Just Keep Singing...

A Night That Still Looms Large in My Heart, 11 Years Later

This moment.

This. Moment.

As I continue praying, packing, and preparing for the biggest show of my tour this Saturday, July 29th, 2023 in Stockton, CA, I'm reminded of a very special evening that took place when my first band, Sugar Water Purple, opened for India Arie in the same city, 11 years ago.

India gave the most impactful and life-changing concert I've ever attended to this day. The music that night was versatile but with a singular thread at the same time. It was eclectic without being scattered. It was beyond beautiful and necessarily so. Musically it was perfection. Lyrically it made my heart dance. She sang songs I still can’t find the recordings of, including one she wrote with Israeli singer-songwriter, Idan Raichel called ‘Melody for You’ which has a sound that still lovingly haunts my soul today, and has influenced much of my orchestral writing.

But this moment here...

This moment.

India had no idea that some of the people in the front row was the band that had just opened for her. She didn't get to hear our set, which made this moment that much more special.

But she heard my voice. She heard it among the crowd. Then she handed me her microphone and danced as I sang her song back to her.

Afterward, one of my friends came to me and said what they saw was symbolic. "You're singing from down there, but you're next. The baton is being passed to you."

I received that… I still do.

I think I've been chasing this sound and feeling for my own music since this evening, and as I as I go back to praying and preparing, I hope that I can give to you a least half of what was given to me that entire concert 11 years ago.

This moment.

This moment.

Stockton, and friends nearby, let's make these moments together this Saturday, July 29th, 2023.

Get your tickets.

See you soon~
❤️

Sugar Water Purple with India Arie - February 18th, 2012