tag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:/blogs/news?p=6News2023-12-08T12:44:24-06:00ericandpollyrapp.comfalsetag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/73165062023-12-08T12:44:24-06:002023-12-08T12:51:37-06:00Back on KCHK's "Live Musician Fridays"<p>Our second appearance on LMF features <span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">a few seasonal tunes, some of Eric's newer songs, some favorite covers, and assorted selections from our CD recordings. This video is of Eric's song “Bluebird, You Missed Me.” You can hear the whole program (minus a lot of birthday announcements, obituaries, contests, and commercials) at </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://kchkradio.net/live-musician-friday-12-9-23-with-eric-and-polly-rapp/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">this link</span></a><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">.</span><br><br><a class="no-pjax" href="https://fb.watch/oP53pkYDoO/" data-link-type="url" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/392113/d4ec70f2403c56ed12a0d22c375ffcee4e0b9a5c/original/lmf-2023-12-08.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/73055872023-11-18T10:32:01-06:002023-12-06T10:44:36-06:00Stickers!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/392113/caf14334008c1ee5a1b1a9269f33d7a4d565611b/original/sticker-p1150102-square.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_left border_" />Stickers are in! We have just the perfect decoration for your instrument case, notebook, water bottle, laptop, etc. Our vinyl stickers are waterproof, 3" in diameter, and feature Eric's Martin guitar and Polly's T.K. O'Brien mountain dulcimer. Just 50 cents in person or with any CD order (+66 cents postage if ordered separately).</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/73033692023-11-12T23:30:00-06:002023-11-13T22:54:54-06:00First time at Minnesota Songwriter Showcase<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/392113/75e65b6b41028a48d6ddab7dc8cd37e80c974e95/original/mn-songwriter-showcase-round.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_left border_" />The <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.facebook.com/MNsongwritershowcase" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Minnesota Songwriter Showcase</a> is an open-mic that has been taking place in St. Paul for approximately 18 years, now at two different places and times. Sunday is 9-midnight at Plum's Neighborhood Grill & Bar, and since we were celebrating our anniversary in the city, we inquired about getting into the lineup. Although the list is usually filled a week in advance, host Nick Hensley had a few openings as of Saturday and was kind enough to fit us in. Each artist does two songs and has the option of including the house backup musicians--in this case Nick Salisbury on bass guitar, Mike Michel on electric guitar, and Ryan Inselman on percussion. After hearing their excellent work with the acts before us, we decided to have them play with us, and it was a blast. “Don't Forget about Me” and “Bluebird, You Missed Me” never sounded so good! Several artists complimented us after our set, and we enjoyed many of the other performers as well--very talented bunch. If it weren't an hour away from home, we'd definitely make it a habit. Check it out sometime if you're in the area on a Sunday night (just not next week, because the Vikings have a night game). Or on Wednesdays head to the Aster Cafe in Minneapolis starting at 7:30 PM.</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/73006432023-11-08T13:21:35-06:002023-12-06T10:44:36-06:00Upcoming radio appearance--December 8<p>We'r<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/392113/85fb26220cc8b2618be0971e254db6bd8d337978/original/kchk-lmf-logo.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_left border_" />e going to be on “Live Musician Friday” again at KCHK Radio, New Prague, Minnesota! This show will include a few Christmas tunes and might just earn us a spot on next year's Christmas sampler CD. The show airs from around 7:00-9:30 AM (Central) and can be heard locally on 95.5 FM and 1350 AM or <a class="no-pjax" href="https://streamdb6web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KCHK" data-link-type="url">streamed live</a>. It's also recorded (without most of the commercials) and posted on the <a class="no-pjax" href="https://kchkradio.net/category/podcasts/lmf/" data-link-type="url">LMF page</a>, so you can check it out at your leisure if you can't listen live. </p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/72707692023-08-16T21:00:00-05:002023-10-16T09:54:38-05:00Mayer Market in the Fieldhouse<p>Normally, the Mayer Market is held outdoors, in the north parking lot of Mayer Lutheran High School. But on this occasion, winds gusting around 30 mph prompted a move of vendors and music into the spacious fieldhouse--which has the added benefit of air conditioning. The show went on (with a new sound system), and a good time was had by all, if we do say so ourselves. Always so much fun to share our music with a live audience! The promised rain even held off until we'd packed all our gear back in the car to head home.