Sunday, December 21, 2014

A tribute to Dawn Sears...

Dawn Sears

So many people do not know this name, but those who do are mourning the loss of a beautiful voice and a beautiful person.

I first heard her sing at the Ryman auditorium. From the first note that soared from her and bounced off the walls of that awesome old church, I had chills. I still remember that moment. Her voice touched me like no other. I never had the chance to meet her. I only got to hear her sing a few times, but those are a few memories I will forever hold dear. I thank God that I was lucky enough to be in the same building with her.

Prayers go out to all her fans, friends and family. There is some beautiful music in Heaven right now.

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

On their way to their dream...

I love to support artists that inspire me. This story is about a family that has inspired me to "Keep moving forward."

I first heard the 2 Steel Girls sing while watching an episode of NBC's The Voice, season 3. When they came on stage for the blind audition, I remember thinking, wow they look nervous. Then I heard them sing and said out loud. WOW...these girls are good!!! They were selected by Blake Shelton to be on his team. Their dream did not start or end there. It was a long time coming.

Allison Steel's dream of having a career in music started at a very young age. "Since I was a little girl...I have always dreamed of singing on a big stage. I love people and I love to sing...one of my favorite things in life is to share something or sing something that touches some one's heart, encourages them, etc." Like so many artists, she grew up singing in church.

I was lucky enough to meet Allison at my first fundraiser early last year. She shared their music with me in the form of one of their CDs. I listened to it nonstop for days. I was so pleasantly surprised at how awesome it was. I remember thinking, this is what I want to hear on the radio. I wanted to hear more of 2 Steel Girls, so I started following their journey.

A few months later we saw them perform live and was blown away again. That's when I really got a taste of how good these ladies were. I also found out that this dream involves the whole family. With Aaron Steel on guitar and vocals and Todd Steel on drums, this dream is a family affair. I then learned that they are incredible songwriters as well.

So at this point I was officially on board the 2 Steel Girls fan wagon. I was lucky enough to have them perform an acoustic set at my next fundraiser. So many people told me after the show that 2 Steel Girls were their favorite. I can understand why. They have excellent songwriting, vocals, a great high-energy show and they are truly some of the nicest people I have ever met. What's not to love??

They are in the studio again after a very successful Kickstarter.com fundraising project. Working with producer Trey Bruce at Blackbird Studio is the high point in their career according to Allison. They are putting it all on the line again to take this thing to another level not only for themselves, but for their fans. Allison told me how inspired she is by their fans. "It is incredible to us that people we love and also people we've never even met believe in us and support us! We don't want to fail them. We hope to inspire them the way they have us."

Well Allison, Krystal, Todd and Aaron, you have inspired me and I am positive your new music will be a huge success. I told them recently that Country music needs 2 Steel Girls right now. In my opinion Country music needs their sound, their passion and their spirit. I truly hope I am not the only one that feels this way. "We are so excited for y'all to hear what's coming out of the studio!  Our 1st single from this project will be released the 1st quarter of 2015.", said Allison.

I asked them where do they see themselves in five years. Allison replied, "We hope to be headlining our own tour by then and have a top 30 hit on national radio. And to be on the road full time with a bus...that'd be pretty cool too!" I agree!! A bus would be pretty cool!! I can see it now. A huge tour bus with 2 Steel Girls plastered all over it. But I think it will be a top 10 hit on National radio. I can hear it now.

Peace and love,

Phil

Monday, November 24, 2014

"Wild Geese" by Mary Oliver

Wild Geese
by Mary Oliver


You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting —over and over announcing your place in the family of things.

The House of 1000 Mirrors

I love this old Japanese Folk tale.

The House of 1000 Mirrors 

Long ago in a small, far away village, there was a place known as the House of 1000 Mirrors. A small, happy little dog learned of this place and decided to visit. When he arrived, he bounced happily up the stairs to the doorway of the house. He looked through the doorway with his ears lifted high and his tail wagging as fast as it could. To his great surprise, he found himself staring at 1000 other happy little dogs with their tails wagging just as fast as his. He smiled a great smile, and was answered with 1000 great smiles just as warm and friendly. As he left the house, he thought to himself, "This is a wonderful place. I will come back and visit it often.

"In this same village, another little dog, who was not quite as happy as the first one, decided to visit the house. He slowly climbed the stairs and hung his head low as he looked into the door. When he saw the 1000 unfriendly looking dogs staring back at him, he growled at them and was horrified to see 1000 little dogs growling back at him. As he left, he thought to himself, "That is a horrible place, and I will never go back there again."

