Music Education & Improving Singing

Earlier this month, I took my Guitar 2 & 3 class from Valley Christian School to Santa Cruz to perform on the street in public (busking). We had so much fun! You can see excerpts by clicking HERE. Music education doesn’t only have to be in a classroom. This year has been so meaningful and fulfilling teaching the guitar students and investing in their lives. One student wrote in my yearbook, “Thank you so much Mr. Coates! This year, I have gained such a fondness for guitar, especially through seeing your deep passion for it. You are by far the most joyful, kind, and encouraging teacher I’ve ever had. This is my first time going to a Christian school and it’s so refreshing having a teacher that visibly loves Jesus so much.”

Since training is a large part of what Heartfelt Music Ministry is all about, this month I’m making available for free a Vocal Workshop training video for the singers on your worship team. There are a lot of tips I’ve included from the seminars I’ve taught at the National Worship Leader Conferences. May these videos inspire skill and confidence as you worship.

Enjoy Listening to Reggie’s Music

You can check out the many ways to enjoy listening to my music at HearNow.com. The eight albums included are:
– Encore
– Heartfelt Worship
– Here & Now
– I Wish You a Mary Christmas
– Intimacy
– Heartfelt Celebration
– Instrumental Guitar, Vol. 1
– Instrumental Guitar, Vol. 2

Vocal Workshop Training Video

This is a vocal training workshop for singers on a worship team. It includes the six points to good vocal production, the five parts of the vocal instrument, the four elements of sound, and tips for increasing your confidence while singing in front of others. I can train your musicians in person as a worship band or as singers on a worship team. For more info, click HERE.

Upcoming Events

Beautiful Spring Backyard

I’ve been working on my backyard this Spring. It’s turning out so beautiful and is a haven to rest and reflect before summer begins. I’m wrapping up teaching at Valley Christian School for the year and finalizing the Mount Hermon Christian Summer Concert Series starting in June. Ministry is thriving, but it always helps to stop and smell the roses.

Thank you for your ongoing support and prayers!

Ministry & Family

I hope you’re having a great summer and making time to get renewed and refreshed. It’s so important to balance ministry endeavors with family priorities. Navigating through them can be very hard sometimes. I want to balance doing God’s work with others and keeping family relationships strong.
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As far as ministry, the Mount Hermon Concert Series has been inspiring hundreds of people every weekend this summer. Last weekend, we had such a meaningful time with Phillips Craig & Dean. This weekend is Nichole Nordeman and next weekend the series closes with Point of Grace. Tickets are still available, so if you’re in the area we’d love to have you attend! I am leading worship for churches like San Jose Christian Church and Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. Keeping my creativity flowing, I’m writing a new guitar instrumental called Partly Cloudy. I’m also preparing for my classes to begin again in a few weeks at Valley Christian School.
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Family has been a main focus recently. Some difficult things have happened this summer like my brother, Steve, passing away from a courageous battle with cancer. Also, after 8 1/2 years, we had to put our sweet dog to sleep. Many of you can empathize with these difficult circumstances. On a happier note, our boys, their wives and our 2 1/2 year old granddaughter went to Disneyland and Universal Studios. We had a blast! Also, Sherri and I look forward to celebrating our 40th Wedding Anniversary this summer. What a wonderful journey with the love of my life!
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I’m so thankful that there are people all over the world opening my newsletter. And shout out to Massachusetts! I notice that there are a number of people opening my eNewsletters in Massachusetts! I’m thrilled and maybe should set up a concert with you! 🙂

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The Heartfelt Music Executive Board and I are so grateful for your continued involvement with Heartfelt Music. You can greatly underscore and support this ministry with a financial gift. PayPal Giving Fund will give you tax exemption and not take out any fees. Your generous donations are such a practical way to help. Thank you!

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Upcoming Events

July 21 (Sunday)
I’ll be leading worship at San Jose Christian Reformed Church. It is located at 5150 Camden Avenue, San Jose, CA, 95124, (408) 266-4412. The service is at 10:00am and you’re welcome to join us. https://www.sjcrc.org/
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August 4 (Sunday)
I’ll be leading worship at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. It is located at 121 South White Rd, San Jose CA 95127, (408) 729-7563. The service is at 10:00am and you’re welcome to join us. https://www.gdlcsj.com/

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Jesus Has Risen!