</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/72514022023-08-02T21:00:00-05:002023-09-08T22:30:10-05:00It was a hot Family Night at the Park<p>For our Le Sueur show, August provided a 90-degree evening, which proved to be a bit much for our new (small, secondhand) PA system, which started cutting out on us midway through our three hours. Time for an upgrade…. Next show in two weeks--August 16, 5:00-7:00 PM at the Mayer Market & More.</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/72439512023-07-18T21:17:39-05:002023-09-08T22:31:03-05:00Wonderful evening at the roll-in<p>Well, our first big summer show is a wrap. Two hours of music on a beautiful summer evening where we could watch classic cars (and motorcycles) roll by. The Henderson Classic Car Roll-In is amazing, and we were delighted to be part of it this year. It's always a joy to be able to share our music with a new audience, and when there are little ones too, so fun to see them dance or come up and look. Great times. If you missed our show, it's only two weeks until your next opportunity--August 2 at “Family Night in the Park” in Le Sueur, MN, 5:00-8:00 PM.</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/72308182023-06-22T16:07:27-05:002023-07-08T11:23:35-05:00Just added: show at Mayer Market & More--Wednesday, August 16, 5:00-7:00 PM<p>We're <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/392113/c314faee2334a73e838e2f3ff67a07c7f42c21b6/original/image.png/!!/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.png" class="size_l justify_left border_" />excited to be part of a new community event in Mayer, Minn., on the campus of Mayer Lutheran High School. Join us Wednesday, August 16, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, for music, food truck, vendors, kids' activities, and more. Every week is different, and admission is free. The market itself begins at 4:00, and we'll be launching the music at 5:00. Come on out for a great time!<br> </p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/72032582023-05-04T22:12:00-05:002023-05-04T23:28:38-05:00A couple of summer shows<p>We have a few special dates on our calendar this summer. On Tuesday July 18 we will be performing at the Henderson, MN, Classic Car Roll-In from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. See classic vehicles and hear classic old-timey music! On Wednesday August 2 we will be performing for Family Night at the Park (Legion Park) in Le Sueur, MN, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. We're very family-friendly. :) Hope to see you at one or both events!</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/72032852023-05-01T23:00:00-05:002023-11-13T22:16:34-06:0020-year anniversary for our CD debut<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/392113/c08110b309b5fe7808d8334d66a2e2bb16d034e7/original/cd1coverscan.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_left border_" />Can you believe it? This month marks the 20th anniversary of our debut CD, <a class="no-pjax" href="/i-ll-remember-you-love-in-my-prayers" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="I'll Remember You, Love, in My Prayers"><i>I'll Remember You, Love, in My Prayers</i></a><i>.</i> Four originals, four cover songs, and four traditional songs on this modest little project the two of us recorded at our friend Dan Hazlett's HomeStreet Studio. We took the cover photo at Eric's folks' farm outside of Mt. Gilead, Ohio. Sold the first copy the day before we led workshops at the Paint Creek Folklore Society's May Play Day event. Lost a bunch of the CD inserts to water damage when our Minnesota basement flooded in 2014. There's been a lot of water under the bridge--if you'll pardon the expression--since that May day in 2003. And lots of fond memories. We still have some copies--have you gotten yours yet?