Of course, my GMA Week began with two big shows right off the bat: Friday night's Mercy Ministries benefit concert at Belmont's Curb Event Center and the "Altar and the Door" tour with Casting Crowns, Leeland and John Waller at the Sommet Center Saturday night. Check out my previous blog for details.

Sunday night officially kicked off the GMA festivities. Worship at the Ryman is the GMA's time-honored tradition of getting the week off on the right foot. Everyone from artists to managers to media to label folks gather at the historic Ryman Auditorium to worship together. I have to admit that it's one of my favorite highlights of the week--no matter who is performing, because there is always such a sweet, reverent spirit that permeates the room. This year, worship was led by Michael W. Smith, Israel Houghton, Fred Hammond and Mandisa.

Immediately following the worship service, I headed to another one of my favorite showcases--the Songwriter's Showcase in the Renaissance Hotel ballroom. It's always interesting to hear the stories behind the biggest songs of the year directly from the people who write them (meaning that the songwriters are sometimes different than the people who actually recorded it). The most interesting anecdote of the evening came from this year's "Songwriter of the Year" winner Cindy Morgan, who wrote "Song of the Year" nominated "How You Live (Turn Up the Music)" recorded by Point of Grace. She sang the original version of the song, noting that the first line is quite a bit different than the line in the recorded version, namely because it goes something like "Make love in the sunlight with all the doors open..." She quips, "I'm married, so I'm going to do the original version for you tonight, if that's OK." Look up the performance on youtube. It was stunning, and I thought the story was funny. Here's the setlist from the Songwriter's Showcase, which, incidentally, was hosted by Mark Hall (Casting Crowns) and Bart Millard (MercyMe):

"Bring the Rain," MercyMe

"How You Live (Turn Up the Music)," Cindy Morgan

"Every Time I Breathe," Mike Weaver, Andy Cloninger

"Wake Up! Wake Up!" Everyday Sunday: Trey Pearson, Jesse Counts, Kevin Cramblet, Tyler Craft

"Undo," Kevin Huguley, Wes Willis, Scott Davis

"Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)," Chris Tomlin, Louie Giglio (don't worry, Louie just helped tell the story)

"I'm Not Who I Was," Brandon Heath

"How Big Small Can Be," Steven and Amanda Potaczek (indie)

"He Erased It," Joel Lindsey, Sue Smith

"Made to Love," Toby McKeehan, Cary Barlowe, Jamie Moore, Aaron Rice (did I mention this was an acoustic performance?)

"Don't Give Up," Sanctus Real: Matt Hammitt, Chris Rohman, Pete Prevost

"Tears of the Saints," Leeland Mooring, Jack Mooring

"In Better Hands," Cat Gravitt, Jim Daddario, Thom Hardwell

"By His Wounds," Mac Powell, David Nassar

"East to West," Mark Hall, Bernie Herms (Natalie Grant's husband)

Monday night, I headed out to the Bourbon Street Blues Club in Printer's Alley. It was an extremely small venue, and we got there late, so we had to squeeze in upstairs. I couldn't see very well, but I enjoyed what I heard. This was a showcase sponsored by INO, and each artist sang anywhere from 2-3 songs crammed on one of the tiniest stages I have ever seen. For artists like Phil Wickham, it was a piece of cake, but for artists like Caedmon's Call, not so much... Artists who performed that night included newcomers Addison Road, Phil Wickham, Sara Groves, Caedmon's Call (with Derek Webb) and The Afters (who later informed me, "Too bad you couldn't see us, because we looked good.")

After climbing out of that clown car of a venue, I headed down the street to the Wildhorse Saloon for what may have been my favorite show of the week (and I left my camera in the car--sorry!)--the "Music Builds" tour launch event. The actual tour doesn't start until August, but if last week's performance is any indication, this tour is going to ROCK! Jars of Clay opened the event, followed by energetic performances from Switchfoot and Third Day. I missed Jars' performance due to being crammed into the back of the INO showcase to see The Afters, but I heard that they were phenomenally great, as usual. I was completely impressed by Switchfoot's set, which saw them churning out hit after hit. They also unveiled a live version of the new song, "This is Home," which they wrote for the Prince Caspian movie (they also sang it live on the Dove Awards Wenesday night). They expressed much gratitude from stage to the Christian community for their Christian heritage and the support of the Christian industry. And we, in turn, are extremely grateful! Third Day ended the evening with an engaging live performance sans Brad Avery (even as a quartet, they still sounded great!). They debuted some brand-new tunes from their forthcoming record, Revelation (Essential)--good stuff!

Tuesday night took me to parts of three different showcases. I began at the Inpop showcase at the Renaissance. I saw Article One play live for the first time and was really impressed. If violinists can rock, their's really can! Jimmy Needham also played an acoustic song or two; Paul Colman did a funny medley of classic Christian song "covers" Dylan-style; and, newworldson was just going on as I left, but they are truly fantastic and have a sound that's really distinctive for this industry. Wish I could have stayed for Superchick--they were last and I heard terrific. Rumor has it a new album is coming from them soon.

Next, I headed over to Rocketown for part of the Tooth & Nail showcase. I came at the right time, because I was able to see numerous brand-new artists. BEC (an imprint of T&N) is really signing some awesome singer/songwriters. Seems odd for T&N, right? Well, their first signee was Bebo Norman, and if this showcase was any evidence, looks like there are more Bebo-styled artists on the way...and they're good. Be on the lookout for some of the new artists I heard: James Reunion Band (it's actually just one guy), Corey Crowder (country flair, yes, I said country), Phillip LaRue (remember him? From bro/sis duo LaRue?) and Chris Taylor (he'll be blogging for us soon).

My last stop for the night was the Cannery Ballroom for Essential/Flicker Record's Late-Night Event. Performers included new rock-chick Brooke Barretsmith, Tenth Avenue North, Nevertheless, Fireflight and Leeland.

Whew...just recapping it makes me tired!

The Doves, of course, were on Wednesday night. Check back tomorrow for my take on this year's Dove Awards.