I hope you have been enjoying the build-up to tomorrow’s celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. Join me at the Mount Hermon Conference Center’s Victory Circle at 6:30am for their Sunrise Service (our usual gathering at the Ponderosa Lodge Cross is closed for reconstruction). This week has been a reflection on what drove Jesus to the cross, our seperation from God. We need a Savior. I led worship for a gathering of four churches last night in Santa Clara during Good Friday and it was sobering to share communion as Jesus did before he went to the cross. “Remember me, my life given for you, and the New Covenant of my life in you.” On Easter, Jesus conquered death and, not only completely forgave us of our sin, but empowers us to live in His resurrection victory. May you experience His life in you today and everyday!

The ministry momentum for Heartfelt Music Ministry is creating an astounding influence in keeping with our Mission Statement: Leading others toward intimacy with God and excellence in artistry. We have just selected the worship team for next year at Valley Christian Schools in San Jose. What a joy to train these students to encourage 2300 students in worship during chapels. This winter and spring, I have been training musicians and leading worship for San Jose Christian Reformed Church and San Ramon Presbyterian Church. I’m continuing to mentor through private lessons in-person and through Zoom. I’ve been preparing and producing the Mount Hermon Summer Concert Series, which is shaping up to be an inspiration for those who attend. We’ll have seven concerts this summer. Mark your calendars and join in the fun!

• 6/24 – Buddy Greene, Jeff Taylor and Ron Block
• 7/1 – Southern Raised
• 7/8 – Veritas
• 7/15 – Nicole Nordeman
• 7/22 – The King’s Brass
• 7/29 – Michael O’Brien
• 8/5 – Phillips, Craig & Dean

I hope you have been able to enjoy my new album, Encore. Visit the HearNow.com website to access links to Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Amazon, Pandora, etc. Check out all my products available at the Heartfelt Music website.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers!

Family Time

I was able to spend a few day in Oregon visiting my son, daughter-in-law, and grand-daughter a couple of weeks ago. It was fun being together amidst the combination of snow, rain, and sunny days. They are so precious. I was able to be a handyman for a few days.

Private Lessons

If you are interested in private lessons/ coaching this summer, email me at [email protected]. “Reggie is an amazing teacher with a lot of energy, enthusiasm and love for music and the guitar. His knowledge is vast. My son loves Reggie and waits for his lesson.” ~ Nadiya

Encore Album

Listen to my newest album Encore at HearNow.com as well as my other 7 available albums: Heartfelt Worship, Heartfelt Celebration, Instrumental Guitar – Volume I, Instrumental Guitar – Volume II, Here & Now, Intimacy, and I Wish You a Mary Christmas.

Upcoming Events

• April 9 (Sunday)
  I’ll be leading worship at Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center’s Easter Sunrise Service. It is at 6:30am. It will be located at the Mount Hermon Conference Center’s Victory Circle. [It will not be held at the cross due to Ponderosa Lodge being temporarily closed for remodeling.]
• April 16 (Sunday)
  I’ll be leading worship at San Ramon Presbyterian Church. It is located at 12700 Alcosta Blvd, San Ramon, CA 94583, (925) 543-7772. The service is at 9:00am.
• April 23 (Sunday)
  I’ll be leading worship at San Jose Christian Reformed Church. It is located at 5150 Camden Avenue, San Jose, CA, 95124, (408) 266-4412. The service is at 10:00am.

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New Album and You

New Album Entitled Encore

I’ve been writing songs this summer for a new album called Encore. I just finished the songwriting and arrangements, but now I need to record them and get them ready for publication. Hope to have it ready in time for Christmas.

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Donate toward the Encore Album – Indiegogo

You can help complete the Encore album by donating through Indiegogo. All contributions go to Heartfelt Music Ministry toward the new album. Click on the thumbnail picture above and read all the details. Thank you for considering!
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Singing to My Grand-Daughter

In September, Sherri and I visited our grand-daughter in Oregon as we helped my son and his wife move. It was so fun to sing to her the song I wrote for her using my son’s guitar. It’s called You Pick Me Up. The song will be on the Encore album.

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Upcoming Events

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October 30 (Sun)
Leading worship with the Valley Christian High School Worship Team at San Jose Christian Reformed Church, 5150 Camden Avenue, San Jose Ca 95124. Service begins at 10:00am if you’d like to come.
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November 6 (Sun)
Leading worship at San Jose Christian Reformed Church, 5150 Camden Avenue, San Jose Ca 95124. Service begins at 10:00am if you’d like to come.

