August 18, 2009

Summer vacation has ended for the most part in Nashville, Tennessee and kids are back in school full time, football has started (go Titans!), and although the days are still long and hot, it won't be too much longer before we feel the first hint of fall in the air.

Feels like the perfect time to recap the summer and give an update on the fall activities...

This summer was dominated by a few key events.  The first one was the incredible Challenge America event at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.  It was truly a spectacular night and an incredible launch for the Challenge America team.  Just last week, Amy and Vince traveled to Aspen for the annual golf tournament they host for Challenge Aspen and they were able to talk to the newly formed Challenge America Board and hear about all of the exciting connections, invitations, and developments that have happened since the June 8th concert.  More than anything, it is amazing and inspiring for Amy and Vince to hear of the lives that are being touched by this initiative which reaches out to our returning wounded war veterans and tries to help welcome them home.  For more information on how you can be involved, feel free to visit the Challenge America website here.

The other huge event of the summer was the family trip to Africa.  Exploring Africa with her children has been a longtime dream of Amy's and yet I don't think she had any idea going into the trip just how much of an impact it would make on her and on each one of the kids.  I think they all came back changed for the better and it will be interesting to see how those changes take hold and morph in the months to come.  One result of the trip for Amy is that it completely re-energized her relationship and commitment to Compassion International.  She is so excited to explore the relationship with Compassion and how she can be used to help further their cause to help children and families in need all across the world.  Feel free to visit Compassion International 

Now that those two monumental events are over and summer is drawing to a close, Amy is shifting gears (in her very slow Amy fashion!) back toward songwriting and recording.  She will head back in to the studio to put down a few more songs in the next couple of weeks.  We have purposely kept the fall performance schedule very light in order to keep her focused on new music. 

Speaking of schedule, here is a general idea of what the rest of the year looks like in terms of Amy's performances, appearances and charitable activities (some of this has already been posted or mentioned in message boards):

September 9 -  Amy will help host the Grammy Salute to Vince Gill in Nashville, TN. 
September 11 - Amy concert in Peachtree, GA.
September 15 - Amy and Vince photo shoot for Good Housekeeping (Feb 2010 issue)
September 16 - Amy performance for a private event at Opryland Hotel
September 17 & 18 - Amy attends the dedication of the newly remodeled Amy Grant Room at The Target House at St. Jude Hospital in Memphis, TN
September 26 - Amy's performance for the Extraordinary Woman conference in Roanoke, VA
October 3 & 4 - Amy participation in the "Jack & Back" fundraiser for MS (t)
October 12 - Amy's performance in a Gospel Music Association benefit concert in Nashville TN
October 24 - Amy's 2nd Annual "Yard Sale" at David Lipscomb University
November 4 - Amy's participation at a Theta Luncheon in Oklahoma City
November 9 - Amy's participation at a benefit at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN
November 11 - Amy helps the Red Cross kick off their Holiday Heroes program in Washington DC
November 18 - Amy and Vince receive the Massey Leadership Award from the Mental Health Association of Middle Tennessee at Lowe's Vanderbilt Plaza in Nashville, TN
December 1 - Amy participates in the annual "Lighting of the Green" at David Lipscomb University

It promises to be a busy and rewarding fall.  Oh, and for those of you who have asked or are wondering, Amy and Vince have decided not to do a Christmas tour this year.  Perhaps 2010? 

More to come,

Jen

Comments

[Nadine Sterner]

Jen,

Do you have any idea what time the soundcheck will be for the 9/11 concert in Peachtree City?

[Cristy]

Yes, I was wondering the same thing about the sound check time in Peachtree City, Nadine... I need to find out if I will need someone to pick-up my kids from school...

Also is there a possiblity for a Christmas concert in Nashville or possibly a tour?

[Michelle Gibson]

Okay, now that I've got the ipod, and the itunes, and know how to use them, are there any plans for another EP release sometime soon?

[sfr]

Cristy, right at the end of Jennifer's post, she said that Amy and Vince have decided not to have a Christmas tour this year. Maybe next year.

[Walter Stinson]

Thanks for the great updates Jen. Hope you are well.

[Greg]

Yes, thank you for the update. Sad to here no Christmas Tour this year. Guess we know what is on my wish list for 2010. :)