I finally bought a tripod so I could capture some video clips of what I do at senior communities. We have a good time! Especially when I get to partner up with my good friend Kris, who really knows how to introduce a performer! Here’s some highlights from a recent show! … More Diamond Cat Highlights
“Every pastor should carry a harmonica,” the woman said to me after my show Monday. I don’t know about that, but perhaps every pastor should have a side-hustle that’s a healthy escape from the heavier tasks of ministry, another way to share the love and joy of Christ. Mine happens to include wearing a harmonica … More “Every Pastor Should Carry a Harmonica”
Looking for something to do as a family on Black Friday and trying to avoid the shopping malls? I’m performing live music with my son, Peter, and buddy Jared King at Bobbing Bobber Brewing Company in Hutchinson from 12:30-3:30, for their “Bloody Black Friday.” Come relax with your in-laws as the Thanksgiving turkey settles, or use this to escape them. … More LIVE MUSIC: Black Friday at Bobbing Bobber
I bought a “new” vintage guitar – a restored 1949 Gibson LG-2 acoustic, and it sounds great! In today’s podcast episode, I talk about “incarnational spirituality” and how God delights in working in and through ordinary objects like dirty handkerchiefs and old wooden guitars. Then Doug and Sara discuss an old piece I wrote reflecting on life and faith through the metaphor of music and Willie Nelson’s old guitar “Trigger.” … More Podcast #211 – Vintage Guitars & Incarnational Spirituality
An American song on this holiday weekend. … More “America” (Simon & Garfunkel)
I’m still struggling to explain my pastoral life to others these days, and still feel insecure or guilty some days that I’m not slaving away 50 or 60 hours inside a church building all week, running programs and leading teams, etc. I’m more of a freewheelin’ pastor bringing the music of the Freewheelin’ Dylan to seniors these days. But I sneak in a sermon or two in the process. … More The Freewheelin’ Pastor
This is one of my favorite and very early Johnny Cash songs, first recorded in 1958. Look for the version of Johnny singing this with Bob Dylan around 1969. … More #SaturdaySong – “I Still Miss Someone”
“This show is very personal,” I said stepping onto stage wearing a black cowboy shirt with white cowboy hat. “We’re going on a 75 minute journey through the country hits of the 20th century, but more personally, a trip into my childhood memories.” This summer I’m playing the soundtrack of my childhood – literally – with the help of my little cowgirl, Abby. … More Precious Memories
Abby has been obsessed with this Dolly song for weeks, and she performed it recently at the Country Jam at the Gillespie Center. The mornings I drive her to the bus stop, she practices it in the car while we wait. Here’s us rough cut from the Cavern with Peter experimenting on the drums. I dig Abby’s dance moves. … More #SaturdaySong – “Here You Come Again”
Here’s Abby and I goofing around in our Music Cavern, doing a rough first take on “Jackson” as part of our classic country set we’re putting together. My first full show is this coming Monday in Eden Prairie. Making good memories! We recorded a few others, so look forward to more #SaturdaySongs in coming weeks. … More #SaturdaySong – “Jackson”
One ways I bring a bit the gospel to my audiences is to perform two songs by Kris Kristofferson back to back, and let the lyrics do the preaching. The first song, “Sunday Morning Coming Down,” portrays a lonely man’s existential search, while the second, “Why Me, Lord?” celebrates finding faith and grace. But do you know the fascinating story behind “Sunday Morning”? … More Sunday Morning Coming Down
This spring and summer I am putting together an old classic country set to perform at senior residences and other venues. The highlight has been getting Abby (10) involved and watching her embrace old Dolly Parton songs such as “Jolene” and “Here You Come Again.” Come see us May 14 at the Gillespie Center’s “Country Jam.” … More Classic Country Show
I made a silent vow to myself a few years ago to spend the money and miss seeing “bucket list” musical legends when they come to town. So, I have a little slush fund of “gig” cash hidden away in one of my books, and I’ve been dipping into it recently. In the past few weeks, I saw two 83-year old legends — Bob Dylan and Paul Simon. … More Pure Art, No Frills