All the faces in the world are mirrors. What kind of reflections do you see in the faces of the people you meet?

Peace, love and FUN,

Phil

Friday, August 15, 2014

Sharif Iman...listen and enjoy

Greetings music lovers!!

I want to introduce you to Sharif Iman. Sharif is one of those rare talents that inspires me to be a better singer, songwriter and person. He is a Singer/Songwriter living here in Nashville. Kristi and I met him randomly, but it was one of those random meetings that brings you to life. This man has just a gentle spirit and is so kind and humble.

I went home that night and listened to some of his music. I was really blown away. Then a few nights later we went to hear him sing live. Again I was moved and inspired. His lyrics make you think, make you smile and even shed a tear.

I always like to share those that have touched my heart with their music. Sharif is one in a million.

Here is a youtube video for you to enjoy.

If you run across someone that inspires you, drop me a line and I'll check them out.

"Shine" - Sharif Iman


Thursday, July 17, 2014

2 Steel Girls from NBC's The Voice need your help!!

I first met Allison Steel in February at my first fundraiser Phil's Jam for FSHD. That night she gave me a copy of their first CD. I listened to it several times and was blown away. I still listen to it. "Forward" has become one of my all-time favorite songs.

We also had the pleasure of seeing them perform live at Puckett's in Columbia a few months back. I was so impressed!! that night I became a full-fledged fan of the 2 Steel Girls.

Last Sunday Allison, Krystal, Aaron and Todd Steel honored me by performing at my fundraiser, Phil's Jam for FSHD. They blew me away again. They just keep getting better and better. I had several people tell me after the event that 2 Steel Girls were their favorite of the entire evening. When they sang "Forward" and dedicated it to me...I have to admit I shed a tear.

So I am asking my family, friends and readers to do me a personal favor and help 2 Steel Girls get funding for their next CD. Click on the Kickstarter link below. We need the 2 Steel Girls in Country music. We need their talent, their style and their spirit. They are the real deal.

It's really simple to sign up for Kickstarter and pledge your support. I have backed a few projects and it really makes you feel like you are making a difference.




Please help them get to the next level!!

Love and peace,

Phil

Friday, July 11, 2014

Phil's Jam for FSHD in 1 day!!!

Phil's Jam for FSHD was an idea I have had in my head for a long time. Why not gather some amazing talent, put on a great show and raise money for FSHD research all at the same time? With the help of Wild Wing Café and my family. I was finally able to make it happen back in February. The 2nd Phil's Jam for FSHD is in 1 day and I couldn't be more excited.

Here is the talent line up so far:
Singer/Songwriter Harlan Pease. Boston native that really knows how to write a song and play a guitar. Heck of a nice guy too!

Singer/Songwriter CT Robinson. He's a little bit rockabilly, a little bit country and a whole lot talented. He's also my Cousin.

Singer/Songwriter Dani Flowers. Her lyrics will move you. She's a blend of Dolly, Patty Lovelace with some Lee Ann Womack thrown in.

Singer/Songwriter Aubrie Sellers. She has a retro country blues vibe that is really great. So much fun to watch, which is the mark of a true entertainer. And she is also a great songwriter.

Singer/Songwriter Anna Johnson. I'm in awe of this girl's songwriting, arrangements and singing. She has such emotion and passion wrapped up in her lyrics. Plus my Grandson Gavin loves her CD. That's a huge vote.

Singer Maureen Murphy and Seygo. This group's high-energy, Rhythm and Blues sound will win you over right away. I've seen them live and was totally impressed. This is a really talented group of people.

Vocal Duo 2 Steel Girls did very well on Team Blake of the NBC TV show The Voice. Since then they have been playing shows all over the country. I am so honored to have them join the cause. They really know what they are doing.

Last but certainly not least, vocal group Loving Mary.  When you lock four accomplished songwriters in a room, magic tends to happen. Born one night out of that magic was the band Loving Mary. Rebecca Lynn Howard, Suzie McNeil, Elisha Hoffman and Marti Frederiksen fuse their talents and experiences together into four-piece harmonies that dip from Americana to Country with a spin of Alternative.

I would say that I am thrilled to have such a line up. Don't miss this show!!

See you Sunday at Wild Wing Café in Franklin, TN. The music starts at 2:20pm and goes all day. Here's a link to the event page. Follow me on Twitter at @philbennett or @philsjamforfshd.

