Lauren burst onto the Nashville music scene approximately 5 years ago at the young age of 21. Since then, she has had singing appearances on every late night talk show, every morning talk show, the AMA's, Ellen, and too many other shows to recall. Her music resonates with the masses, and her crossover smash "You Say" has been #1 on billboard for a record 62 weeks in a row.
She is being compared to a modern day Amy Grant; but in my opinion, she is much more than that.
We were blessed last Friday with a gift that shall be remembered for the rest of our lives. Our dear friends from Dallas (which we had not seen in a long time), called us to offer us VIP tickets, and backstage passes to see Lauren.
To say I jumped on the offer is an understatement. We had already purchased tickets many months ago to attend with my daughter and her family (sorry sweetheart for dissing you on that), but we were able to quickly sell our tickets to other family members.
One of the last times that we saw our friends was at their new home in Dallas, and their son Grant was playing the piano. He was extremely talented, and at only 8 years of age, was blowing us away with his ear for music, and his skills on the keys.
Grant has grown into an incredible young man (never a doubt that wouldn't happen), and is an extremely talented and in-demand musician; now living in Nashville. He has been Lauren's keyboardist for the last 2 years.
Because of that relationship, it opened the doors for us to go backstage before and after Lauren's sold-out concert at the BOK. We were treated to things that I didn't even know existed. From the dressing rooms, to the gathering area for family members after the concert; to where the trucks and buses were handled. But, it was after the concert, from 10:30 pm to 12:45 am that we got to know a small part of the very real Lauren.
We were able to mingle with every band member, every back up singer, and (Ahi pronounced I; the opening act for Lauren was there too). We were treated to a late evening Mexican buffet meal, and enjoyed breaking bread and getting to know each person on a real-life level.
We even got to watch the 'roadies' tear down the set, and then methodically jam the 2 tractor trailer rigs full in such an OCD organized fashion that I was envious. And after everything was over at 12:45, seeing the 32 members get ready to load onto their 2 custom buses on their way to their next concert in Austin was heartwarming as well.
Lauren's graciousness, hospitality, and true love for her art and her Lord touched my heart. Her smiles are infectious, her hugs are genuine, and her love for our Lord Jesus is 100% authentic.
I have loved her music and voice since the 1st time I heard her sing. This concert cemented her status with me as the real deal. It was such a blessing to be part of her evening.
This evening shall be cherished forever. This first picture is of Pam (my wife) and Grant Pittman. The remaining pictures are pretty easy to figure out, and our dear friends Ron & Cindy Pittman are the last ones out with Grant.
I am a blessed man. Always and forever.
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