</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/72000622023-04-29T22:30:09-05:002023-05-04T23:28:38-05:00Blast from the past<p>This week I unearthed a VHS video of us playing our first paid gig, back in 1998 in Birmingham, Michigan, at a now-defunct coffee shop called Barista. I was able to digitize it with our DVD/VHS dubbing player, and I've pulled a couple of songs from it to share on our <a class="no-pjax" href="https://vimeo.com/channels/ericandpollyrapp" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Vimeo channel</a>. Check out <a class="no-pjax" href="https://vimeo.com/822395227?share=copy" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">“Swallowed”</a> and <a class="no-pjax" href="https://vimeo.com/822399301?share=copy" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">“Briefly It Enters, and Briefly Speaks.”</a><a data-link-type="url"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/392113/a375bde35829903ed6c7d49f0828e29fd10c0b34/original/swallowed-frame.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/71559582023-02-17T12:48:10-06:002023-02-18T14:19:31-06:00Our full KCHK "Live Musician Fridays" podcast<p>This morning we enjoyed getting to play about an hour and a half of music live on the radio from the studio of KCHK 95.5 FM/1350 AM in New Prague, Minnesota. You can hear the full show <a class="no-pjax" href="https://kchkradio.net/live-musician-friday-2-17-23-with-eric-and-polly-rapp/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">here</a>, without most of the advertising, birthday announcements, giveaways, etc.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/392113/b1f6cecee36f7b1b1bc48edcd97fa570ba10ce74/original/2023-02-17-lmf-both.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/71565772023-02-17T10:00:00-06:002023-02-18T14:19:31-06:00"You Came to Me" on "Live Musician Fridays"<p>The Facebook segment from our "Live Musician Fridays" appearance on KCHK radio, New Prague, Minnesota:<br><a class="no-pjax" href="https://fb.watch/iMWwnxqaFD/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/392113/aedf62d4032875495b5ca3333962fdf36759b00d/original/image.png/!!/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/71482472023-02-02T22:00:00-06:002023-05-04T22:19:00-05:00Open mic at Henderson RoadHaus<p>Tonight we visited a relatively new (since last fall, I believe) open mic at the Henderson RoadHaus, hosted by "Farmer Josh" Reinitz. The RoadHaus has two rooms--a restaurant and a bar--and the open mic is in the bar. After Josh's set of mostly originals featuring deft flatpicking, we were on for a 20-minute set. We haven't had a lot of opportunities to play out lately, so it was a really nice night. Check it out sometime! It's the first Thursday of the month, 7-9:00 PM (or thereabouts), in Henderson, Minnesota.</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/71460982023-01-30T22:11:03-06:002023-02-03T11:53:13-06:00Upcoming radio appearance--February 17<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/392113/85fb26220cc8b2618be0971e254db6bd8d337978/original/kchk-lmf-logo.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_none" alt="" />We're delighted to be able to make a live appearance on the local radio feature "Live Musician Fridays" on KCHK, 95.5 FM, out of New Prague, Minnesota. Originally a showcase for polka bands, this show has branched out into a variety of acoustic music and has been airing weekly since August of 2012! If you're in the listening area, tune in between 7 and 9:30 AM and catch some tunes with us. If you're out of area, check out the livestream <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://streamdb6web.securenetsystems.net/v5/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KCHK">here</a>--just remember we're on Central Time.</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/70094942022-07-01T10:00:00-05:002023-12-06T00:28:53-06:00New song based on an old poem: "Don't Think It's Over"<p>Inspiration came in the form of a poem by nineteenth-century abolitionist writer Harriet Beecher Stowe, "<a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/158051/think-not-all-is-over" target="_blank" data-link-type="url" contents="Think Not All Is Over">Think Not All Is Over</a>." Here's Eric's version, "<a class="no-pjax" href="https://youtu.be/SShRfFlc6Zs" target="_blank" data-link-type="url" contents=""Don't Think It's Over,"">Don't Think It's Over</a>," in an informal home recording.</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/69608162022-04-30T15:39:56-05:002023-05-04T22:20:54-05:00New hymn recording for Good Shepherd Sunday<p><br><span class="text-small"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/392113/d2adbb22d0c4c794e375fa5efd08d0d07d6b7bc2/original/good-shepherd-gute-hirt.