Steven Curtis Chapman

Marathon Rehearsals

NewsGuru@SCC — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 16:30:00 GMT

The hot summer sun has been shinning for much of he last ten days in Franklin, TN. But Steven Chapman doesn’t have a clue.

For the past week and a half, Chapman, his band leader Scott Sheriff, and 4 very young, very talented musicians have been sequestered in day long, marathon rehearsals. A building on the Chapman property known as the Barnasium, (part storage barn, part basketball court, part rehearsal facility, part test track for battery operated cars driven by little Chinese Chapman girls), has been home to the run throughs by Steven and his band for his appearance at Estes Park, Colorado next week.

The new configuration of Steven’s band includes familiar faces though, they look a lot like Steven’s. Will Franklin and Caleb Chapman are part of the musical force backing Dad, and along with close friends DJ and Dale Lipscomb, they make up a band (currently) called, The Following. The Following will appear with Steven at Estes, and don’t expect to be able to tell any difference between them and Steven’s usual band configuration while they’re playing “The Great Adventure,” the rehearsals have paid off. The prolific Jonny Lang stopped by on Wednesday and gave his seal of approval, their perfectionist boss SCC is satisfied, and they were solid for me when I stopped by today. The Following has an EP in the works and if you’re at Estes, you may even get to hear an original from The Following too. (myspace.com/thefollowing)

A great adventure indeed.

What's Next Steven?

NewsGuru@SCC — Sat, 08 Jul 2006 11:23:00 GMT

It's a question I'm often asked, "what's next for Steven?" Perhaps it's the one of the hardest parts of the profession of artistry... the constant climb for what's ahead? Sometimes I find myself wanting to say... well he just toured 20 cities in Asia, and then worked in orphanages for a month... what have you done lately?!?! Get off him! How about some time off!?!? I resist though. : ) I smile and answer.

We're friends here right? You won't give away the SCC plan to anyone will you? You can keep a secret certainly? What's next in a moment.

Last Wednesday, Steven called a meeting of 20 people together, some of the heaviest hitting executives in the industry here in Nashville... to discuss record sales... no... to discuss concert ticket sales... no. They came together excited to hear Steven's report on a missions trip they helped make happen. The Asia tour was an expensive and difficult endeavor, and Steven wanted the chance to show some pictures and thank people for thier efforts on his behalf. I got the distinct impression... we're heaed back to Asia for another tour in the next few years. : )

How about us? I'm sure you wondering. Of course, the flip side of the "what's next?" question and the pressure it brings is the thankfulness!! that people are asking. In Steven's case, people are still definitely interested. And we're grateful. So next for Steven...

After the thank you and wrap up of the Asia tour meeting, Steven and Mary Beth and his management team (Dan Raines, David Huffman and myself) spent time discussing that "what's next" question. We usually have what we think will happen for the next 24 to 36 months out ahead, these check in meetings allow us to tweak, add, subtract, and adjust as Steven and Mary Beth and the folks around him seek what God would have and what is best for his ministry, family and career.

So what's next... Here's what it looks like as we know it now. Remember don't tell anyone yet. ; ) Through the end of the year SCC will be playing live in a few limited places (see the tour page) while writing and recording a new album. Yes, i wrote it here... say it with me... new album. God willing, God speaking, expect the new album in summer of 07.

And as those who read this blog know, a new album is almost always followed by a new tour, and in this case that is the plan as well, for the fall of 07. Too long to wait? Well, perhaps you'll be able to see Steven sooner than that, an announcement coming soon about Steven and his sons being a part of an upcoming tour this winter. Stay tuned.

House fire at the Chapmans. Fire extinguishers save home from serious damage.

NewsGuru@SCC — Thu, 06 Jul 2006 09:58:00 GMT

At around 5am on July 5th the smoke detectors at the home of Steven Curtis Chapman rang the alarm and awoke the Chapman family. Steven was at home with wife Mary Beth and his three youngest daughters and jumped out of bed (barefoot) to try to locate the smoke and fire.

