Sandie Gray's review
Katrina Wood's review
David Cervantes' review
From: Sandie Gray Subject: Ragamuffins in Atlanta Date: Sun, 1 Nov 1998 13:57:38 Mountain Park United Methodist Church: Oct. 31.1998 Just a quick note about the show in Atlanta. It was great. All the guys were at there best. There didn't seem to be the sound problems that have been a pest in the previous concerts. Everything went off without a hitch. It started off with This Train singing " I saw the Light." Mark's sense of humor kept the crowd laughing and upbeat the whole time. After a few other songs, Mitch took the stage with Michael and Eric. They were wonderful! It is so good to see Mitch playing and sounding so strong. He has come a long way through the year, I admire his strength. Mitch and The Kid Brothers are definitely a group of very talented guys. We were especially lucky to have Ashley Cleveland play. Wow! What a voice. She did an outstanding job. Then finally came the Rags. I've needed to see and hear them since the accident. I needed to put some closure to it. As hard as it was not to see Rich, I could feel him there with us. It was a wonderful moment. The band sounds great. Rick shared some memories of his last visit with Rich. Mark seemed to get a little emotional a few times, but we all were. They stumbled with the words few times, but that was fine, cause to audience was right there singing their hearts out. Worked out great. Mark, Rick, Jimmy, and Aaron all took a turn at singing, they couldn't have better. They played all the right stuff at just the right time. It was a good mix. Creed was the one that had us all singing and praising God for all that we have. It was a good night and a good time to reflect. Just wished my brother could have seen it. He was a personal friend of Rich's from Cincy, unfortunately he couldn't attend up there either. But it always be a cherished moment for me. Time for "Good-bye Rich," but also a good time to remember our love for our creator, God and his Son, Jesus Christ. It was a very fulfilling night. Try and catch this show if you can. God Bless, Sandie
From: Katrina Wood
Subject: Oct. 31 Homeless Man Tour - Atlanta show
Date: Sun, 1 Nov 1998 21:47:23
Hi Danl - I thought you might like to hear some thoughts from the
Atlanta stop of the Homeless Man Tour. More than just give you the
details of what occurred, I'd like to give you a picture of the impact
this tour is having on the audience, and our impression of what is
happening to this group of guys (and one gal, in this case) as they
carry on Christ's work begun with the words of Rich Mullins. This
Train opened the show (only 7 minutes late, which must be a record...),
with the truly rockin' version of "I Saw the Light". Mark then warned
us of two things... never to go to New York, and if you do, never go
dressed in cowboy gear. The man's sense of humor is right on. They
then followed with "Mimes", "Million Years", and "Monster Truck" - the
latter of which could get him in serious trouble anywhere outside a 30
mile radius of Atlanta! Mitch & Kid Brother followed, beginning their
standard set with "Here and Now" & "Freedom". Mitch took some time to
talk about the accident and Rich briefly. The story about his
"contribution to the world" was hilarious; seeing the way he has moved
on past the tragedy is phenomenal. He gave us the insight that he was
grateful for all that Rich had done for him, and he hoped that one day
he could do the same for someone else. To know that he has learned to
give like that is a true testament to Rich's character. Mitch
demonstrated the laid-back nature of this show on the next song ("Take
Hold of Me") by stopping in the opening measures to announce that
someone had left their car lights on, (for which the driver was very
grateful), then finished the song flawlessly. His talent is amazing.
They concluded their set with "The Lemonade Song". If the doctors are
still saying that his voice will get back to "normal" someday, we're
all in for a real treat... it's great just as it is now! Ashley
Cleveland took the stage next, and my, oh, my what do you say? It is
truly amazing that so much music can come from one woman. Armed with
only her teal green Gibson Dove guitar and that voice, she opened with
a song about Martha (I'm not sure of the title, maybe "Rest Awhile"?),
then did "He Is". She quipped about the last time she performed in
Atlanta - a man came up to her and said of all her songs, he only liked
one, and she hadn't done it. She didn't leave that to chance this
time, and asked the audience for a request. A man (makes you think...)