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" alt="Good Shepherd" /></span></p><p>We're a bit behind in updating the website, but we have uploaded a new hymn we did a rough recording of for the third Sunday of Easter, Good Shepherd Sunday: <a class="no-pjax" href="/track/3067134/the-king-of-love-my-shepherd-is" target="_blank" data-link-type="track" contents="The King of Love My Shepherd Is">The King of Love My Shepherd Is</a>. It's a lovely Irish tune with words adapted from Psalm 23. Let us know if you'd like us to do more hymns!</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/64096242020-08-13T21:25:00-05:002020-08-14T13:23:23-05:00New song--"Beautiful Here"<p><a contents="Here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://vimeo.com/447900767" target="_blank">Here'</a>s a kind of COVID-19 song Eric wrote while on vacation. This one is not autobiographical.</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/64096232020-08-09T21:20:00-05:002023-05-04T22:34:19-05:00New instrumental song--"Pleasant Hill"<p>Now up on <a class="no-pjax" href="https://vimeo.com/channels/ericandpollyrapp" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Vimeo</a> is an <a class="no-pjax" href="https://vimeo.com/447908113" target="_blank" data-link-type="url" contents="instrumental ">instrumental</a> Eric has been playing around with for years. He got to work on it while on our recent vacation and added some structure. He says, "It isn't perfect. For the moment, I'm calling it 'Pleasant Hill.'"</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/63385942020-06-01T16:51:48-05:002023-05-04T22:35:35-05:00YouTube trouble<p>Shortly after we created a YouTube channel, YouTube disabled it "for violating Google's Terms of Service." We can't imagine what the problem is, and they won't even acknowledge our repeated requests for an explanation and restoration of our channel. So we decided to try Vimeo instead. Look for us to occasionally upload videos at <a class="no-pjax" href="https://vimeo.com/ericandpollyrapp" target="_blank" data-link-type="url" contents="https://vimeo.com/ericandpollyrapp">https://vimeo.com/ericandpollyrapp</a>.</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/62746092020-04-07T13:25:36-05:002020-04-07T13:25:36-05:00Direct sales of CDs and--for the first time--song downloads!<p>Since CDBaby is no longer selling CDs for artists, we have set up a Stripe account so we can sell our CDs right here. We also now have the ability to sell downloads of individual songs. Check out our <a contents="Music" data-link-label="Music" data-link-type="page" href="/music">Music</a> pages to see what's available!</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/61025672020-01-14T23:47:36-06:002023-05-04T22:49:42-05:00New web host<p>As of today, our site has moved from Hostbaby to Bandzoogle. We've tried to make sure everything looks right and works as it should, but if you notice any problems, just let us know! We love to hear from you!</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59929382018-10-22T19:00:00-05:002018-10-23T03:27:47-05:00Smalltown Eclectic Fall Festival<p>We played a half-hour set last night at this event in Belle Plaine, Minnesota, which came with pumpkin painting, metal casting, snacks, hot beverages, and a cozy firepit. What a great way to enjoy a mild autumn evening!</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59929372018-09-30T19:00:00-05:002018-10-01T05:17:56-05:00Website facelift<p>After 12 years, our website has undergone a facelift. Hostbaby had been pestering us to move to the new site wizard for some time, and since the old site wasn't behaving properly anymore, we decided it was time to get it done. Let us know how you like the new look!</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59929362018-06-30T19:00:00-05:002018-09-23T16:04:38-05:00Photos and videos from Smalltown Eclectic<p>Smalltown Eclectic has posted <a title="Smalltown Eclectic photos and videos 6-25-2018" href="https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipNLMYlTXlOkpeueNA3LAXj9pH0zd-lk3He_GzL7HhrpmlCTJcusuWSLAfFCnGINhw?key=YTlHYThlOUxIWnFUQ1pwdWs4TjNlTnFpcG5wc0JR">photos and videos</a> from the June 25 open mic we attended. Check it out!</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59929352018-06-25T19:00:00-05:002020-06-14T21:40:06-05:00Open-mic in Belle Plaine<p>Over the past couple years we've mostly been performing at nursing homes, schools, church gatherings, and the like. Last night we visited a local open mic, "Smalltown Eclectic," in a nearby town. Eclectic is definitely the right word! We heard an 11-year-old girl playing fiddle, an older guy playing "Moon River" and "It Was a Very Good Year" on keyboard, some punk, some metal, some movie/tv music, a young man with two good originals on acoustic guitar and harmonica, and a very talented host who accompanied herself beautifully on keyboard on a moving original and a refreshing cover of an old Creedence Clearwater Revival hit that outshone the original. We did a few of our tunes and were well received and look forward to visiting again.