A sneak peek of my new album coming soon. The album is a coming of age odyssey of spiritual awakening and young love. Two romances unfold in simple, unpretentious lyrics that reveal my new found faith in college. Silly, sappy love songs tell the story of falling in love with Keri. Plus a few new songs from a more travel weary, middle aged troubadour with plenty of life’s mud on his boots. … More New Album Teaser
Here’s a complete show I recently performed at Beacon Hill. I often sneak in a mini-sermon. In this show I performed Neil Diamond’s song “Play Me” and shared a personal testimony saying, “Since giving my life to Christ I have tried to be an instrument in God’s hands, to let God use my time, talents and treasure for His purposes. In a word, to let God play me.” Check it out! … More Full Concert: Diamond Cat
I could write for days about the deep appreciation Keri, the kids and I have for Dolly Parton. But I wouldn’t know where to start or where to end. I’ll just keep singing her songs and sharing them with others. But I think Dolly’s universal appeal and peerless winsomeness had a lot to do with … … More A Tribute to Dolly Parton
Enjoy a glimpse of what happens in our garage every once in a while. My 11-year old Abby was bringing it! … More Daddy-Daughter Garage Jam
The Anchor Podcast has been quiet for a long time, but today I dropped a special midsummer episode. I share a brief personal update on my ministry, book project, and new album of original songs I’m recording. After a fascinating “Deep Dive” on one of my spiritual heroes, E. A. Skogsbergh, I share a sneak peek of a new song from my album. You don’t want to miss that teaser! … More Podcast Special: A Spiritual Hero & An Original New Song Teaser
My musical talent comes from my mom’s side. Mom is rusty now, but was a fine piano player and would occasionally dazzle us with the accordion. But Dad had a guitar tucked away that we occasionally beg him to pull out. Whenever he brought it out, Dad had one go-to song he would, ahem, attempt to play: “Wildwood Flower.” … More “Wildwood Flower”
We had a great time Saturday night performing for friends and family! Nothing better than making music with your kids, and these kids can rock. Highlights included debuting an original song based on a poem I wrote after my first date with Keri some 23 years ago, and bringing tears to a few eyes playing Ben Rector’s “The Richest Man in the World.” Here’s a highlight video! … More Spring Fling ’26 Highlight Video
Saturday night my friend Jared King and I will be performing at the Gillespie Center’s Spring Fling fundraiser from 7:00-9:30 in Mound, MN. This is fun on many levels, but the best part is making music with our kids. Let me introduce the band and then please come cheer them on Saturday at 7PM at the Gillespie Center in Mound. … More Live Concert Tomorrow!
Three days before Buddy Holly’s tragic plane crash, a teenage Bob Dylan saw one of his idols perform at the Duluth Armory. Reflecting on that moment, Dylan recalls feeling a spiritual connection that changed him. Jeremy visits the Armory, inspired by this legacy and the need for positive role models, drawing parallels with the biblical story of Elijah and Elisha. … More Passing the Torch
Enjoy this medley of Cat Stevens songs from my recent “Diamond Cat” show, and come see me with full band on April 18 at the Gillespie Center in Mound at 7pm. Song medley: “Wild World” (1970); “Here Comes My Baby” (1966); “The First Cut is the Deepest” (1965); “Peace Train” (1971) … More #SaturdaySong – Cat Stevens Medley
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