quickly shouted "I Know Who I Am", and the rest of us were glad he
did! What a song!! Then she told us she was grateful to be there with
us, and I'll tell you, we were more grateful than she. Especially
because she closed with her soulful rendition (using the pink guitar)
of "Revive Us Again". The writers of the hymn may not, as she implied,
have appreciated her "interpretation" of their work, but the crowd here
certainly did! We are truly blessed that she joined us for our
evening. At this point we were an hour and a half into the show, with
the Ragamuffins still to come, and we really were just getting warmed
up. This crowd was a grain of sand compared to what Heaven must be
like... it didn't matter your denomination, your background - we were
all sinners saved by grace and having a great time letting each other
know about it and thanking the One who saved us. The Ragamuffins made
their appearance next, opening with the sounds of Rich's dulcimer
rendition of "Nothing But the Blood", and going straight into "My
Deliverer". Ashley joined them, playing the tambourine, and the
connection between these talented artists clicked - they all looked
great, looked like they felt great and were glad to be there. Next
came "Surely God Is With Us" and "You Did Not Have A Home"... and then
Rich's masterpiece. Rick introduced the song as one of the most honest
songs to ever talk about abandonment and faith, and about how God's
mercy and grace consumes us. As the band started into "Hard To Get",
Mark had to turn away from the mic and dry his tears - and I couldn't
control mine. It was at this point in the program that the reality of
what this tour is all about began to become clear. Mark spoke about
how when they first started The Jesus Record project, it was all about
focusing on Jesus. When Rich died, it also became about the legacy -
being sure that this incredible, poetic writing did not get lost, that
those who loved Rich's music would still be able to hear his final -
and in many ways his finest - work. When the Ragamuffins began their
tour, it was about doing it for the fans of Rich. But God in His
infinite wisdom has brought this project full circle. The reality of
this tour is that when those artists take the stage and sing those
songs, everyone in the room will, as Mark put it, fall in love with
Jesus all over again. Which is what Rich wanted in the first place.
And which is what we all started to do when Rick finished the first set
with "Man of No Reputation". After Rick's heartfelt encouragement to
get involved with Compassion, we took a break to the sounds of the
Jesus Demos. Then we came back we were treated to Eric, Aaron, Mitch
and Mark doing the "Screen Door"/cup routine (with plastic cups
advertising Hershey's candy which they picked up in Pennsylvania, I'll
bet). Jimmy once again introduced Ashley Cleveland along with
keyboardist Carl (forgive me if I spell it wrong) Hengesoll, the "5th"
Ragamuffin. They gave an absolutely passionate rendition of "Jesus"
which I will not soon forget. The entire ensemble of musicians took
the stage at that point (Ragamuffins, Mitch, Michael, Ashley, Eric...),
and it became a wonderful journey back to some of our favorite Rich
tunes. Deviating from other shows, the band treated us to "Here In
America" (complete with forgotten words and laughter). Jimmy spoke
what was obvious by now - these guys are a bunch of regular folks whose
focus is Christ, who are touring for the sole purpose of being used by
God. And as he led into "Hold Me Jesus", he reminded us that we can
only find ourselves when we lose ourselves to Christ. The
introduction of all band and crew members was next, with thanks to
Meyers Sound for their help. I must say that after reading of all the
sound problems in other reviews, we were blessed with only one minor,
easily remedied glitch. Aaron then recited the Armor of God scripture
from Ephesians and as one, the group of musicians and fans sang "If I
Stand". Michael took a seat at the dulcimer for "Calling Out Your
Name", with Mitch singing lead, and then a marathon of "I See You",
"Awesome God", and "Creed" followed. After pretending they were done
and leaving the stage (while we clapped and stomped for their return),
they all came back again to do "That Where I Am...". What a fun
blessing to watch Mitch and Eric on the washboard, and Eric pretending
to hit every third or fourth beat on Mitch's head just to make him
smile. Rick closed with "Sometimes By Step" and the "Doxology", true
to Rich style. This show was truly what it was billed to be. It was a
tribute, given for all of us who loved Rich's music... crowd and
musicians alike. About the time they did "Calling Out Your Name"
(which is the song that got me hooked on Rich Mullins), I finally got
the point that the band had been making all night. They are regular
guys, doing something they love, in memory of someone they love, but
only for the glory and honor of the One who gave them the grace to do
it. They are sharing it with us, the fans, not to canonize Rich or
his writings, but to help us to know Christ. This concert showed me
Rich Mullins' legacy - it's not the music, but the Message that lives
on. The thought that Jesus, Son of God, wants us to come to Him as we
are... that He loves us unconditionally, as we are... just regular
folks. I encourage you who are waffling to attend this concert -
especially those in Grand Rapids, MI who have the opportunity of seeing
Ashley Cleveland with the group for her third and last appearance on the
tour. You will be blessed.
As Mitch says, "Peace of Christ"
Katrina Wood treewood@prodigy.net
P.S. Dale, if you read this, write me back!