Here’s a rough cut, first attempt at a newer song. A powerful message and charge to keep laboring for the LORD, and to “not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we shall reap a harvest if we do not give up and quit” (Gal. 6:9). I like the rough unpolished vocal for the message of this song, just as Jesus graciously works in and through our rough and unpolished lives. … More #SaturdaySong – “My Labour Is Not In Vain”
We celebrated Easter this year under the shadow of disease and death. We sang victory songs nearer to the tomb than usual. Jesus’ grave is empty, but we will someday be lowered into ours — at least temporarily. I used to visit a cemetery early on Easter morning before showing up at church to proclaim God’s victory over the grave. It’s good to stare death in the face before you go on stage to publicly announce its humiliation and defeat! … More Swedish Pancakes By the Empty Tomb
MainStreet Covenant once again took our Easter service on the road to bless seniors with resurrection hope! This year we did two services at Lake Minnetonka Shores, and was extra special as all three of my kids participated in the service. Peter on the piano, Abby singing, and Isaak reading Scripture. For the message, I did a dramatic reading of my short story, “The Naked Truth About Easter.” Here’s a highlight video. … More Easter 2025 Highlight Video
Here’s an artsy video snippet of one of my favorite Bob Dylan songs we covered at our recent show. I find great joy listening to Peter’s happy piano in the background, and don’t miss Jared’s wink on the drums at the beginning. We’re having fun. … More I Want You
The local newspaper ran a piece on my 20 years of hometown ministry and upcoming music debut at the Spring Fling concert fundraiser at the Gillespie Center on April 5. Check it out! … More Making Local News
I’m like a kid in a candy shop these days, living out some teenager’s dream of forming a band and preparing to play our first gig. I’m certainly blessed to have musically gifted friends (and their kids!). Let me introduce the band and share a peek into our first rehearsal this past weekend! … More Introducing the Band and a Promo Video
Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind” poses profound questions about humanity’s struggles such as war and oppression. Its refrain suggests that answers are elusive—perhaps nearby or forever outside our grasp. I have begun to sing this song in a more redemptive key lately. At my Bob Dylan show this week, after the last note on the harmonica faded into applause, asked if perhaps Jesus told us the answer that is blowing in the wind. … More What’s Really Blowin’ in the Wind?
I recently saw “A Complete Unknwown,” a film about Bob Dylan in theaters. The film starring talented Timothee Chalamet has inspired a fun new project in the works to kick of the new year. Let me share what I have in the works, and a few thoughts on this film. … More A Simple Twist of Faith
Okay, here’s the deal. You may need a break from the mad rush of the season. My son Peter (13) and I will be performing an acoustic Christmas concert of sorts in the beautiful lakeside chapel at St. Martin’s this SUNDAY, DEC. 22 @ 5PM. We invite you to come and enjoy an hour of serenity, music and storytelling. … More Evening of Music & Storytelling
This week’s #SaturdayMorningSong is “Danny Boy” written by Frederic Weatherly in 1910, and set to the traditional Irish melody of “Londonderry Air” in 1913. The ballad has proved irresistible to some of the biggest names in music is a song of love and loss – a lament for those missing home and each other. … More #SaturdaySong – “Danny Boy”
This #SaturdayMorningSong is one I learned and recently performed at a funeral. Here’s a rough cut video of me rehearsing it in the gallery loft at St. Martin’s By the Lake. … More #SaturdaySong – “Jealous of the Angels”
In this episode of The Anchor Podcast I give a personal update touching on life, ministry, identity, left brain vs. right brain, seasonal depression and my latest musical adventures. I discuss my new wandering lifestyle as a hometown troubadour and conclude that the bumper sticker is true: Not all who wander are lost. Some wander with a purpose. … More Podcast #175 – Wandering on Purpose
Jeremy Berg 