makes me wanna sing

I've got two more friends heading off to the mission field. They've been planning this for quite some time, and have taken many lengthy short-term trips while they've been raising support. Support is a tough thing to deal with for missionaries. It's very sad that God calls and it takes years to prepare to go.
So tonight some friends of mine held a fund-raising, mission support, get-them-to-eastern Europe-more quickly tribute to our 80s music influences concert. Many were involved – about 15 guitarists, drummers, singers, keyboard players, etc., so the mix of personnel on stage was constantly changing. There was also a good turnout to hear tunes that we haven't heard in 20 years. Actually, I doubt that many people there had EVER heard these tunes. Back in the 80s, Christian rock was WAY on the fringes. Consider the song by the 77s, "outskirts". Mike Roe and company were there already. Any 80s Christian rockers out there? Tonight we heard covers by The 77s, Steve Taylor, The Call, Adam Again, Keaggy, U2, Stryper, King's X, The Altar Boys, even Petra and Smitty (and Rocket Town never sounded so good and gutsy).
I gotta say that this was one of the most fun musical experiences I've had in a good long time – especially from the audience. I was proud to be reminded that there are tons of people in this town who CAN PLAY. There are scores of local bands here. Even scores of local Christian bands. But mostly it is just cool (maybe even necessary) to have a band. Playing and making music don't seem to be all that important, but being in a band sure is. It's ironic that the best players don't play in bands. Or maybe they have some friends with whom they get together when the mood strikes and set up a gig and go play. They aren't courting labels or shopping their product around. Most of them remember 80s music first hand. Most of the bands in town have some polished, over-practiced, same-every-time songs. These guys have some chops.
Anyway, I'll quit bragging on my buds. I just felt like I'd visited a festival gathering in some large city, but nope, it was just here in our own subterranean café. Wish ya coulda been there.