To his utter horror, Steven found the trash cans adjacent to the back corner of their home on fire and flames involving the family's home office. "I've never been in more of a panic in my life," Steven said last night in front of the boarded up broken windows. "Fire extinguishers saved the day, Jim, anybody that calls and wants to do a campaign for fire extinguishers, I'm there."

Two fire extinguishers the Chapmans had on hand and quick thinking by Steven and Mary Beth were the difference between a one room loss and minor smoke damage throughout the home... and something much, much more serious. The firemen on scene agreed, without those extinguishers the fire certainly would have spread quickly to other floors and the main part of the house before they could have arrived to the Chapman home, located a bit outside Franklin, TN.

The Chapmans are feeling so fortunate. All escaped the home safely, with Steven sustaining minor burns to his hands and feet from fighting the fire, prior to the fire department arriving on scene. And in this case, unlike the last time, thankfully insurance should cover all the damages. Many reading this blog would know that about 6 months after their youngest daughter Emily was born the Chapmans had an apartment fire completely destroy almost everything they owned.

You can't stand in front of a scene like that and not notice things like... how close the fire was to the propane grill tank, how close the fire was to the garage and the family cars. Further pondering... the SCC.com News Guru bought an additional fire extinguisher on the way home last night and checked his fire detector batteries. Would you do the same please? Other lessons learned... where are your family photos and important papers and are there copies somewhere else should anything happen to your home? Is your insurance up to date and do you have photos or video documenting your home's contents? end public service announcement here : ) Back on schedule and just what did happen last Wednesday Jim?... next blog.

On Set with the Gospel Music Channel. GMC to launch SCC hosted series in the Fall

NewsGuru@SCC — Tue, 04 Jul 2006 10:38:00 GMT

On Tuesday and Wednesday of last week, I got to spend some time with Steven. So many Asia stories to tell, so much to catch up on family wise, it was good to be back in the same room with him after ichatting or speaking by phone for the past 2 months plus.

On Tuesday, Steven spent the day with some very talented video producers, Paul and Michelle and their crew, completing 10 programs for the Gospel Music Channel. The shows, The Best of the Doves, are slated to begin airing in the fall and feature highlights from the Dove Awards. Have you seen the Gospel Music Channel? I've been very impressed with the programming I've seen them developing, and just recently they were added to the cable systems here in Nashville and I've had a chance to check them out at our office occassionally. Worth a look.

10 shows in one day, that's insane, yes. But with an amazing crew, great scripts and preparation by the production team, Craft Services catering, and a total pro like Steven... amazing things can be acomplished.

What happened Wednesday? next blog...

SCC South Korea Stops

NewsGuru@SCC — Mon, 03 Jul 2006 20:10:00 GMT

The next stop on the Asia tour was a very emotional one for our guys. While in South Korea, Steven and band played five shows for the men and women of the US military serving in bases around that country.

Steven is always honored to visit or play for the troops, and has accepted several invitations to do so throughout his career. His tour stops in the Washington DC area almost always include visits to the hospitals there that have recouperating service personel, and usually there's a guitar in tow. Hey it is Steven! Chapman has also played next to helicopters, tanks and jets at various bases around the US.

This time Steven and the band tuned up across the ocean from home... and brought a little bit of home to the men and women in South Korea. These were concerts that welcomed all the troops. In fact, at one base, Steven's concert attendance was the largest ever recorded for an event on the base... eclipsing the previous highest mark of Ozzy Osbourne.

Also while there, Steven and team had the chance to visit the DMZ, the demilitarized zone. At the DMZ, it's down to measurements of hundreds of yards that seperate nations with different ideas of government, and tensions are often high there, the troops there have an important mission.

That morning Steven says he woke up with God's reminder heavy on his heart... that God reigns over everything, that He owns the cattle on a thousand hills, that He doesn't think of anyone as the enemy, but that they are all His children. Some of the US troops there shared in a time of prayer with Steven and the team there at the DMZ for God's hand to be on both South Korea and North Korea, as well as the United States of America.