Peace, joy and great music,

Phil

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Life with FSHD...Thirty-something and concerned.

I have recently been posting about what it is like living with FSHD or fascioscapulohumeral dystrophy. I would like to continue this theme. I have already blogged about my teen years and my twenties.

My thirties were fairly uneventful when it comes to FSHD. My muscles were still fairly strong and I could still be as active as I wanted to be. I did start noticing weakness in my legs. Stairs had become more of a challenge and a hand rail became my best friend. I remember when I was in college and I was working at a convenience store. I was walking across the parking lot to go home and dropped something on the way to the car. I squatted down to pick it up. Unfortunately, it was a major struggle to get back up. I didn't realize my leg muscles had gotten to that point. That's when I started to think about the future. What if it gets worse? What if...? I couldn't think about that.

Even though I was noticing weakness and feeling vulnerable for the first time in my life, music was still bringing joy to my life. But lugging around a truckload of drums and sound equipment was getting much harder. I knew there would come a day when carrying my drums would be a thing of the past. I started really trying to learn the guitar, because they are much lighter than a drum set. Guitar has become a central part of my life since then. So some good was coming out of all of this.

In my mind back then I knew that if I stayed positive and didn't worry about what the future looked like, good things would happen for me. I still hold those beliefs today. I stay focused, positive, happy and live each day as much as I can. I'll post more later about my forties up to present day.

Until then, keep peace in your heart and a smile on your face.

Phil
P.S. I used the FSH Society logo for this post because it was about this time in my life where someone out there just like me was founding this charity. Thanks to organizations like the FSH Society, we will have a cure soon.

Saturday, June 14, 2014

Phil's Jam for FSHD...


My next fundraiser will be stellar! I am lucky enough to have the following performers:

Loving Mary, featuring Rebecca Lynn Howard, Suzie McNeil, Elisha Hoffman and Marti Frederiksen.

2 Steel Girls is a Mother-Daughter duo that was on Team Blake on NBC's show, The Voice.

Anna Johnson Band is one of my favorites. What a great sound.

Maureen Murphy, probably the best R&B singer I have ever heard.

Aubrie Sellers is an amazing young talent. Her list of credits includes singing on Maranda Lambert's last album.

Harlan Pease is one of my favorite songwriters. He is also an amazing guitar player.

This show will be July 13th and start at 3:00pm and go until the last song has been sung. The Wild Wing Café in Franklin, TN will be donating a generous portion of their sales from that day to my cause. All proceeds go to the FSH Society, which funds research for a treatment or a cure for Fascioscapulohumeral dystrophy or FSHD.

Contact me at philsjamforfshd@gmail.com for more information.

Thursday, May 29, 2014

The awesomeness of Maureen Murphy...

In a perfect world, Maureen Murphy would be a household name, but as we all know the world isn't perfect. Fortunately for me, I was browsing a few music sites one night and clicked play on a Maureen Murphy link. That single click had brought so much joy into my life.

Maureen is as bluesy and soulful as any artist in the world. She manages to grab your attention from the very first note. I recently asked Maureen about her first time singing in public.

 "It was my Freshman year of high school. I was 14. We had a talent show for all the students, parents and teachers called "Freshman Night Live". We were able to pick our talent, so I decided to sing. The very first song I performed was a song called "All In Your Mind" originally recorded by Mariah Carey. I remember being very still on the stage, not sure what to expect and moments before the performance having butterflies. As the instrumental track played through the PA and mic in my hand, I started singing and remember it being a transforming moment. I was never the same. I felt a rush. I loved everything about that moment. I felt whole. It was powerful. After the performance the audience went wild."

I'm sure that was a transforming moment for the audience as well. I know the times I have heard Maureen sing, I left transformed. She sings from the Soul. That is the only way to put it. Maureen spoke of that first performance.

"I didn't expect the emotional connection exchange between me and the audience. I've been singing from that honest place every since", she said. In my opinion, that is what separates Maureen from the other singers in the world. When you go to hear her sing, it is like she is singing just for you. It is so intimate, passionate, fearless and honest. I knew I would have a hard time picking the right words to describe a Maureen Murphy performance, but at least I tried.

Her voice has allowed her to sing background vocals with Phish on their forthcoming album Fuego due Summer 2014. She has sang with Will Hoge at the Ryman and with the Zac Brown Band and Gregg Allman for the CMA Awards November 2011. These are highlights in her career according to Maureen.

