Sunday night was different.

In a previous life I sang bass and played bass guitar in a Southern Gospel Quartet. The guys I traveled with were like brothers and that experience was priceless.

Some times we’d get on the bus Friday afternoon and sing at 3 or 4 events, returning late Sunday night, and then we’d all go to work Monday morning, and do it again the next weekend.

Later, after I got into radio, I produced concerts. Basically that means booking the artist, the venue, handling the marketing, selling the tickets and losing money. Ha. I only half-joke there.

We did a festival for many years, and that’s basically 8 or 10 concerts in one day, for three or four consecutive days. Only it’s outside, because why risk thousands of dollars in a boring indoor venue?

As part of my job in radio, I attended a lot of concerts and showcases. Throw in some concerts with artists I love to see play music live (Eagles at The Sphere top that list), and I have been to many, many concerts.

Not too long before I retired, I told a friend that if I never see a live concert again, I’m good with that.

That was hyperbole, but I kinda meant it. I was just burned out on live music.

I think it’s kind of like what they say about making sausage. Once you see the messy, behind the scenes part, it can be hard to enjoy consuming it. Not that it’s all messy, but I think I have become cynical and critical. Not something I am proud of, just being honest.

Plus, I am not a real music geek. I like what I like but I don’t have a discerning palate and sometimes I just don’t “get it”. That’s why I was never a Program Director or Music Director at any of the radio stations where I worked.

Fast forward to a few years ago, when I was introduced to a producer/composer named Tommee Profitt. He made a quick visit to a Christian Music Broadcasters event to promote an upcoming concert he was calling The Birth of a King. He brought along Clark Beckham, a singer I’ve loved since he was the American Idol runner-up about ten years ago.

He explained his project, and told us that he had asked each singer, “what’s the highest note you’ve ever sung in front of a live audience?” And then he had them sing half a step higher.

Tommee used to be a worship leader. Then his career morphed into producing music for movies and TV. One day Tommee wondered what would happen if he merged the epic and dramatic orchestration of cinematic music with his fresh interpretation of classic Christmas hymns and songs. The result was incredible.

Julie and I watched The Birth of a King online, and we couldn’t get enough. So last winter I bought tickets to the 2025 live production. It was performed before a sold-out audience at the huge Bridgestone Arena in downtown Nashville this past Sunday night.

I bought the tickets to surprise Julie, to be honest. In addition to being burned out on concerts, I am also somewhat of a bah humbug with Christmas music. I O’D’d on that over the many years of All-Christmas-Music at the radio stations where I worked.

But Sunday night was different.

It started with a children’s choir.

There was a live orchestra, a band, and a huge choir. There was haze and intelligent lighting.

Tommee Profitt sat out front at a grand piano in his hoodie and cap and one by one, some of his friends, who happen to be among the best singers in the World, came out and blew the doors off the Bridgestone.

Tommee, seeing his longtime dream of bringing his music to this venue, alternately beamed like a kid on Christmas morning…and cried like one who couldn’t quite comprehend or process this incredible moment.

Each song was a masterpiece, with an arrangement and instruments and voices that told a story and honored The Story. The greatest one ever told.

I leaned over to Julie after the first song and whispered, “It was worth coming to Nashville just for that song.” I had that thought after every performance.

Somebody once told Rich Mullins that they really felt the Holy Spirit on the second chorus of one of his songs. Supposedly Rich thanked them and said, “But I think it was really the kick drum.”

There are plenty of ways singers and musicians can manipulate an audience, and they often do. Even on Sunday morning during worship.

But Sunday night was different.

A humble composer and pianist. World class singers backed with a live orchestra and choir, and pushed to the higher range of their gifting, and familiar songs reimagined by a genius and divine inspiration…it was magical.

They’re doing two nights next December. We already bought our tickets.

I had kind of lost my love for live music until I experienced The Birth of a King. I am so grateful to have been there.

Sunday night was different.

—

Here’s a sample from last year’s concert: