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Touring Takes Trust 

Touring Takes Trust
April 25, 2013
www.kurtscobie.com/blogs

Greetings from Pennsylvania!

I am back out on the road for the Step by Step by Step Tour. On Monday I played at Sitwell's Coffeehouse in Cincinnati, OH (a very cool spot near the University of Cincinnati). But I had a problem...

When I cancelled my house concert in Ambler, PA to go home and take care of some personal stuff, I left my keyboard. I found out later that I didn't need to do that, but at the time I wanted to make sure the artist I was playing with that night, Joy Ike, had a keyboard to play. I wasn't sure she was bringing hers since she was taking a bus from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia.

Anyway, I left my keyboard.

Well, this presented a dilemma (uh, yeah...). Since I really didn't have time to make arrangements before Monday, I was scrambling to try and find a keyboard I could borrow or rent. At one point during the trip from Georgia to Ohio I was convinced that I would have to BUY a keyboard (which I cannot afford) so that I would have one to play that night. I even considered performing the show a capella. This was not looking good.

But, technology came through for me.

Actually, a couple awesome people came through for me. Technology got us connected, but it was the willingness of a couple amazing individuals (who didn't even know me) that saved the day. I was able to pick up a (very nice) keyboard before heading to Sitwell's. AND through this process, I was offered a place to stay, so I didn't have to get a cheap hotel in a sketchy part of Cincinnati. Awesome!

So, thank you Theresa, Amanda and Diane (and Diane's husband for helping me carry that beast of a keyboard up out of your basement)!

I've said this before and this story proves it. I am an "independent" artist, but I think "interdependent" better describes my world. This touring thing takes trust. And if you really think about it, LIFE takes trust. Life is risky. Whether you're traveling across the country or across the street, every day presents opportunities to trust others, yourself, and God.

I am learning quite a bit about trust these days. And I am finding that when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable and trust others, we will experience a fullness in life that we simply cannot have when we try to do everything alone.

-Kurt

Show Cancellations 

Show Cancellations
April 22, 2013
www.kurtscobie.com/blogs

I am incredibly blessed.

The people in my life have always been supportive, and I have always been grateful for them. But, I want to brag on them (you) a bit more. In the face of challenging times for me and my family, my friends have always been there. I am incredibly blessed to have non-fair-weather friends to show me understanding and support during difficult times.

For me, family comes first. My wife and my son are the most important people in my life. When our family recently faced some rough waters, we received nothing but support and love and understanding and help even though I had to cancel a few tour dates.

So, I want to say thank you. Thank you for understanding when I needed to cancel. I am sorry if I caused you to miss out on a chance to come to a show. But, I thank you for allowing me to take care of what I need to take care of. I am incredibly blessed.

The dust has settled a bit on the home-front, so I am back out on the road to give this tour all I've got! We appreciate your prayers. As you probably can imagine, being apart from my family for such a long period of time takes it's toll.

I hope you will make it to a show if I am coming anywhere close to your city in the next few weeks.

Cheers!
-Kurt

www.kurtscobie.com/tour
APR 22 - CINCINNATI, OH - Sitwell's Coffeehouse

APR 23 - READING, PA - Penn State Berks
APR 25 - WILLIAMSPORT, PA - Penn College of Technology
APR 26 - MILWAUKEE, WI - House Concert
APR 29 - DULUTH, MN - College of St. Scholastica

MAY 03 - ST. PAUL, MN - University of St. Thomas
MAY 08 - BURLINGTON, VT - Radio Bean
MAY 09 - LYNDONVILLE, VT - Lyndon State College
MAY 12 - HAZLET, NJ - House Concert
MAY 16 - WASHINGTON D.C. - Ebenezer's Coffeehouse
MAY 17 - HARRISBURG, PA - Midtown Scholar Bookstore


Judah Helps Pack for the Tour 

Judah Helps Pack for the Tour
April 8, 2013
www.kurtscobie.com/blogs

Well, I hope I haven't forgotten anything! Judah "helped" me pack and I think he thought of everything but I'm sure I will end up 700 miles from home and realize there was just one more thing. As long as I remember my keyboard and clean underwear I'll be alright... right?

Keep me in your prayers over the next six weeks. In all honesty, I never really feel prepared for these trips. Not only could I forget to pack something, but there are so many elements that come into play that... well, you just hope it all works out. So many things beyond my control. Every tour is an act of trust for me. So, if you think of me out there, pray for my travels, my shows, and my encounters with people. AND pray for my family. It is tough to leave my wife and son for such a long time. Thankfully, they will be coming out onto the road with me for a few days, but for the majority of this six-week-long adventure, we will be apart. I'll need all the support I can get.

Wow! I didn't anticipate sharing all of THAT when I sat down to write this quick blog. I was just going to share the promo video because Judah is so dang cute in it. Thanks for reading these ramblings, anyway. Here's the video...

FEATURED FRIEND FRIDAY: Sarah Clanton Schaffer 

FEATURED FRIEND FRIDAY: Sarah Clanton Schaffer
April 5, 2013
www.kurtscobie.com/blogs


Photo by Ken N Laura
Since I met Sarah with Bethel Steele and Heather Mae, I feel it is appropriate to introduce you to them sequentially in this blog. Sarah Clanton Schaffer performed both solo AND with her touring comrades when I met her at Red Clay Theatre that momentous night in Duluth, GA.

If you're a sucker for the sound of the cello like I am, you need to check out this Atlanta-born artist. Go see her live. You'll like what you hear.