One of the highlights in my life was having her perform at Phil's Jam for FSHD in February. I felt honored to have her be a part of it all. After she sang, the only thing I could say was, I love you! I think she thought I was crazy, but at that moment, after that performance...that's all I felt was love and joy. Maureen will also be performing at Phil's Jam for FSHD on July 13th. I will try to be more composed next time.

Maureen's current venture is an experience called SEYGO. I wrote about SEYGO in an earlier post after being blown away by the experience. I must recommend you go experience this as well.

I asked Maureen what her musical influences were and she gave me the best answer. She said, "Truth, love & life." Another reason I just love Maureen. She has really enriched my world. Thank you!!!

Until we meet again,

Phil

Monday, May 26, 2014

I'll remember you...

When I wrote this song, I was still mourning the loss of my Father. I post it every Memorial Day in hopes that someone finds comfort in the lyrics. It is a simple song and at the time it summed up exactly what I was feeling.

"And if by Gods' amazing grace, as I go to leave this place and I finally see your face...I'll remember you."

Bless you all and happy Memorial Day.


Saturday, May 17, 2014

Anna Johnson Band has something special.

I was surfing Facebook one afternoon and came across a link featuring the Anna Johnson Band. I clicked on the link and immediately started to be drawn in. I found myself being pulled in by her wonderful vocals, lyrics and the harmony of the band.

As with anything that grabs my attention, I started searching to learn anything I could about Anna and her band. Since then I have become friends with Anna and her husband David. How inspiring to find a young couple following their dreams in Nashville while raising their little girl.

We recently attended Anna's CD release event here in Nashville. Her new CD "Here" is such a great example of music that is written well and composed in a way that keeps you interested. "Thief" is one of the songs on the album that really shows Anna's talent for telling a story without spelling it out word for word. She has an indescribable way of pulling you into the story. As a fellow songwriter, I appreciate this skill very much.

I recently spoke with Anna and asked her about her musical journey. She said her first guitar was her Dad's as she was raised up in a musical family. Her first song was written at a young age. After finally mustering the courage to play her new song for her parents she told me, " I was really shy about music at that point, but was really encouraged and reassured when they reacted positively to my writing. It was the start of something special, and I really had no idea."

She still has a shyness about her music, but it speaks for itself really. After they performed at my fundraiser, Phil's Jam for FSHD, I had so many people come up to me and say how flawless and wonderful their set was. I too was blown away at how perfect their sound was.

Out of High School, she won a full scholarship to McNally Smith College of Music in St. Paul, MN where she continued to hone her songwriting craft. The band Queen selected her as the winning recipient of the Queen Songwriting Scholarship after they heard her original song "Flowers on Monday." I included a Youtube.com link of her song, "Someday" with lyrics that sums up what Anna is all about. "Someday her dreams will come true, someday she'll sing them for you, someday you'll want to go too."

I believe in your dreams Anna. Keep up the good work.

Phil


Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Living with FSHD. Twenty-something and changing.

After years of denial or hoping FSHD would simply go away, I feel it is important to share my story now. I started by telling you my experiences of living with FSHD during my teen years. Now I want to share the next decade with you.

I read stories all the time from people who are in their twenties and are really starting to notice changes in their muscles. For me, my twenties were fairly normal. I was noticing some weakness in my shoulder muscles, but I was able to function as a normal adult. I was more concerned with making a living and supporting my new family than worrying about FSHD.

I was lucky that my maternal Uncle and Grandfather both were affected by FSHD (even though we didn't know what it was called back then). I did spend a lot of time going to Doctors to find out what I actually had. I figured if we can find out what was causing this, we can fix it...right? Wrong! After going to many Doctors and Chiropractors, I finally was sent to the MDA clinic for several rounds of neurological tests. It was not a good feeling to have Doctors call other Doctors in to look at you because they had never seen anything like this. I was obviously a freak of nature, or at least I felt like one.

Remember, this all occurred in the 1980's. The FSH Society was not even founded yet. The MDA clinic was the only resource for people like me. Doctors at that time knew very little about FSHD, its symptoms or its causes. But finally, after many painful tests, they were able to tell me I had a form of muscular dystrophy, sent me home with a bunch of literature and wished me the best. Basically that was all they could do. At least I knew what I had...right? At least I had a family history, so I knew I was not going to shrivel up and die right away. But I was still scared.