I’ll Worship with My Life

Since the beginning of August, I’ve hit the road running! This summer has been a respite and refresher in many ways, but now life and ministry gets pretty full. It’s a joy serving the Lord through Valley Christian Schools and the worship teams are gearing up to lead worship in more Chapels this year. Mount Hermon summer concerts went very well and I’m meeting with leaders this week to select next year’s artists. I’ll be leading worship once a month at San Jose Christian Reformed Church and you can join the service online at http://www.sjcrc.org/videos. I’m continuing to teach private lessons through Zoom and in person this Fall, which is very fulfilling to invest in their growth skillfully and spiritually. I’ll continue helping with the leadership of the Mount Hermon Community group.

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This summer, I’ve been working on a new album and the opening song is an upbeat proclamation of my resolve to worship God with my whole life. The chorus is:

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I’ll worship with my life
To be a living sacrifice
An instrument to magnify You
I’ll worship with my life
More than all the words I say
I’ll follow You in every way
And love You with my life.

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Romans 12:1 is my inspiration: “Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.”

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God deserves our worship and love! May we fully take on our spiritual service of worship and completely surrender our lives to Him. I pray that God would bless you this Fall, bringing encouragement and a sense of newness to everything that comes your way.
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Be Encouraged

Is your summer off to a good start? Sherri and I just came back from Dayton, Oregon, visiting my 5 month old granddaughter! It was a great way to start the summer for us!

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Come to one or all of the Mount Hermon Summer Concerts, produced by Heartfelt Music Ministry. Each concert is on Saturday starting at 6:30pm in the Conference Center auditorium nestled in the beautiful 500 acres of the Redwood forest. The concerts are free, but you’ll need a ticket through iTickets to register and reserve a spot. Go to http://mounthermon.org/summer-concerts to get more information and register for each concert. Watch this promo video to give you an idea of what each concert artist/group sounds like: https://youtu.be/SEhjEsfTQEc

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Here’s the artist line up for this summer:

• June 18 – Foto Sisters
• June 25 – Buddy Greene and Jeff Taylor
• July 2 – Point of Grace
• July 9 – Veritas
• July 16 – Michael O’Brien
• July 23 – Captivating Keyboards
• July 30 – Phillips, Craig & Dean (Sold Out)

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Hope you can join me Sunday, June 26, 5:00pm, for my eighth online FACEBOOK LIVE Home Concert. It will be an uplifting hour with unrecorded songs and familiar requested songs as well. It will be on the Heartfelt Music® Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/reggieheartfeltmusic.

Visiting Our Granddaughter

It was so fun for Sherri and I to see our 5 month old granddaughter! We drove up to Dayton, Oregon, and spent a week visiting my youngest son and his wife. How sweet it is to hold and cuddle their precious daughter. We love being first-time grandparents!

Summer Concerts at Mount Hermon

The Mount Hermon Summer concert series begins this Saturday, June 18th. You can sit inside or outside. All concert programs are open to the public without charge, but you must get a ticket to reserve a spot at http://mounthermon.org/summer-concerts.

Reggie’s Home Concert 8, June 26

Next Sunday, June 26, 5:00pm, I’ll be streaming a live concert from my home through Facebook Live. The concert will be on the Heartfelt Music® Facebook page. Click Here to join the fun. You can view my Home Concert Refresh by clicking here.

Upcoming Events

• June 18 – July 30 (Sat)
  The Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center’s Summer Concert Series begins Saturday, June 18. It is located at the Conference Center, Mount Hermon, CA 95041.
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• June 26 (Sun)
  Join me for another Home Concert through Facebook Live on Sunday, June 26, 5:00pm. It will be on the Heartfelt Music® Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/reggieheartfeltmusic.

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New Summer Music

I’m working on the new Instrumental Guitar – Vol. 2 album and very excited about how it’s coming along. I’ve finished recording all ten songs and now mixing and mastering them. It’s a fun process, but it does take a lot of time. The new target date is mid-June to have it available.
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Next week is the last week of the year for Valley Christian Schools. It’s been a crazy ride this year because of the pandemic, but the students and faculty weathered through it pretty well. Our worship team has one more performance this Thursday for the baccalaureate.
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My oldest son and his wife will be visiting in person with us this weekend for the first time in months because of the pandemic. Also, my youngest son and his wife will be visiting with us in a few weeks for the first time in months as well. Sherri and I are so thankful for family and really look forward to finally getting together.
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This summer, I’m organizing the live 2021 Summer Concerts at Mount Hermon with Phil Keaggy, Phillips Craig & Dean, Point of Grace, Veritas, Nichole Nordeman, Steve Green and Dick Tunney, and Buddy Greene & Jeff Taylor. The series is called Worship in the Redwoods and is totally free. You will need to have a ticket because he seating is limited, but the tickets are free through iTickets and there is seating inside the auditorium and outside (you’ll have to specify which one you’d like).
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I’ll be teaching summer private lessons through Zoom on Thursday afternoons beginning June 10th and there are a few openings if you’re interested. Do you need a boost in your music endeavors? Private coaching is a great way to really kick into gear new motivations and disciplines to move forward in music journey.
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Your prayers are appreciated so much! If not for the your support and others, we would not have as much impact through this ministry. Thank you! If you would like to make a donation to Heartfelt Music Ministry, visit our website at https://heartfeltmusic.org/about/support/ for the options available.
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May your Memorial Day weekend be both fun and meaningful!

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Instrumental Guitar – Vol. II Coming Album

This is my eighteenth album and it’s almost ready for distribution! It has such an interesting musical variety (easy rock, bluegrass, bossa nova, classical, light jazz). It’s primarily done with my Taylor 815CE acoustic guitar, but I also use an electric and nylon stringed guitars. There’s a story behind each of the songs and I’ll be giving more detail about all that in June.

Worship in the Redwoods at Mount Hermon

Two hours of encouraging music with some of your favorite Christian artists! Concert attendees can be with the artists inside with the artists or relax on the mezzanine patio and take in the night with beautiful music. Each program is free, but requires registration. The program begins at 6:30pm each Saturday evening. CLICK HERE for more information.

Getting Family Time This Summer

Sherri and I are excited to get together with our two sons and their wives after months of being careful about COVID19. All of us are feeling safer and the pandemic seems to be going in the right direction. We are looking forward to eating out, visiting local state parks, walking along the beach, and playing games in person.

Just last week, my first Christmas album has been released and just today it is available digitally on iTunes, Pandora, Amazon, Apple Music, Deezer, and more. Click on this link to hear how it sounds and find out how to get it:

New Christmas Album – https://reggiecoates.hearnow.com/i-wish-you-a-mary-christmas

The cover picture is actually taken from the Christmas tree in our living room that Sherri made to look so festive and beautiful. My son, Austin, designed the cover and back of the CD. I’ve been wanting to have a Christmas album for years that includes some of my songs and some familiar carols encouraging faith, hope, peace, and worship. I hope you enjoy the music and the message in these songs. The song Mary Christmas is fully written out in music notation and you can get it by clicking HERE.

I gave a Christmas concert on Sunday, December 13. It was very encouraging to hear how it touched your hearts, especially the exhortation to “Be still and know that I am God” from Mary Christmas. If you didn’t get a chance to see it, you can watch it on YouTube.com at:

Reggie’s Christmas Concert – https://youtu.be/MrUfoSszURM

Hope you are enjoying a relaxing vacation and fulfilling Christmas joy! On behalf of me, my family, and the Heartfelt Music® Ministry Board of Directors may you have a Merry Christmas and a meaningful close to 2020.

Life Can Get So Complicated

So much has happened in the last couple of months. We had to evacuate Mount Hermon for ten days because of the fires. That was very scary thinking our home would go up in flames. Fortunately, the fires didn’t reach us and we are overflowing with thankfulness. Valley Christian School started back up in August and the teachers have been ordered to go back to the campus still teaching remotely and having a few students attend “live.” Fortunately, there are many COVID19 precautions set up for both the teachers and the students. I just enjoy teaching, whether online or in person. My sister had some health issues which took almost a month to sort out, but she is better now. I’ve had two extremely difficult interactions with close friends lately that really threw me for a loop. All this to say life can get so complicated! What gives me an absolutely hopeful perspective is knowing that the main character in this story is Jesus Himself. He knows the emotional uncertainty we felt with our home, the pandemic, family health, and friends. He cares about it all. It’s not complicated for Him. I can trust through it all and know He will work it out for good (Romans 8:28)! Thank you for your prayers and support through these changing times. I’m praying for you as well.

I’ll be doing another concert online Sunday, October 25, at 5:00. We just did some reorganizing of the Heartfelt Music Ministry Officers and Board of Directors and have added Lindsey Coates as the new Secretary. Also, after six months of financially doing pretty well, Heartfelt Music is experiencing some crunch and could use some help. See below for more details.

