Hi everybody, here's the latest on Rich's album/schedule:
Yesterday, I spoke with Bob Michaels, Program Director for Light 99 (KTLI-FM 99.1), our local CCM radio station here in Wichita. He just finished producing the commercials for Rich's farewell concert here in Wichita. They will begin airing the spots today (3/20), for the Saturday, May 13th concert at Century II Symphony Hall, here in Wichita, KS. The tickets will go on sale April 1, I think they are 12.00, are all reserved, and I expect they will all sell very quickly. He told me about some pretty cool things they are planning for the concert, but they're all non-disclosure right now, so you'll just have to use your imagination for now. All I can say is that he and the Ragamuffin band (all the original guys) will not be alone. (It has to do with the Friends University.) He also told me there is going to be an even bigger send off for Rich in Chicago. Though there are no details yet, this event is expected to bring in a bunch of unannounced big name CCM artists who'll "drop by" to say God's speed, and maybe do a song or two.
As far as the new album goes, it is still a summer release date. There is no title yet. the working title is "Brother's Keeper". Bob said he was using the finished DAT tape of the album to produce the spots for the commercials of Rich's concert here, and said it was awesome. Wow, I'm so surprised! ;-) There are eleven songs, of which four ballads. Two of the songs are written about (dedicated to) children. One is called "Let Mercy Lead", and was written for Aiden (sp?), Beaker's son (Beaker is Rich's writing partner). Another song is called "Eli's Song and is written for another acquaintance's child. Bob said there is a song called "The Breaks" that he liked and thought that might be a good title for the album. We'll just have to wait and see.
I asked Bob what he thought about Rich's career after college, and he said all he knows for sure was that Rich had an open contract with the record and that, in his opinion, Rich would continue in his music. After all, he'll be teaching music at the indian reservation he's moving to, and maybe it will even give him some new perspectives and influences on music.
I have not yet gotten a hold of Rich's management to set up an interview, but I will. Bob said he'd help me.
Here's a thought. I wondered if we could all write notes of encouragement to Rich, and send them to me, and I'll pass them along. You could just say something about what Rich's ministry and music has meant to you, and that you wish him God's peace on his new endeavor. Also you might be thinking in the back of your mind. coming up this October is Rich's big 4-0 birthday. I know when I turned 40 last year, it was a great feeling. I've always hated those negative everything-black-over-the-hill things. Let's think of something we can do for him.
Anyway that's all for know, I'll keep you posted. God Bless Your Day!