Wendy V "fall tour" report
NASHVILLE, TN
NOVEMBER, 2003
Despite all the fun I've had this year "touring", I was a bit disappointed that I hadn't to this point been able to do one trip: to Nashville. I was supposed to be in Chicago over the first weekend in November. But plans and circumstances changed, I had a plane ticket I needed to use -- so hey, maybe I don't have to miss out on Nashville after all! So off I went, prepared for a 40 degree temperature difference from the Twin Cities (40) to Nashville (80).
You remember last year...things became predictably unpredictable and I winged the itinerary in some spots. This year was no different. I ended up changing hotels after the first night. I reserved a room at the Best Western in downtown Nashville. Big mistake from the get-go. Why on earth would you put a motel with its room entrances on the outside smack in the middle of a downtown metropolitan city like Nashville with all the noise that goes with? I felt like I was sleeping outside. I needed to sleep at night, so this didn't work for me. Neither did the thought of valet parking only with a rental car...when I wasn't 100% sure my other insurance arrangements would cover any damage. I liked being in control of my car. I saw that there was a Sheraton across the street. They had a room available, and the rate wasn't bad, considering. So I relocated there next morning and it was a world of difference. You get what you pay for.
At the Sheraton, there was a convention of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Angel" fans going on that weekend. I would have expected this to be made up mostly of young people. But, I was surprised to see quite a few people my age were part of this thing...folks you might think would be at one of our Gaither concert get-togethers. I did talk to one person on an elevator who said this was an event for fans to meet each other...a lame witness, perhaps, but I did note, "oh yes, I do that a lot, too--with gospel music fans!"
I survived driving in Nashville's rush hour traffic at night (with some close calls) and thought I was lost on my way to the Bluebird Cafe, but was only off by one block. But once I got there, I loosened up and enjoyed the show, another in the round evening with singer/songwriters. Last year's group was primarily young artists, but this evening the musicians were in my age group or so. Some had songs recorded by well known country artists (couldn't tell you all who they were). These folks were very entertaining and confident, and encouraged by many friends who showed up. One woman, a fiddle player, also made her public singing debut with some backup vocals--she did well!
I hung out downtown Saturday, doing some sightseeing and shopping. By the way, if you go to Nashville, check out a restaurant/bar called Rippy's, on Broadway. They have a limited menu, but what they do have in the way of pulled chicken, pork and ribs is awesome and the service is top notch.
While downtown, I found out that the Grand Ole Opry was playing at the "mother church", the Ryman Auditorium, for the next few months. I would have been an idiot to know that and not try to get a ticket. Well, I did manage to get a great seat for the Saturday early show front and center in the balcony. This is also when the TV taping takes place during the 7-8 p.m hour for broadcast on GAC. It was a great experience for me to hear many of the artists I am enjoying nowadays (the Whites, Sara Evans, Buddy Jewell, Brad Paisley ) and some of the great legends I respected (Bill Anderson, Jim Ed Brown, Porter Waggoner, Jeannie Seely, Little Jimmy Dickens and others). Speaking of legends, special guest that evening was Pat Boone. He looked great from where I was sitting (still wearing white shoes!) and brought the crowd to its feet with a song "Under God", about the pledge of allegiance controversy.
But Sunday held the true "main event" of the trip for me. No way was I coming to Nashville and not going to Stan Mitchell's new church, GracePointe Church. Stan has been holding me spellbound with all of the sermons posted on the website. I had to experience this church in person. GracePointe gets very high marks for hospitality. It is one of the friendliest churches I have ever visited. Several people introduced themselves to me. I missed the turn into the church and ended up in an adjacent park and ride lot. A couple walked me up to the door, and when I forgot which way I had gone to get to the lot (you lose sense of direction when you get old), another woman put me in her van and drove me back to the lot.
Stan Mitchell is one of the most compelling preachers I've ever heard. His message was based on I John 4:7-11. We are to love others as God loved us. This message is available for purchase at the GracePointe web store ( "In the Beginning -God" ). When I come to a church, this is the kind of message I want to hear. Also, the baby dedication he led was absolutely lovely and touching. And for those of you who will ask...yes, I saw Mark. He and another gentleman do handle the videotaping. I did let him know that this ministry does have a far-reaching impact. Other church members were also happy to hear that someone came there as a result of the webcasts. Then it was time to leave for the airport.
This added tour stop was a wonderful way to end a season of "touring" with many great experiences along the way. I now grant permission for winter to officially begin here in Minnesota, if indeed it must. I'm out of the skies until May 1 (unless necessary), first tour stop Chicago/New York.
So for now...let it snow.