Featuring: Dive In, Want For Nothing, If It Made A Difference

And many, many more…

Every Christmas the idea that I should record something rattles around in my brain. (Not to mention the fact that you guys have asked me for years and years to do something Christmas-y!)

But as is always the case, the year races away and before I know it, the Yule Tide has swept in. The shops are all glittery, the Muzak is full-tilt Christmas carols, and I think to myself…ah, I should have recorded something this year. GRRR!!!

Thanks to some friends who have a bit of recording gear and big hearts, I managed to get this banged together just in time for a bit of Christmas. So, from the sunny coast of New South Wales, I send you good tidings and lots of love! Have a blessed holiday season!

As we say Down Under: GET THAT INTO YA!
download here: WHAT CHILD IS THIS?

Jennifer

WHAT?
Inside Out Faith is a night of story-telling, music and audience interaction. By sharing her unique journey, Jennifer opens the door to constructive and direct dialogue for affirming LGBT people in communities of faith.

WHERE?
Anyone interested in hosting this dialogue are welcome to inquire. In the past, IOF has been hosted on college campuses, by special interest groups, divinity schools, churches, and even private corporate functions. This spring, particular attention will be given to faith communities in Southern USA.

WHEN?
We are currently booking Inside Out Faith events February 2012 thru May 2012

WHY?
Since Jennifer’s “coming out” in 2010, she has received an overwhelming response to engage the challenging issue of LGBT inclusion and affirmation in religious communities. She has recognized the power of affirmation in the lives of those who have long been silenced by fear of rejection in their faith communities.

what people are saying…

“It was an excellent evening, one that will be remembered fondly for a very long time. So glad that you have chosen, courageously to offer your music and your story together. The world is changing. It is getting better. And you are helping to make it so.” ~ Linda, NJ

“Her music and her message fall like grace notes on the ears of a world in need.” ~ John, OH

“Through story, laughter and music Jennifer created a space in which, despite probable discord among some in attendance, there existed a resonant sense of love and appreciation.” ~ Bonnie, PA

what hosts are saying…

“...sponsoring an Inside Out Faith Event affords a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the rich diversity of people of faith. Jennifer’s willingness to share her personal journey of faith is a natural catalyst inviting and encouraging those around her to share their own stories.”
Rev. Jason Alspaugh,
American Baptist Minister

“…if you listen to her closely, the common chords you’ll hear are love, acceptance, and grace.”
Rev. Marcy Bain
PCUSA Minister

Far away from the public eye, I long contemplated the importance or significance of this fact being available for public knowledge. People accused, asked, wondered and hoped for a long time whether or not I would ever answer the question: Are you gay?

I seriously considered the idea that it really isn’t anyone’s business. I am who I am. I love who I love. What difference does it make whether or not people know? My partner, friends and family, and my faith have been the backbone to affirming in me a sense of pride, responsibility and compassion that I have always sought to reflect. Still, I can say it’s very strange to consider whether or not to issue a press release regarding my sexual orientation. So the pressing question was: What difference does it make?

For me, the difference maker was one of personal integrity. I am gay and that is the truth. I wanted to honor not only myself, but those who know me best. By believing in my own journey enough to claim it, I found that who I am is not written by the pen of others, but how I personally take responsibility for my life. By speaking aloud that I am gay, I soon began to realize the impact of that truth was not only personal, it has been powerful for others as well.

It is always a test of courage and self-worth to share yourself with another person. Perhaps that is why one of the greatest offenses to the human spirit is silencing the voice of another. Today, you may discover a friend, your child, a fellow church member or co-worker identifies as LGBT. Today, you may be asked to “out” yourself when you reveal how you feel about them. What difference does it make to you?

A cheeky video blog where I drop in on Liberty University

Inside Out Faith with Jennifer Knapp
Music and Musings about the journey of life, finding love and being a gay person of faith.

Jennifer Knapp is a Grammy nominated and Dove Award winning artist with a successful career spanning over ten years.  But there’s more to Jennifer Knapp than her music.  At an Inside Out Faith event, the songs become the key to unlocking her story.

As Jennifer takes the stage and the conversation unfolds, you will see an intimate side of the artist emerge, adding newfound depth and meaning to her music and lyrics.  These are the musings of an honest, vulnerable and questioning soul, living out a journey of life, love and faith. It is unapologetic storytelling at its best.