Online Concert with Reggie

I will be offering another online concert October 25, 5:00pm! This will be at my home with acoustic guitar and vocal tapestry. Join me as I share inspirational stories and music on Facebook LIVE. I would love to hear suggestions of songs you’d like to hear.  You can email me at [email protected]. My Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/reggie.coates.1

New Heartfelt Music Secretary

I’m very happy to announce that Lindsey Coates is the new Secretary for Heartfelt Music Ministry! Not only is she super fun to be around, but she brings a wealth of experience professionally. She works in Advancement with George Fox University in Oregon and has a keen understanding of non-profit organizations.

Donating at This
Time

This has been a difficult time for many businesses financially because of COVID19. Heartfelt Music Ministry has been maintaining for the past six months, but this month is experiencing difficulties too. If the Lord puts it on your heart to help financially, visit our website by clicking HERE and see a number of options to help us out. Thank you!

Staying in Touch

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Is There More?

About 10 years ago, I seriously reflected on how God had used me to encourage others throughout the years. It’s not a huge amount of things, but very significant and meaningful to me. I remember leading people to Christ in high school and college; marrying a wonderfully fun and godly wife; organizing the Christian Guitarist Conferences for 15 years; raising two awesome boys (now married men!); recording 16 albums; ministering with Azusa Pacific University’s Mexico Outreach for 10 years; officiating the marriage of 5 couples (including one of my sons); leading worship for conference centers like Hume Lake, Mount Hermon, and Mission Springs; being a youth pastor for 4 years and a worship pastor for many years. I’ve been blessed so much and feel so satisfied to experience it all. I thought, there’s probably not much more.
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It was great to have last week off, so I again reflected on how God has brought more opportunities my way in the past 10 years. He opened the door at Valley Christian Schools, to mentor the high school and junior high students for the last 10 years; opened the door to get a Masters Degree in Entertainment Business and produce the Summer Concert Series at Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center for the last 3 years; opened the door to lead worship with the dear people at Gilroy Presbyterian Church; and begin a new season of marriage with me and Sherri as empty-nesters. I am humbled that God has given me such wonderful opportunities, but I can’t help but ask God…Is there more?
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I will be giving two concerts to encourage with music and stories of my journey and God’s faithfulness. I’ll be in Gilroy, Sunday night, March 1, 6:00pm, with Gilroy Presbyterian Church in the Worship Center and in Los Altos, Sunday night, March 8, 6:00pm, with Bridges Community Church in the Family Life Center. On March 7th, I’ll be featuring two workshops at the BASS Convention under the Music Arts track, Improving Your Voice and Acoustic Guitar in Worship. I’m working on three new albums: Encore, which includes drums and bass guitar along with my guitar and voice; Instrumental Guitar – Volume 2; and Heartfelt Worship, a new worship music project. Also, once a month, I’ll be training the worship leaders in the River of Life Community Church children’s program on Sunday afternoons. There is more that God is doing and I’m ready to dig in!
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Thank you so much for your support both financially and prayerfully! God’s work continues because of your generosity. May God richly bless you!.

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Reggie in Concert

Come be encouraged in Christ as I share my life and music journey in a solo concert at two locations. I’d love to see you! I’ll be in Gilroy at Gilroy Presbyterian Church Sunday, March 1, 6:00pm, and Bridges Community Church Sunday, March 8 at 6:00pm

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BASS Convention

Need training as a volunteer leader at church? The BASS Convention is a fantastic resource to improve. I’ll be teaching a guitar workshop and a vocal workshop Saturday morning on March 7. Hope to see you there!

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New Recording

I’m now working on my 17th album called Encore with Robert Rubino at Valley Christian School in their recording studio. It will be a full band sound accompanying my guitar and vocal work. The songs will be some favorites from throughout my life.

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Upcoming Events

• March 1, 8, 22, 29 (Sundays)
  I will be leading worship with Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020. The service begins at 10:00am.
• March 1 (Sunday)
  I will be giving a solo concert at Gilroy Presbyterian Church, 6000 Miller Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020. The concert begins at 6:00pm.
• March 7 (Saturday)
  I will be teaching guitar and vocal workshops at the BASS Convention, at Redwood Christian Chapel, 19300 Redwood Rd, Castro Valley, CA 94546. Improving Your Voice at 8:00am. Acoustic Guitar in Worship at 11:15am.
• March 8 (Sunday)
  I will be giving a solo concert at Bridges Community Church, 625 Magdalena Ave, Los Altos, CA 94024. The concert begins at 6:00pm in the Family Life Center.
• March 15 (Sunday)
  I will be training the children’s worship team at River of Life Christian Church, 1177 Laurelwood Rd, Santa Clara, CA 95054. Workshop 1:00pm-4:00pm.

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