OK so I lied!

So, I didn't realize that I wouldn't have access to a computer while I was in New Jersey and that I'd be up till 1:00 every night and up by like 7:00! However, to make up for my grandiose slackagge...I'll catch you up on all that happened and hopefully do it a couple of times as I get pix from other people who took pix. It all started with a very early morning on Wednesday. We got in to NJ about 4:00 in the afternoon, and immediately started meeting the "bigwigs" as I endearingly called them. These are the people who are behind the bestselling CD's. You never hear about them but they are there! I met some pretty cool people and did some neat stuff. Like I got to perform in front of everyone at the conference during a mix-n-mingle time.
Here is me presenting my original song, "Hallelujah Song" with my friend Tim Phillips during his set of music.

Tim and I singing "Healing Rain."

Jammin' in the name of the Lord.

Me just plunking away with someone I don't remember their names!

In the hallway showing off my amazing guitar skizills! ;)

So, in the songwriters competition I won "3rd" place (the scoring system was whacked but I am pretty sure 3rd is the right term!) for my song "Holy God, Humble King (aka We Adore)." There were maybe 100 other people competing. Also, another one of my songs got a couple of 10's which was (I was told really rare). One Judge said I had really good presence." Whatever that means! Also, I got to play for Ginny Owens the blind artist who is known for her ballads and other stuff. She said "You have a good ear for 'hooky' melodies." Cool!

In the vocal competition, I barely missed 2nd place, out of maybe 75-100 people. My vocal coach was one of the judges and scored me lower than the other judge did. I thought that was funny! He was like, "You're still not..." I was like "Yes Sir."

Anyway, I also met with 2 different agents one basically said, "You're not cool enough for me to take interest in." I was like that's good! I'm not cool but that's ok! Another one was much more gentle and he said, "Ben, just run your race, and pursue what God has called you to." I was like that is cool!

Also, I got an email from a producer who expressed interest in possibly working with me sometime down the road. I was like, "Sweet!"

And finally, I thought I'd leave you with a picture of my vocal coach. Thanks Dr. Scott! Thanks Tim! Thanks Family and Friends! Thanks mostly for and to Jesus!

For His renown,

BenZ

Coming Soon...The Chronicles of a Reformationary

Hey all I'm gonna be in New Jasey April 19th-23rd. I'm going to a Worship leader/become famous/learn how to sing right/network with other artists convention. I am going to do my best to blog at least 3 times during my adventures. Please pray as I go! I am really excited about some of the possibilities that could come of this! For instance, I am going to be in a songwriter's competition as well as a vocal competition. I really pray that God will use me to leverage my minute minutes of opportunity and stage time to magnify His Renown! More to come...

GMA for His Renown

Right: Chris Tomlin with his 5 dove's! Left: RSJ and Kirk Franklin doing something!

I am completely and utterly S-T-O-K-E-D about the Dove awards (the Christian equivalent to the Grammy's). MY fave bands and worship leaders took away a total of get this 10!!!! dove awards! For instance, Chris Tomlin took home five, including the "Artist of the Year" award, "Male Vocalist" and "Song of the year." The fact that "How Great is Our God" was the song of the Year excites me. Isn't this what reformationaries have been praying for. I truly desire that the leaders of contemporary Christianity will take heed to a new trend. When we cease to sing of our trivial problems and sing of His greatness. When our eyes see Him, our hearts will be purified, for only the pure in heart may see Him in all his grandness and glory!!!! Go Chris Tomlin, David Crowder, Matt Redman, Louie Giglio...you are being used to reform a generation!

Check all the official results from the dove awards!

http://www.gmamusicawards.com/

Also, go to Louie's blog and give them all some love! www.268blog.blogspot.com!

PS- Found an even better picture later! From L-R Louie, Chris, David, Shelly (Louie's Wife)