On The Road Again: Dumfries and Alexandria, VA

Just checking in from the road; I’ve been sitting at a Panera Bread all afternoon catching up on email and doing the tedious, yet strangely settling, tasks that go along with being on tour.

I flew in to DC on Wednesday (my first flight ever on Independence Air), grabbed a rental car, and promptly got lost in traffic. Thankfully, my wife helped me get back on track using Google Maps (oh Mapquest, why did you mislead me?), and I was soon in Dumfries, VA for a house concert. Folks gathered for pizza and subs beforehand, and we moved to the dining room (with nice reverberant hardwood floors) for the concert. Most seemed unfamiliar with the songs, but patiently listened and sang along when it came time. I headed to my hotel shortly after 10pm, and at 10:14 pm I saw a jogger running happily down the sidewalk. Strange. Thanks to Clint from Pillar Church for bringing me in and for the brunch and conversation at Cracker Barrel the next morning.

Dumfries setlist:
And Can It Be
Jesus Everlasting King
His Love Can Never Fail
O Come And Mourn
Thou Lovely Source of True Delight
All I Owe
Let Us Love And Sing And Wonder
Jesus I Come
What Wondrous Love Is This
My Lord I Did Not Choose You
Free Grace
**Q&A**
Jesus, What A Friend For Sinners
Come Ye Sinners
‘Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus
Be Thou My Vision

Yesterday afternoon I arrived in Alexandria, VA and met up with Doug (the promoter) and his wife and joined them and another couple for dinner at Carlyle Grand Café. Three words: Pecan-Encrusted Trout. Two more words: cous-cous.

I started the concert at Alexandria Presbyterian a little late (sorry folks), and had a good time (I was melting on stage for the first few songs, and a fan magically appeared to cool me off—thanks Magic Fan Guy!). Afterwards, I hung around the CD table talking to people while we all munched on baked goods. Driving back to the hotel, I noticed another jogger—this time at 10:48pm. The plot thickens.

Thanks to Doug and everyone who helped last night, it was truly a joy. Your kindness is very much appreciated.

Alexandria setlist:
Come Ye Sinners
And Can It Be
O Come And Mourn
His Love Can Never Fail
Thou Lovely Source Of True Delight
All I Owe
Let Us Love And Sing And Wonder
Jesus I Come
What Wondrous Love Is This
My Lord I Did Not Choose You
Free Grace
**Q&A**
Jesus, What A Friend For Sinners
O Love That Will Not Let Me Go
On Jordan’s Stormy Banks
Be Thou My Vision

I love this area of the country, with its beautiful homes and kind people, but I am concerned about the joggers. You see, it seems that DC commuters work very long hours, augmented by a few hours stuck in traffic every day, so the only time they have to get exercise is late at night. I wonder when they sleep?

Listening in iTunes: Jars of Clay – Furthermore: From The Studio