So my twenties were spent worrying about other things, once I learned I had muscular dystrophy and there was nothing anyone could do to fix me. I worked, played with my new daughter, enjoyed my twenties and tried not to worry about the future. I played music, started to learn the guitar and was a drummer in a Country band. I had learned how to hide my symptoms from others. At least at this point in my life I could hide the fact that I was a freak of nature. I was finally able to tell my family that what my Grandpa, Uncle and I have is a form of muscular dystrophy. At least I found that out in my twenties.

So like I wrote earlier, my twenties were spent growing up, trying to be a normal adult and learning to be a Father. I was lucky I had an Uncle 12 years older than me so I could at least gauge what I would be dealing with in the future. I knew that sometime down the road, my life would change. But until then, I had a life to live.

I hope you enjoy my writing about my life with FSHD. Feel free to drop me a line sometime at songmaker11@gmail.com.

Love and peace,

Phil

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

New vocal group Loving Mary to perform at Phil's Jam for FSHD!

Loving Mary to perform at Phil's Jam for FSHD!

Sunday, July 13th is the date for my next fundraiser, Phil's Jam for FSHD. I am very excited to announce that the new vocal group, Loving Mary, will be sharing their new music with us at the Wild Wing Café in Franklin, TN. More details coming soon. In the meantime, read about this amazing new group.
 


When you lock four accomplished songwriters in a room magic tends to happen. Born one night out of that magic was the band Loving Mary. Rebecca Lynn Howard, Suzie McNeil, Elisha Hoffman and Marti Frederiksen fuse their talents and experiences together into four-piece harmonies that dip from Americana to Country with a spin of Rock-n-Roll. Loving Mary is the coming together of four respected artists who have paved their way through the music industry, behind the scenes and on stage.
Rebecca Lynn Howard is a two-time Grammy Award winner originally from Kentucky. Rebecca’s songs have been recorded by Maritna McBride, Trisha Yearwood and Juliana Hough. Her voice and lyrics won over critics and fans alike with her smash hit "Forgive." The song garnered Rebecca ACM award nominations for Best New Female Vocalist and Song of the Year. 
Suzie McNeil was the last woman standing on CBS’s Rockstar: INXS competition show. She has since released four albums in Canada, collaborated with Pink, INXS and Steven Tyler, and had the honor of singing at the 2010 Olympics closing ceremonies. Along the way she has won multiple awards and nominations including a Juno Award.
Elisha Hoffman is a songwriter/producer who has worked with everyone from American Bang and Decypher Down to Faith Hill, Dixie Chicks and Shania Twain. Elisha’s song "Race You to the Bottom," performed by New Medicine hit the top #15 Billboard Radio Hit. He has also had the pleasure of watching Leighton Meester and Garrett Hedlund sing his song "Give in to Me" on the big screen in the feature film "Country Strong."
Marti Frederiksen has written and produced some of the major hits of the past two decades including, but not only, "Jaded" by Aerosmith, "Undo It" by Carrie Underwood, "Sorry" by Buckcherry, "Love Remains the Same" by Gavin Rossdale. Marti sang lead vocals for the fictional band, Stillwater in the major motion picture, Almost Famous. He has collaborated with a wide variety of artists like Neil Diamond, Faith Hill, Motley Crue, Pink, Eminem and so many more.


 
I am so excited that Loving Mary will be performing. I'll have more details soon, but for now...MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
 
Peace and happiness to all,
 
Phil

Sunday, May 4, 2014

SEYGO cant' be explained, it must be experienced.

SEYGO

What is SEYGO? It is truly hard to describe. It must be experienced. It is a combination of amazing vocals, high-energy music, sound and lights.

My wife and I had the pleasure of being at the opening night event this week and I must give this production a thumbs up. If the night would have consisted of Maureen Murphy singing, that would have been enough to keep us there. Instead Brad Naylor added a stellar light show with a back drop of stunning visuals and film clips that seemed to be choreographed with the music. The lights and film background added so much to the music. It was well executed to say the least.

As a drummer, I can appreciate Brad even more now. His high-energy rhythm section laid the foundation for a thrilling night full of amazing vocals by Maureen Murphy. I watched the crowd during the night. At times I saw people mesmerized. I saw fists pumped in the air in approval of what they were hearing. Very few took their eyes off the stage. It was very captivating.

I have to recommend SEYGO to all my friends. I am so glad we experienced this event. You will not regret it. For tour dates and more information, go to SEYGO.

Have a great Sunday,

Phil

Monday, April 28, 2014

Living with FSHD: An insider's look at the teen years.