Here are a few places where you can connect with Sarah Clanton Schaffer:

www.sarahclantonschaffer.com
www.facebook.com/sarahclantonschaffer
www.twitter.com/sarahcschaffer
www.youtube.com/cellotreearts

You Are an Heir to a Throne Not a Grave 

You Are an Heir to a Throne Not a Grave
March 31, 2013
www.kurtscobie.com/blogs

Happy Easter!

I thought this song was fitting for today. Enjoy "The Wake" LIVE from a living room. :)


"But when the time arrived that was set by God the Father, God sent his Son, born among us of a woman, born under the conditions of the law so that he might redeem those of us who have been kidnapped by the law. Thus we have been set free to experience our rightful heritage. You can tell for sure that you are now fully adopted as his own children because God sent the Spirit of his Son into our lives crying out, "Papa! Father!" Doesn't that privilege of intimate conversation with God make it plain that you are not a slave, but a child? And if you are a child, you're also an heir, with complete access to the inheritance." Galatians 4:4-7 http://bible.us/97/gal.4.4-7.msg


FEATURED FRIEND FRIDAY: Bethel Steele 

FEATURED FRIEND FRIDAY: Bethel Steele
March 29, 2013
www.kurtscobie.com/blogs


Bethel Steele is just... likable.

I met her (along with Heather Mae and Josh Harty) at Red Clay Theatre. Bethel Steele was touring with Heather Mae and Sarah Clanton Schaffer at the time and I had the pleasure of hanging out with the three of them after the Eddie Owen Presents Songwriter's Open Mic. It was SO cool to hang out with them. I'm telling you, that night in Duluth ranks as one of my favorites. I just love meeting touring musicians from different parts of the country.

Bethel Steele is based in Cambridge, MA but travels all over the place with her songs. Solid songs. I hope you will give her a listen.

Here are a few places where you can connect with Bethel:

www.bethelsteele.com
www.twitter.com/bethelsteele
www.facebook.com/bethelsteelemusic
www.youtube.com/bethelsteele

FEATURED FRIEND FRIDAY: Heather Mae 

FEATURED FRIEND FRIDAY: Heather Mae
March 22, 2013
www.kurtscobie.com/blogs


Happy Friday! Today, I want to direct your attention to someone I met earlier this year at the Eddie Owen Presents Songwriter's Open Mic. Her voice and her songs are just solid! You definitely need to go listen to her music and even better, go see her live! She frequently tours across the U.S, so check her schedule for when she'll be performing near your city.

I am looking forward to performing with Heather when I am in Washington D.C. on May 16th. She was kind enough to invite me to open for her on her home turf. I am especially excited because the venue, Ebenezer's, is one that I thoroughly enjoyed playing on the "Ike, Eich, and Scobie Tour" a year ago. It will be great to share the stage with Heather Mae in D.C. If you live nearby, come see her (and me)!

If you just cannot make it to a show, you should at least check her out online. Here are a few places where you can connect with Heather:

www.heathermae.net
www.twitter.com/heathermaemusic
www.facebook.com/heathermaemusicpage
www.youtube.com/heathermaefoard

FEATURED FRIEND FRIDAY: Caleb Hawley 

FEATURED FRIEND FRIDAY: Caleb Hawley
March 15, 2013
www.kurtscobie.com/blogs

The bragging on my friends continues. This week's "Featured Friend Friday" is New York singer/songwriter Caleb Hawley!

I met Caleb a few years ago at one of Atlanta's top venues for live music. We were both in the open mic line-up at Eddie's Attic in Decatur and decided we should do a show together. And we did. In early 2011 I had the distinct pleasure of performing in-the-round with Caleb Hawley AND Rachel Platten (who is another gem). It was an unforgettable night!

If you watch American Idol, you might have seen Caleb Hawley a couple years ago on the show. Steven Tyler was really excited about his audition that landed him a spot in Hollywood! Since then he has been touring the country with his unique sound and a live performance that is just amazing. I highly recommend you check him out.

Here are a few places you can connect with Caleb:

www.calebhawley.com
www.twitter.com/iamcalebhawley
www.facebook.com/calebhawley
www.youtube.com/calebhawleymusic

We Need You 

We Need You
March 12, 2013
www.kurtscobie.com/blogs

Race week is here!

Five days from today I will be running my third-ever half marathon (13.1 miles) as the leader of "Team Punita". In case you've missed the news, I am using my running as a platform to raise awareness and money for As Our Own. March 17th is the Georgia Publix Half Marathon. I am running for Punita.

Punita represents an unacceptably high number of orphans in India who inevitably end up in child prostitution. Human trafficking (slavery) is still a major problem in this world and I am speaking up for the millions of people who have had their voice, their freedom, robbed from them. I am running for Punita because she needs me to stand up for her. And she needs YOU!

She needs ALL of us to stand for her and so many other children who are in need of rescue.

Will you help? Will you give? Will you sacrifice for them?

In this last week before the race I am praying that several generous individuals will step up to make donations. I know that budgets are tight and the economy and blah blah blah... but honestly, most of you reading this live in the richest country in the world. Most of you, if you really wanted to, can find a way to give to this cause.

So, what is it going to be?

Will you join me in making history? Will you be a part of one of the greatest movements this world has ever seen?

Or will you buy that new toy/gadget/outfit/item-you-will-throw-away-in-a-year?

We need you.

https://iwillrun.myetap.org/fundraiser/teamatlanta/team.do?participationRef=334.0.514882756