Full Circle Concert

Tonight, I experienced the music of folk/rock singer/songwriter Jennifer Knapp at Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill.  It was likely the seventh time I have seen her live, having begun the circle in 1999 in the same city -- Grand Rapids, Mich. -- when she opened for dc Talk, and I reviewed the show for The Holland Sentinel.

Jen Knapp & Maggie B Reunite

I was happy to catch a few minutes of singer/songwriters Margaret Becker (bottom/right above) and Jennifer Knapp's (top/left above) collaborative show on Facebook Live Nov. 21.

A Look Back: Music Memoirs I've Read

I love hearing people's stories; especially if they are music related.  Over the years, I have read the following artists' autobiographies, biographies and memoirs.

• Moonwalk: A Memoir by Michael Jackson
• Like Me: Confessions of a Heartland Country Singer by Chely Wright
• Goodbye, Little Rock and Roller by Marshall Chapman
• Me by Ricky Martin
• Amy, My Daughter by Mitch Winehouse  
• Society's Child by Janis Ian
• Love Is a Mix Tape: Life and Loss, One Song at a Time by Rob Sheffield
• Facing the Music: My Story by Jennifer Knapp
• Talking to Girls About Duran Duran: One Young Man's Quest for True Love and a Cooler Haircut by Rob Sheffield
• Heavier Than Heaven: A Biography of Kurt Cobain by Charles R. Cross
• Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl: A Memoir by Carrie Brownstein
• Girls to the Front: The True Story of the Riot Grrrl Revolution by Sara Marcus
• Lynnee Breedlove's One Freak Show by Lynn Breedlove
• Joan Jett by Todd Oldham
• Girl in a Band: A Memoir by Kim Gordon 
• Revenge of the She-Punks:A Feminist Music History from Poly Styrene to Pussy Riot by Vivien Goldman
  

A Look Back: Crowdfunded Recording Projects

Over the years, I have contributed to a number of singer/songwriters' crowdfunding projects.  Through PledgeMusic, I supported Shelly Fairchild's Buffalo and Jennifer Knapp's Set Me Free albums.  I backed Fleming & John's still-unreleased 2015 record and Julie Lee's Till & Mule via Kickstarter.  I also patronized Indiegogo efforts to launch Josh Schicker's Faith, the Poor & Politics, A Stranger & a Friend's Nashville and Atlanta, and Chely Wright's documentary, Wish Me Away.

A Look Back: Meeting Jennifer Knapp

Although I've seen folk/rock singer/songwriter Jennifer Knapp in concert at least six times, if memory serves me, I have met her at least three times.  I believe she signed the Kansas CD booklet (above) when I first met her in 1999 with my two sisters in Grand Rapids, Mich.  Years later, after I interviewed her in a Nashville coffee shop for Out & About Nashville, I witnessed Knapp perform -- and read -- at her book release event on Oct. 11, 2014 at Vanderbilt University, where she signed her memoir, Facing the Music (below).

A Look Back: Meeting Jennifer Knapp for the First Time

Years before I reviewed her albums for Seven Ball and HM magazines -- and years before I interviewed her for Out & About Nashville magazine -- I first met singer/songwriter Jennifer Knapp (third from left) with my two sisters in Grand Rapids, Mich., if memory serves me, very likely at Baker Book House in 1999.

A Look Back: Jennifer Knapp Record Review

I reviewed folk/rock singer/songwriter Jennifer Knapp's album Set Me Free for an Out & About Nashville piece that was published on Oct. 14, 2014.

A Look Back: Jennifer Knapp Article

I interviewed folk/rock singer/songwriter Jennifer Knapp for Out & About Nashville magazine's October 2014 issue.

A Look Back: Jennifer Knapp Live Album Review

I reviewed Jennifer Knapp's album Jennifer Knapp Live for HM magazine's March/April 2006 issue.

A Look Back: Jennifer Knapp Album Review

I reviewed Jennifer Knapp's album The Collection for Seven Ball magazine's January/February 2004 issue.

A Look Back: dc Talk Concert Review

I reviewed a dc Talk concert for The Holland Sentinel in a piece that was published on Mar. 26, 1999.  The show was held at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Mich. on Mar. 18, 1999.

Top 10 Songs of 2017

My Favorite Songs of 2017:
~ in alphabetical order, by artist ~

  1. Something Just Like This - The Chainsmokers & Coldplay
  2. Whole Lotta Woman - Kelly Clarkson
  3. Love Comes Back Around - Jennifer Knapp
  4. Glorious [Featuring Skylar Grey] - Macklemore
  5. Swish Swish - Katy Perry Feat. Nicki Minaj
  6. You Get My Love - P!nk
  7. Hands Up - Prophets of Rage
  8. You Don't Own Me Anymore - The Secret Sisters
  9. Him - Sam Smith
10. American Soul - U2

2014 in Concert

In addition to Kings of Leon, Mary Gauthier and Annie Sellick, this year, I also saw UK sensation Sam Smith play the Ryman Auditorium on Oct. 7 and Jennifer Knapp perform -- and read -- at her book release event on Oct. 11 at Vanderbilt University.  I purchased tickets to see Vince Gill and Amy Grant (Christmas concert), Valerie June, and The Manhattan Transfer (Christmas show) this year, as well, but was, unfortunately, unable to attend those performances.

2012 Concert Recap

I saw the following artists/bands live in 2012, in alphabetical order:

1. The B-52s -- At the historic Ryman Auditorium

2. Mandy Barnett

3. Kelly Clarkson -- With The Fray

4. Feist -- At the historic Ryman Auditorium

5. Jennifer Knapp/Margaret Becker -- The Hymns of Christmas Tour

6. Julie Lee -- At the legendary Station Inn

7. David Mead -- At the exciting new series East Side Storytellin'

8. Alanis Morissette -- At the historic Ryman Auditorium

9. Annie Sellick

10. Sixpence None the Richer

11. Tyrone Wells

Christmas in Nashville

I will attend the Jennifer Knapp/Margaret Becker Hymns of Christmas concert tonight at one of my favorite Nashville venues, 3rd & Lindsley.  I've been looking forward to this singer/songwriter celebration for months!

Lyrics & Lines

I will attend my first concert of the year this evening at Vanderbilt University. Jennifer Knapp (above) will share a bill with comedian Lianna Carrera.

Top 10 Songs of 2010

My Favorite Tracks of the Year:
~ in alphabetical order by artist ~

1. Who Would Jesus Love - Ray Boltz

2. Shake It - Michael Franti and Spearhead

3. The Immortals - Kings of Leon

4. Dive In - Jennifer Knapp

5. Shiver - Megan McCormick

6. Little Lion Man - Mumford and Sons

7. Firework - Katy Perry

8. Changed Forever - tobyMac

9. I Was Made for Sunny Days - The Weepies

10. And the Birds Sing - Tyrone Wells

Best of 2010

FAVORITE 3 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR: The Black Keys - Brothers; Kings of Leon - Come Around Sundown; Tyrone Wells - Metal & Wood

 

BEST NEW ARTIST: Megan McCormick (above)

 

BEST CONCERT: *tie* The Civil Wars, 3rd & Linsley, Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 24 & Julie Lee, The Station Inn, Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 3

 

BEST BACK-FROM-THE-DEAD ALBUM: Jennifer Knapp - Letting Go

 

Hot Pick: Out Today

Jennifer Knapp : Letting Go

 

I got my copy Sunday night at her Nashville show, as well as her limited-edition, acoustic EP, Evolving (above)!

JK on LKL Tonight

Catch Jennifer Knapp's revealing interview tonight on Larry King Live!