs, George and the G-Men and George Vinson’s Project 150.

The coffee shop will be open from doors at 6 PM till 7:15 serving coffee, tea and assorted desserts. Come early and enjoy the company of other blues lovers.

This first event will be a benefit for “Babies First of Birmingham”. The Babies First program provides residential group care for single young mothers and their babies. The reality of life has come too soon for many young women. Babies First provides opportunities for both mother and child, including housing, education, and job opportunities. Go to http://umch.net/locations/birmingham.htm for more information.

For additional information on “I HAVE A HOPE; An Evening of Sacred Blues” contact Rick Sutton or go to www.myspace.com/genesiscoffeehouseseries for updates and links to the artist. You can also download a full size poster of the event there.

The Genesis Church is a new United Methodist congregation located at the River Oaks Golf Course (formally Terry Walker Golf Course) in Leeds, AL. The church website is www.thegenesischurch.org.

Johnny Fever

For 7 years I was the Director of Technical Ministries for the Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, AL. During those years God placed about 25 folks into my ministry there... yes, I'm talking about those wacky, wonderful, and sometimes weird people who were the tech volunteers. Each of them brought passion, dedication, and their own unique set of skills to the task of enhancing our worship services, week in and week out. I miss them terribly!

But even since moving to the Nashville area almost 3 years ago, I still try to keep in regular contact with as many of them as possible. I was saddened to learn this past weekend about the passing of Mark Groenke, probably the one person in our crew that personified all the qualities I described above. Every person on our crew was vital, and I could safely describe each of them as a 'right hand man (or woman)", but Mark would arguably be at the top of that list.

One of the things that made Mark wonderful was his selflessness. So it's no surprise to learn that he had been fighting a battle with MS... I don't think any of us knew that about him, and we were all very close. Just like Mark to keep such a thing to himself! In fact, we all lost touch with him after he moved to Florida a few years ago.

Mark was truly unique. As my main backstage manager, Mark would handle any situation with speed and professionalism... along with a dry wit that would have you rolling on the floor. At the time, he sported shoulder length grey hair and a huge mustache, baring more than a passing resemblance to WKRP's "Dr. Johnny Fever", hence that nickname (one of many, trust me...lol).

I could go on and on about my buddy, but will spare you. Those of you who knew Mark share my grief at his passing, but can rejoice in the fact that we WILL see our buddy again in heaven. If I know Mark, he's rearranging that backstage area right now... and probably has a few angels laughing uncontrollably... lol.

John "Mark" Groenke


GROENKE, JOHN "MARK", 57, joined our Heavenly Father Tuesday, June 10th, 2008. After an 18-week battle (he WON) in the SICU at a local hospital. Preceded in death by his mother, Lois Ann Nelson and his father, John H. Groenke. He lives on through his children and grandchildren. Daughters, Lindsey (Paul) Correia of Hoover, AL, Shelly (Sean) Payne of Vestavia Hills, AL and Tania (Jon) Tate of Gulf Breeze, FL. Grandchildren, Ashton, Tate, Olivia, Miller, Connor, Austin and Ali. Sister Marcia (Ken) Lanier, Stepmother, Joy Groenke and many family and friends. Mark's true passions in life were food; he enjoyed cooking and entertaining, a life long race fan and music lover. He was a father, friend and joker. He will be deeply missed and remembered for touching so many lives. Daddy, may I have this dance? Love, Booka. Visitation will be held Saturday, June 14, 2008 from 2:00 to 3:30 PM at Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held Saturday at 3:30 PM at Southern Heritage Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request that those interested contribute donations to the National MS society.

Mark... I miss you, my friend. Get things ready for the band up there, willya??

GV