More on the SE Asia Tour. SCC's Singapore Stop

NewsGuru@SCC — Sat, 24 Jun 2006 11:58:00 GMT

Josh Robinson, drummer “This tour was unlike anything I have ever been apart of. The deep gratitude and overwhelming Joy of the people we had the privelege of playing for was something I will never forget. It was obvious that God orchestrated this trip.”

The Chapman Asia tour team spent two days in Singapore on May 9 and 10 at the Rock Auditorium. In a city stacked for space, “the Rock” is located in a skyscraping mall combo office building combo church meeting place. The church that hosted Chapman in Singapore has a regular attendance of over 10,000 people each week, multiple locations brought together by video. Their largest venue, “The Rock” was sold out for two nights by an audience very excited to see Steven, his new song “The Blessing” toping radio charts in the country.

Though all of our hosts were beyond gracious, this tour stop was unanimously chosen by the band and crew as being the most generous hosts on the Asia tour. At a mid-point in a 20 city tour, our Singapore concert hosts were so kind, with extra special hotel and gift touches to our team of weary travelers.

Next stop in Asia, South Korea, including a visit to the DMZ, and thanking US men and women serving in our armed forces on the other side of the planet.

Asia Tour Recaps, Manila

NewsGuru@SCC — Fri, 23 Jun 2006 15:35:00 GMT

As I’ve talked to the band and crew that traveled on the SE Asia tour, they seem to be too overwhelmed at first to articulate much. Too overwhelmed to tell you much more than... “it was awesome,” “God orchestrated this trip,” or “it’s unlike anything I’ve ever been a part of.” To try to get passed the jetlag and the blur the trip, I’ve asked them questions like... Well, what was your favorite moment of the tour? Which crowd was the loudest? Who had the best food in catering? I know, very deep... : ) Inevitably they say, well all the crowds we’re amazing, or we we’re treated so well by everyone, we can’t pick. But then, eventually they shared some thoughts and they are highlighted here and in the following recaps on the Asia tour.

Manila wins across the board credit from Steven, the band and crew as the loudest crowd of the Asia tour. Steven told me that his guitarist Adam Lester said leaving stage... “ ok, so that’s what it feels like to be U2. : ) ” The loud crowd’s energy had the band jumping and were so loud it became difficult for some of the guys to hear themselves on stage at times. The Philippines crowds were some of the most appreciative and most musical Steven has ever played for, what an incredible time!

More on the Asia tour and trip to come in future blogs this coming week...

Speaking of next week by the way, Steven will tape for a full day with the Gospel Music Channel for an upcoming series of ten shows on “The Best of The Doves.” Hopefully, I’ll be able to crank out a blog from the set.

Commence Blogging Again

NewsGuru@SCC — Thu, 22 Jun 2006 20:40:00 GMT

Hi Friends,

Jim here. Back after a blogging layoff due to an office move by Creative Trust (the company that I work for and the company that manages Steven) and an outstanding and fun vacation.

As for Mr. Chapman... he's back stateside from an incredible and lifechanging time in China, a tour of 20 shows and a month long ministry and residency in orphanges in China with his family.

First a quick reminder, this is not Steven's blog, I have no clue how the man does all he already does. But perhaps my occasional entries will give you a peek into the hectic, amazing, hard, tragic, spectacular, fun journey of the life of the Chapmans. Part of me wonders, will anyone read this? I'm clearly not Steven Curtis Chapman. Yet so many of you have asked if I would try it. My hope... you'll like it, you'll be encouraged by it, and at the very least it will help you keep track of Steven and give you some insight into what's going on with him.

The blog had previously covered some of the earlier dates in Asia... So be sure to go back and see these if you haven't already. Then beginning tomorrow, look for blogs written for the Manila date and going forward.

Why (Jim thinks) Blog Content Is So Hard To Come Up With

NewsGuru@SCC — Sun, 07 May 2006 10:05:00 GMT

Have you ever had a season in your job, serving somewhere in your community, or even at home... where you've been so busy ACCOMPLISHING things, that you haven't had time to TELL anybody what you've accomplished. And so at times no one knows all you've accomplished. This is perpetually Steven's life and ministry. And as I read that paragraph back to myself, I can hear him adjusting what I've just said gently adding the phrase... yes, well, actually... haven't had time to tell anyone what God has accomplished by His grace through my efforts. : )

I think another factor here is that, it's hard for those of us who work in this industry/ministry day in and day out to realize that someone would be interested in what we're doing day in and day out. It's just what we do.

