Artist finds inspiration in unexpected places

The Capital-Journal

Traveling across 20 of these United States on a 45-city fall concert tour gives a person time to think -- to ponder, meditate and even pray.

So said Mitch McVicker in an interview via cell phone last week as he motored with bandmates Brad Layher and Joe Curet in a 15-passenger van across New Jersey en route to Harrisburg, Pa.

McVicker, 34, will be in concert at 7 p.m. today at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 1701 S.W. Collins. Admission is free and an offering will be received.

He also will perform at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Berryton United Methodist Church's Family Life Center, 7010 S.E. Berryton Road. Admission is $5 at the door.

While McVicker misses being home in Atlanta with his wife and kids, he said life on the road continues to be something he enjoys.

"When I'm not doing this," he said, "I think I get a little stir crazy."
 

IN CONCERT

While in Topeka, McVicker will spend a few off days with his parents, Doug and Wendee McVicker.
On the recording front, McVicker has just released a six-song extended play CD with another 14-song project ready to go.

Far from being only a songfest, McVicker's concerts allow the Topeka-born artist to share some of his unique insights on life and faith.

McVicker, who shared the 1999 Dove Award for song of the year with the late Rich Mullins for "My Deliverer," said he finds bits of inspiration in unexpected places on the road.

On a recent trip to New York City on a day off, McVicker stopped by St. Patrick's Cathedral. There, he saw a station in the cathedral commemorating St. Bernard, who was dubbed "the Sweet Honey Preacher."

"He didn't so much want to use words to expound upon things," McVicker said. "He wanted to touch hearts."

McVicker said he will endeavor to hold onto that sentiment for at least the next few weeks as he travels down the highways of America, including one that leads him back to his hometown.