Jennifer weaves her narrative with her music, and naturally draws participation from the audience, answering questions and sharing candid revelations of her experiences as a gay person of faith. This is unquestionably a human journey, one that resonates with shared expressions of love, acceptance and the challenge to embrace a more encompassing perspective for your own life’s story.

Jennifer will be on tour with Inside Out Faith throughout the United States in the Fall of 2011 and Spring of 2012.

For a list of Inside Out Faith tour dates click here!

To book an Inside Out Faith event in your community contact:

Inside Out Faith Bookings
booking@insideoutfaith.org
615.828.5133

My answer usually sounds something like this: Do music: Listen. Create. Play. Share it now, worry about selling it later.  (Seems like a better answer than: uh, I dunno?)

If I had never fallen in love with ‘doing’ music even when no one was listening, I’m fairly certain I wouldn’t be playing today.

At the risk of sounding trite, I think, so often, we put our fullest dreams in the cart and put it straight in front of the horse. My take has always been that music is a gift. In and of itself music can and should be enjoyed simply for the sake of it regardless of the employment possibilities. Thousands upon thousands of musicians are out there plugging away regardless of hope for income, and purely for the sheer joy of what playing/performing does for the human spirit.

Honor the music, honor your creative spirit, honor the listener…Listen. Create. Play.

Nowadays, you need go no further than your own computer to record your songs, your local coffee house to play them, or a click of the mouse to listen to others. If the only measure of success that we attach to music is one of popular recognition and marketability, then I suspect that we’ll miss the full purpose of joy and deep meaning that drew us in to listen and sing in the first place.

We have to water our creativity to make it grow. To inspire as well as be inspired.

I can truly say, it is has been an honor to be a small part of that process. I pay homage to the artists that have moved me to create. I am humbled when I am marked as one who has inspired others. Honestly, I don’t know how I got here, I’m just glad to be here. I get to meet some of the most fantastic people and incredible musicians.

Over the last year, I’ve accumulated quite the stack of music from indie artists/bands, local acts, at-home musicians, vagabonds and fans. You’re out there ‘doing it’ and I’m loving it! It’s inspiring to be reminded that music is just simply a wonderful thing to be able to do.

So in honor of all these amazing folks, I thought I’d share some of what’s going on outside of the mainstream far from the maddening hordes.

Thanks for sharing your recordings with me. I’ve enjoyed listening…

MEET THE INDIES

Jacob Jeffries Band took the opening spot for one of my Florida gigs last year. Professional caliber musicians by any measure, Jacob and his crew are excellent performers. Jacob is a crafty song writer with hooks that last for days. I walked away with a copy of Wonderful . My only complaint is that my recording is a CD and not vinyl. Seriously, this is a classic sounding record I would describe as Billy Joel meets Ben Folds. But make no mistake, Jacob is his own man.  Watch out for tunes like “Mr. Weatherbee Freeman” and “Flashlight “. Both are super catchy with romping choruses and a vintage flair that never gets old.

Lorna Bracewell I don’t remember how her record Flowers on the Chains got into my hands (sorry if we actually met Lorna…) but I’m digging it. It’s SO super hard to be an original guitar-weilding, ass- kicking chick songwriter come rocker, but Lorna makes her way without any need to apologize. Begrudgingly, I’ll mention Melissa Etheridge, Joan Jett and Ani DeFranco just so you’ll click through and listen…but then, as fast as you can, never mention their names again…and just say “Lorna!” If I’m lucky, maybe I’ll get a chance to see her live sometime when I’m in Florida.

Trees Leave unites Wyatt Espalin and Cobi Ferguson. Their indie recording The Gospel of Hurt is an honest fusion of the past and the present. Part country, bluegrass, folk and rock…I love this record! This is a work of art, modern southern men with all their joys and sorrows inexorably tied to the past. Wyatt & Cobi seem held by the haunting chains of mandolin strings, cursed by the devil in the electric guitar and released by God in the bowing of the violin…What’s better, is that these guys are local to Nashville…which means I get to see them live!

Share some of your favorite indies in the comments section. (click on the blog heading)