I only send out updates about once a month unless something special is going on – then you might get 2 in a month – and I don’t share the list with anyone else. Rest assured that your address is safe with me!

So here’s the deal for 2010: each month I’ll be booking one free* concert. Same rules apply as did to the Twenty-Nine Release concerts. January and March are already booked. February anyone?

I’ve got a concert this afternoon I’m very excited about, and I’m still glowing from last night’s concert in Aiken, SC.

*If I have to cross state lines, then I’ll need some travel expenses, but otherwise it really is free.

See the store to buy the new album!

Deciding on a venue (or even an area code) for the CD Release Show was difficult.

Solution: Do CD Release Shows all over. House concerts, where you want them, when you want them.

“How do I get a concert?” You might be asking. Easy. Send an email to houseconcert@bryanmurdaugh.com and let me know where you are, and how many people you’re expecting.

This is what’s required of you:

1. 5 people. That’s enough to put on a show. Want to invite more? Great.
2. A room. This could be your garage, your living room, a classroom at a church, or a coffeehouse. Whoever owns the room should be a-ok with a musician coming to play there. That detail will get worked out once we have…
3. A date. Sometime between now and December 31st, 2009. I’ll be as flexible as I can be.
4. If I will cross state lines to get to you (that depends on where and when), a modest travel budget will be required. If I don’t, this concert is free. There’s no need to even buy a CD when I come, the host gets one for free.

If you’d like to use the song for worship (or just to learn it for fun), here is the lead sheet: Glory – PDF Lead Sheet.

Contact:
Bryan Murdaugh
803-553-3011
murdaugh@gmail.com
www.bryanmurdaugh.com

Bryan Murdaugh’s “Twenty-Nine” to Release at National Catholic Youth Conference

Kansas City, MO, — Bryan Murdaugh’s first solo commercial album, “Twenty-Nine,” will be released for retail sale on November 17th, 2009, just in time for the National Catholic Youth Conference, which starts on November 19th. Murdaugh says “This release is a tremendous source of excitement. Excitement about sharing the Gospel message with the world, about being inspired by an entirely intense musical experience, and about breaking the surface – even if only a tiny bit – about how much God loves each of us.”

Murdaugh, a Catholic husband, father, worship leader, and youth minister who lives near Columbia, South Carolina, has been writing music since he was a teenager. “Even though I’ve been playing for Liturgies and other Catholic events for as long as I can remember, it wasn’t until after college that I really began to write about my faith. It’s a life-giving process,” said Murdaugh.

The album, named for the Psalm that inspired a highly anticipated track, “Glory,” was entirely engineered and produced by Murdaugh himself. Except for a few parts on the song “Glory” recorded by musicians from his local parish, Michael Ball; a bassist, and Megan Toohey; a vocalist, the parts were all played and sung by Bryan. The album features two traditional hymns and eight songs originally written by Murdaugh over the past three years.

Murdaugh is excited about having the opportunity to debut his music during such a huge celebration of the Catholic faith. “This is my second NCYC and the third time I’ve attended an event put on by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry. It’s such a blast to be a part of!”

A special edition of “Twenty-Nine” will also be for sale. This collector’s version will contain several exclusive items. Both editions will be available on Murdaugh’s website (bryanmurdaugh.com), live at NCYC and other upcoming events, and before the end of the year on the iTunes Store and at CDBaby.com.

To find out more about Bryan Murdaugh and his music, visit his website at www.bryanmurdaugh.com.

My spiritual exercise took me through some scripture, the Catechism, Liturgy of the Hours, a chapter of The Imitation of Christ, and Prayer.

My physical exercise (always better after time with the Lord) took me through 5 miles around my neighborhood. At the risk of sounding like a complainer, this is my first run of any significant length since I hurt my foot (I dropped a swing set on it). For this story to make sense, you also need to know that I’ve got pretty terrible allergies and they are most annoying around early fall in SC, when the ragweed is in full force.

Thankfully, it was a fantastic run – air temperature was good, a little humid, and it felt good to be out on the road again. My foot seems to have healed nicely and gave me no trouble.

About halfway through I was blessed with a drizzle. It was a fantastic gift, cooled me down, and was a fantastic reminder of God’s presence with me this morning.

As I turned back into my subdivision, another reminder of God’s joyful love was given to me. Every fall, in my frustration with the ragweed, I forget that it’s always followed by the beautiful scent of the tea olive.

It’s always terrific to be reminded that through suffering comes joy, we need the Cross to see the Resurrection, and that after the ragweed, comes the tea olive. Even though the tea olive scent will soon be gone, God’s joy and love are everlasting!

p.s. Be on the lookout this weekend for an exciting announcement.

It’s not necessarily close, but it’s getting closer.

Follow me on Twitter (http://twitter.com/murdaugh) for frequent updates.