Particularly when SCC is on the road, this task of updating is even worse. In part, that's what this website, and the StevenCurtisChapman.com e-mail newsletter, and this blog is all about. We try to keep you up to date, but it's a struggle. But even this blog hasn't been able to keep up with Steven and the band on the SE Asia tour. Because the guys are working so hard to get the shows up and happening, and they are concerned that the audience be prayed for, that the performance be excellent, that they are advancing ahead for the shows coming up the next day and the day after, that they get through the airport in time to make flights, that they have gear working, that they don’t lose gear, that they fix things that get broken, that they have time with people there at the concert helping, that they can give it all on stage, that they complete interviews, they still connect with their families as best as possible while gone, and that’s just the top few... these things all take priority over say... Calling or e-mailing the management company : ) We are doing are best to give you a few bits of info from the road though.

I hope this blog is serving you well. It's still taking shape, so I welcome your questions, suggestions, encouragements, and comments. It's just me after all. :) But according to the statistics, while the audience for this blog has been small... but growing quickly. For now I'll keep going if it's alright with you.

Kangaroo Struck by Concert Goer. Next stop Manila.

NewsGuru@SCC — Sat, 06 May 2006 02:52:00 GMT

2 potential animal kingdom fatalities on this SE Asia tour so far. Unfortunately, we can't use that phrase, no animals we're harmed in the performance of this tour. Early blog mentions a bird inadvertantly becoming sucked into a plane's engine on take off.

Now, word from Australia that while driving to the Chapman concert, a Steven fan struck a kangaroo. Apparently, in Australia, this is as common as hitting a deer would be here in certain parts of the US. While I'm sorry that the kangaroo was injured or worse... and I hate that there was damage to the person's car... i must admit it is fun to write the word kangaroo in a blog. Kangaroo. See, come on that's cool isn' it?

These quotes about the tour from IM with SCC's sound tech Russ Garrett, "great crowds! it's a tiring trip for sure but nobody is complaining! i think we all feel very honored to be a part of this and think that God is going to use it in big ways. everyone has had great attitudes thus far, the only bad part is being in all these amazing places and not having a chance to see them...but that's how touring always is." And on their newest city Russ says... "if you thought drivers were crazy in LA or New York... they have nothing on Manila. They shouldn't even have lines on the roads because nobody pays any attention to them."

New photo on the front page on the site featuring Josh Robinson, drummer for SE Asia tour, Adam Nitti, bass player extraordinaire, SCC, and band leader and keys Scott Sheriff in front of the world famous Sydney Opera House. No kangaroos in this photo though, but see there how I was cleverly able to get kangaroo in the blog again. :)

one other note... The Mackanzie Fund link is now live at ShaohannahsHope.com. (scroll to the bottom)

Thanks for your prayers for David Trask

NewsGuru@SCC — Thu, 04 May 2006 04:00:00 GMT

David Trask is back in town after the loss of his 6 month old granddaughter Mackanzie. I got to hug him last night. He is tender, hurting and sad and yet still very David... still more concerened about you than himself, still ready to offer a kind word and smile, still ready to try to make a little one smile, still the best road manager I've ever worked with leaping into action on a moments notice when word of the possible tsunami came into our office, still certain God is in control.

Obviously David is family to us around here, and we've been in touch often since Mackanzie's death. I have and continue to pass along your comforting and kind words, and he is so thankful for your prayers.

To be respectful of David's privacy, I don't feel it appropriate to go into any detail here, but I will share... that there are significant issues still unresolved surrounding Mackanzie's death, and our friend is mourning, I would ask you to continue to pray for him in the weeks and months ahead.