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 1998 20:36:33 Subject: TT Homeless Halloween From: David Cervantes Just two days before the concert, I found out that the band would be making an in-store appearance at a Family Christian Stores location in Kennesaw, GA, which is a north Atlanta suburb. Since the leaflet with the in-store info only listed where the store was near with no street address, I made sure I left real early. It's a good thing I did too. The first FCS I stopped at was the wrong location. I got there about 45 minutes early in hope of finding the deals I'm always in search of. It seemed kind of small for such an event. Well, as I was loitering around, in walked Aaron, Ashley Cleveland and Rick Elias. It turned out they came to the wrong store too!! I asked if it would be okay if I followed them in their van to the correct location. I'm glad it wasn't at the small store -- in addition to its that, the unisex bathroom was full of UPS packages!! I feel *real* bad for the people who work there!! So, we all arrived at the correct FCS moments later. Mark was also with them, but Jimmy A was taking care of some family biz in Atlanta (something about picking up some furniture, IIRC). Shortly after this, Brook whom I know from the 77s list (and the VoL list too, for that matter) finally got his chance to meet Aaron Smith. I got out my CD inserts for signing. I'd never been to something like that, so I only brought seven CD inserts. I had Rick sign his face on Randy Stonehill's Wonderama (no Rick E. in my CD collection yet). Aaron happily signed my 77s' Pray Naked CD -- he even drew a little stick man!! Ashley signed You Are There and Bus Named Desire. Nice lady, that Ashley Cleveland. She also signed my Mimes CD, as did Mark. Yadda yadda, eh? Since Mark was the one of the four I know most about, I hung out with him after the first bunch of people got out of the way! Another person was asking him alot of questions, so I listened alot! He talked about how while still living in Chicago, he got rid of almost everything in his apartment and replaced it with 50s furniture. That's an apartment I'd like to see!! He said something about how he didn't really like the Jars of Clay song on the upcoming Rich Mullins tribute CD, while saying "I don't have an axe to grind" about them. I had to laugh! <"got no peace of mind, got no axe to grind" from The Silence>. He made another comment that had found its way into a TT song, but I don't remember that one. He and Rick agreed that Amy Grant's "Hold Me Jesus" was okay, but that Rich kinda 'owned' that song, or something to that effect. Also, don't hold your breath about those Bowling shirts. He still hasn't cashed any of your checks, and said he is considering tearing them up for lack of time to do anything about the shirts. We talked a little bit about tribute CDs, Mark Heard, Terry Taylor, Chicago (the city, not the band ;->) and about Beki and Randy wanting him to produce her CD, whenever that happens. Oh, and Trish, his hair is still blonde, but it was hard to tell with him wearing that big cowboy hat . . . and those shoes!! Unbelievable. BIG shoes . . . I mean tall shoes!! The man is stylin'! With a few hours to kill in between the FCS appearance and the concert, Brook and I took in the first half of the Florida Gators' thrashing of the Georgia Bulldogs at a local eating and drinking establishment. It's so much fun to root for Florida in the middle of a bunch of frustrated 'Dawgs fans!! And now, back to our story. The concert was at a Methodist church in Stone Mountain. I got a seat in the second pew!! I was quite pleased to hear the Choir's "Chase The Kangaroo" blaring over the big speakers before the show. That kinda made me feel at home :-). The Trains played four songs, Mitch & Co played three, and Ashley sang four songs. After the third song, she said that the last time she came to Atlanta, some guy came up to her after the show and said "I only like one of your songs, and you didn't sing it!" So, as she was about to open the floor to a request, the guy sitting a person away from he shouted "I Know Who I Am!!" She obliged after a little guitar tuning. Now I think of that everytime I hear that song. The Ragamuffins were great, as expected. Ashley came out and sang "Jesus" in the midst of the bunch of "Jesus Record" songs they did. She only appeared at three of the "Homeless Man" tour, so I felt privileged (Rose, say 'AMEN!'). Aaron Smith sang "If I Stand," and oh, by the way, Aaron is still pounding and thrashing into oblivion!! A couple times during the show, I peered past Rick to watch this master of the drums! He is simply fantastico!! I chit-chatted briefly with Cobra Joe during the intermission and after the show. He pulled a Steve Martin, and signed my Mimes insert "Best Fishes!" I also spoke very briefly with Jordan. Jimmy A. was more than happy to sign my Strawmen CD which he did the cover art for. He was also more that happy to look through the other CD inserts I had and sign the ones he did art and photography on, including both of AC's mentioned above and Mimes. That was definitely the most amusing moment of my night, as I didn't consider the other inserts as potentially being signed by Jimmy A. After the show I had another very brief chat with Mark. I also saw AC again, and thanked her for coming. They were all so kind!! You can all bet that I'll do everything possible to see the people from this bunch in concert again. I could write much more, but I'll spare you more of my ravings :-) It was definitely the best Halloween I've ever had, because, well, quite frankly, I forgot that it was Halloween for most of the day. Later! David J. Cervantes