I meant to write this much sooner, but apparently I needed a lot more time to recuperate from this trip than normal. I will start off with these few sentences:
Paris was amazing in a lot of ways.
The preparation for Paris was long, arduous, and a blessing in a lot of ways.
It is #2 that I think I’m still recovering from more so than our time in Paris itself.
The night we left for Paris was my 33rd birthday on the Hebrew calendar. On our calendar, I was born on September 23rd, 1990. On the biblical calendar, I was born on the 4th of Tishri, 5751. The night I headed to the airport was the 4th of Tishri, 5784. 33 is the year many of my friends call ‘the Jesus year,’ which I always found weird because that was the year he was crucified. I don’t really want to be crucified right now. I do, however, understand the broader meaning of the fulfillment of destiny.
Actually being there was amazing in that I got to bond with my guys. We don’t really see each other much because I’m based on the east coast, and they’re on the west coast; so having this extended time together I think was really good for all of us.
We had two concerts planned, and a third one was planned while we were there thanks to our Parisian MVP, Damien. Damien owns a restaurant called Bissac where our first show was. We all had such an amazing time, and Damien loved us so much, he called his other restaurant owner friend, and had them book us for another show on my Gregorian birthday (September 23rd). That show was held outside, in the middle of the city, and during a huge rugby game, Ireland vs. South Africa. I think I was the only person there rooting for South Africa, and they sadly lost, but all of those elements together made for a huge crowd during our set. People danced, sang, and connected with us on social media afterward. I can honestly say that after that last-minute gig, and the two others we played, we developed a solid base of supporters and new friends in France. I also found out after we played that the owner of the restaurant we played on my birthday owns over 60 locations across France. He happened to be there to watch us perform, and told me afterward that he loved all of it. Definitely more to come there.
Our second show was also very special. We played an open mic night hosted by a dear new friend of mine, William. William hosts open mics at a venue, and he had us come up and feature a few of my originals in the middle of it which introduced more people to the JoDavi sound. Then for our impromptu show, Will lended us some of his sound equipment so we didn’t have to rent more stuff. I was constantly blown away by the hospitality and love from these people I had only met a number of days ago.
In all of this, I was keenly aware that we were in the midst of the High Holy Days. Yom Kippur was upon us, and I was able to fast and visit a congregation for prayers. I broke away from my group that day and that entire day was special in itself. Afterward, being able to share some of that experience with my team meant a lot to me.
I want to give a ginormous shoutout to my good friend and tour manager, Jewel Remeta for putting all these details together, making the connections, and freely sharing them with us. Also for taking care of the band for me when I needed to rest or just be alone for a while. Without hesitation, she would swoop the guys and take them all around Paris while I took care of other responsibilities. Now she’s getting some much deserved downtime in Paris, and we’re already talking about what next year will look like, which will include hitting the South of France, and most importantly, bringing the wife and kids with me. ❤️
I want to also give a very big shout out to everyone who gave to our Kickstarter campaign to make this happen. I pray the Lord blesses all of you 100 fold for what you’ve blessed me with. This really was a breakthrough time for me, and I look forward to walking through the other open doors that will come from this.
And of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t give a major shout out to my band, Aaron, Joseph, and Zach. As far as first impressions go, they gave France the best. Solid guys, and quite incredible musicians. I’ve known Zach since 2019, Aaron since our time in college together in 2010 (I think), and Joseph from when he was a little baby back in 2006. Hitting this milestone with them was definitely fitting. They’re a blessing.
There is still so much that I am unpacking from the trip that I think I’ll be able to really do once I’m back to 100%. But I am grateful, and my heart is full.