Word today from Scott Hasenbalg, Executive Director of Shaohannah's Hope, that SH will be establishing a special fund in memory of 6 month old McKenzie Trask. I think details of the fund are being ironed out, and donation forms are not yet live on the Shaohannah's Hope site as I write this... but here's the early word. Mackanzie was born with clef lip and clef palatte defects, and in her memory this fund is being established whereby 100% of donated funds will go towards supporting surgeries for orphan children in China with these same special needs. A beautiful way to remember a little girl gone far too early. (in my earthly perspective)

this addtion 5/6, The Mackanzie Fund link is now live at ShaohannahsHope.com. (scroll to the bottom)

Tsunami Warnings and News Guru's Heart Rate

NewsGuru@SCC — Wed, 03 May 2006 12:01:00 GMT

At 11:52a CT this morning the SCC News Guru's phone rang, it was his wife, twice in a row, that's code for "I need you to pick up right now."

Though I was on a conference call, I took her call. My wife told me that she had just heard about an earthquake somewhere in the Pacific, that there was a tsunami warning issued for New Zealand and she wanted to know where SCC was exactly.

For the next hour, David Trask and I jumped into action, calling and waking up the tour road manager Cliff Young to give him the information. Tsunami Warning for New Zealand, unsure if you will be affected in Australia, but it's 3am there, I wanted you to be aware. Then, lets pray everybody, lets pray like crazy. Lets pray for any affected by the quake and tsunami, lets pray for our team's safety.

By 1p CT, the tsunami warning had been canceled, and my heart rate had slowed.

There's a show tonight (about 3a tomorrow our time) in Brisbane, Australia, our guitarist Adam Lesters hometown. I can't imagine how much fun that's going to be for him. I can't wait to hear the stories.

From the Other Side of the World, live it's a Video Chat with SCC

NewsGuru@SCC — Mon, 01 May 2006 07:50:00 GMT

Modern technology wows me. I admit it, I’m a gadget guy. I have a treo 650 so I can get my email and browse the internet anywhere anytime on my phone, I’ve got an ipod, I love my digital camera, my tivo keeps my shows ready for me after my kids go to bed, I’m always watching for the next technology.

This past week, Steven got a new computer... Because his crashed and died about 18 hours before he had to get on a plane. (see blog from April 6 on why I think that happened) Because of the crash and time crunch, he got a new Macbook Pro and now has isight camera built in to his computer. So, at 8am this morning... I got an invitation to video chat... And there he was. Looking rather tired, hey it was 3am there... But alive, well, and on my computer screen from the other side of the world. Unbelievable.

The shows are going well in New Zealand. A long travel day for the guys because a bird was sucked in to the engine when their plane departing this morning. That delayed them over 6 hours. But no harm except to the foul. (sorry, had too) Photos soon.

The Plane is in the Air How Long?

NewsGuru@SCC — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 16:34:00 GMT

They’re off. Steven and band just left the US via the Nashville International Airport bound for New Zealand.

Forget where in the world is Matt Lauer? How about Where in the World is Steven Curtis Chapman? Today they depart Nashville and sometime on Thursday the 27th they land in New Zealand. Crossing the international dateline, they lose an entire day of their lives. : )

We think we’re ready. And we certainly are prayed up. Gah day mates.

Rehearsals for SE Asia tour in full swing at the barn

NewsGuru@SCC — Wed, 19 Apr 2006 07:56:00 GMT

Scott Sheriff on keys, drummer Josh Robinson, bassist Adam Nitti, and guitarist bound for his homeland, Australian Adam Lester are rehearsing full throttle at the barn on Steven's property this week in preparation for the international tour.

When is the last time you heard Steven playing “King of the Jungle?” That’s what greeted me as I walked in the barn... What a kick!?! They’re sounding great and working hard to pull it together.

Meanwhile at the office, we’re running around trying to make visas happen for a guy who wasn’t going on this tour a few days ago. A man named James Chesser, along with our own Jeanie Kaserman is making miracles happen for us on that front. We’re grateful!

And on the production and tech side we’re in the debt of Russ Garrett, Tim Tan, Cliff Young, Chris Chesbro (and though he’s not able to go still an amazing force on this tour David Trask).

Look out SE Asia, they are coming your way. See the tour page for the dates, and please spread the word to friends in that area.