If you google fascioscapulohumeral dystrophy or FSHD, you'll find the same description a hundred times.
"Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy or FSHD is the most prevalent of the nine primary types of muscular dystrophy affecting adults and children. Muscular dystrophy in general connotes a genetic, hereditary muscle disease that causes progressive muscle weakness." There is no cure, no treatment...blah, blah, blah. Let me tell you what FSHD means in my world.

I want to tell you about FSHD from an insider's perspective. I started noticing muscle weakness at a very young age. My first "symptom" was the inability to reach up above my head and weakness in my shoulders. I started noticing this when I was about 16. Through my teens I did not pay much attention to this because it didn't affect my life too much. I was as normal as any kid my age, I just had a few random limitations. I could hide these limitations because I didn't want to be "different". The concept of not wanting to be "different" psychologically can be nearly as damaging as the disease itself. Because other kids can be so brutal, I never wanted anyone to know that I had any issues. It was my secret, but my secret became harder to disguise as I got older.

In my late teens and early 20's, I got made fun of because of my beer belly. Now this was long before I ever tasted a beer. My beer belly was and is caused by the wasting of abdominal muscle. I have not been able to do a sit-up since I was 14. "Are you pregnant??" Ha Ha. That's the very last thing a self-conscious teenager wants to hear.  "You should exercise, you're a weakling!" This is not fun to hear when it is directed at you. FSHD patients may not have thick muscles, but we develop thick skin at an early age.

My heart aches for the kids with FSHD. I know what they are going through. I feel their physical and emotional pain. I was fortunate because my symptoms were mild. The thing I want you to take away from this story is, although FSHD is not fatal, it can be so emotionally damaging. I realize there are diseases that are worse than FSHD and some that are fatal. But I hurt for those young adults that want to die because of this horrible disease.

So I raise money with fundraisers like Phil's Jam for FSHD to benefit the FSH Society. My friend and I are starting a podcast soon in hopes of helping patients and their families deal with these issues. (More on that later) There are many organizations working on this disease and they all deserve a lot of credit. Researchers are coming closer and closer to finding a treatment. Find one of these organizations and send them money or volunteer.

Keep the faith! A cure is on the way.

Phil

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Starting to plan the next Phil's Jam for FSH.

Phil's Jam for FSH started out as an idea I had many years ago. My idea was to have some of the best Singer/Songwriters I know to get together and entertain and at the same time, raise money for research into the cause of fascioscapulohumeral dystrophy. The most common form of muscular dystrophy, and the form that I live with everyday.

I approached a few other organizations about helping me organize, but it was the FSH Society that made the most sense. Then last year my Sister-in-law read my blog and offered to help me make my dream a reality. Lori has worked as a fundraiser for years, so needless to say I was thrilled. After visiting countless restaurants, venues and facilities, Julie at the Wild Wing Cafe stepped up and said, "Sounds like fun!" That's how my first fundraising event was born.

Now that the first Phil's Jam for FSH is over and done, I have a ton of people to thank.

First of all, let me thank all the entertainers who came out and really put on a great show. Anna Johnson Band, Maureen Murphy, Joel Shewmake, AJ Engstrom, Destinee Quinn, Lee Akers and a special guest songwriter Bernie Nelson. I also want to thank my family, friends and anyone who donated time and/or money to the event.

With that out of the way, we are already planning the next. July 13, 2014 is the date for the next Phil's Jam for FSH. I will be posting much more about the event in the coming month. I am just now starting to line up the entertainment.

Keep the faith everyone. Remember how blessed you are!!

Phil

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Phil's Jam for FSH fundraiser

If you read my posts, you know that I have a form of muscular dystrophy called FSHD. The FSH Society has funded some of the best research for FSHD and will soon have a treatment or a cure. In the meantime, I am doing my part to raise money for this research.

Phil's Jam for FSHD is the very first fundraiser I have had and I am very excited about it. I have hand picked some of the most talented artists I know to entertain you and help raise funds and awareness for the FSH Society.

For more information about the charity, go to FSHsociety.org. Don't miss this awesome night of music!!

Thank you all,

Phil

P.S. To make a donation, send me an email at songmaker11@gmail.com and I will make the arrangements.

My favorite Songwriter Joel Shewmake

Quote of the year...

“Be not the judges of men, but love your brothers and sisters, and find ways to reach out to them in common goals and aspirations. Where there is love in common, the divisions of creed will melt away and reveal the true nature of man’s eternal destiny -- one of unity in purpose, to be perfect as the Father is perfect."

Author Brilliant but Unknown

Blog Archive