Grace United Church of Christ, an Open and Affirming church, is excited to invite you to an evening of music and song with Bobby Jo Valentine! Grace UCC is sponsoring the event, and the Flemington Presbyterian Church (10 East Main Street) has been so gracious in donating their Fellowship Hall for this event.
Friday, August 9, 6:30 light fare (sandwiches and soft drinks), 7:00 pm concert [the parking lot is accessed from East Main Street, not North Main Street]
No charge, but free will offerings accepted (suggested donation, $10/person)
Here’s a little bit about the artist:
Bobby Jo Valentine: Songwriter and Poet
LISTENER, STORYTELLER, SEEKER, STUDENT
Bobby Jo Valentine is an explorative, hopeful, spiritual, queer artist who strives to makes music and poetry that is good medicine for everyone. Bobby Jo has won multiple awards for his songwriting, given a Tedx Talk, and is a believer in the soft and steady power of tiny everyday acts of love to heal our world.
His new book "Your True Name" is a collection of 112 stories, poems, and lyrics around coming home to yourself, and his new album "The Thing About a Heart" explores human behavior and belonging in our confusing modern world. When he's not touring the country extensively, he lives in Portland, Oregon with his husband Tim and his puppy Tater Tot.
HOPEFUL MYSTIC, GROUNDED POET
Bobby Jo Valentine’s music exists outside the lines of any genre, but the music’s thoughtful, spirit focused lyrics and catchy melodies reach listeners across all walks of life. The poetic nature and spiritual focus of his stories and songs has resulted in notable awards and a growing, loyal following around the country. He’s found a voice with original, hopeful songs about the gentle everyday spiritual awakenings of an openhearted life.
Growing up and emerging out of a Baptist Church of strict lines and sharp edges, Bobby Jo Valentine has emerged into a larger, kinder, more welcoming faith…one that is excited to learn, open to growth, and focused on love.
Along with theatres, house concerts, and many other kinds of stages, Bobby is often invited to offer his stories and songs at faith communities around the nation. Among others, he has been invited to perform for The Wild Goose Festival, the international Emerge Conference, and the 2017 General Synod of the United Church of Christ. His music has won Song of the Year twice at West Coast Songwriter’s Association, and his work has appeared on radio, TV, and feature films. He has performed artist residencies, hosted songwriting workshops, and been involved in helping communities of all types use their spaces and voice in more creative and powerful ways.
Bobby currently hails from Portland, Oregon, and is ecstatic any time he can discuss the big questions, challenge the easy answers, and inspire people to move closer to love.