</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59929342016-06-13T19:00:00-05:002023-05-04T22:50:47-05:00Hymns<p>While we're mostly known for our blend of folk, country, and country-gospel, we've long had a soft spot in our hearts for hymns--after all, we met in a church choir, right? Now and then since moving to Minnesota we've been enjoying singing them with another married couple in the area, and recently we got an opportunity to record one of them. I had heard of a congregation that was looking for a recording of a new hymn, "Gracious Savior, Grant Your Blessing," for an upcoming wedding. It is a new text by Rev. Stephen Starke on the subject of weddings, set to the old Welsh tune "Hyfrydol," composed by Rowland Prichard. No recordings could be found, so I suggested that perhaps our quartet could record it for them. The result is now <a class="no-pjax" href="http://ats.ericandpollyrapp.com/music-36.html">posted</a> on our Music page, under "Unreleased Songs." We hope you enjoy it.</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59929332013-10-22T19:00:00-05:002023-05-04T22:53:58-05:00We're on the radio in MN<p>This morning I happened to hear our song <a class="no-pjax" href="http://ats.ericandpollyrapp.com/music-15.html">"Ten Ways to Stay in Love"</a> on local public radio station KJGT. Great little station--they play Frank Sinatra next to Steve Miller next to Lady Gaga next to local artists. You just never know what you might hear!</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59929322013-04-29T19:00:00-05:002018-06-26T09:17:21-05:00Moving to Minnesota<p>This summer we will be moving to Green Isle, Minnesota, a small town (population around 550!) a bit west of Minneapolis, where we expect to stay put for at least a few years. We will probably be there by August--look for us at <a href="http://stpaulsgi.webs.com/">St. Paul's Lutheran Church</a>!</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59929312013-01-23T18:00:00-06:002018-06-26T09:17:21-05:0010th anniversary for our first CD!<p>Do you realize this year is the tenth anniversary of the release of our first CD, <em>I'll Remember You, Love, in My Prayers</em>? So much has happened over those years. When we started planning the album, we didn't have a daughter. Now she's in third grade. We belonged to a different congregation and denomination. We lived in a different state. We had different career plans. A bunch of our loved ones were still living who have now left us. But through it all, we've had our music and our musical friends to keep us company. And we've had the One who made us, redeemed us, brought us together, and gave us every good. Definitely worth celebrating.</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59929302013-01-05T18:00:00-06:002018-09-23T15:46:40-05:00Farewell to Dennis Den Hartog - 1948-2013<p>I was sorry to learn this morning of the passing on January 4 of Dennis Den Hartog, who has been running his own small dulcimer shop, Folk Notes, for some 15 years in Fort Wayne. He was a player, a builder, and a teacher as well as a seller, and a couple of years ago I enjoyed a long conversation with him ranging from dulcimers to faith. He lived just around the corner from us for a while, and his unassuming home was as much a treasure trove of instruments as he was a fount of dulcimer knowledge and technique. Since our return to Fort Wayne I had been meaning to find time to visit again...I waited too long. May he rest in peace.</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59929292012-08-12T19:00:00-05:002018-09-23T15:47:13-05:00Back in Fort Wayne!<p>We've completed our third move of the past three years and are looking forward to a slightly more relaxed schedule that might permit us to do more music this year. We'll keep you posted!</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59929272012-01-29T18:00:00-06:002018-09-23T15:47:20-05:00uh--happy new year?!<p>Time does fly--I can't believe January is almost over. Nonmusical activities have been keeping us quite busy these last several months. We've enjoyed some front-porch picking, though, sung at a couple of church services, and hosted a New Year's Eve gospel-sing. There's also been some talk of a possible concert, perhaps in the spring, but nothing is certain yet. We'll let you know when we know more!</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59929262011-05-03T19:00:00-05:002018-09-23T15:47:27-05:00Moving again!<p>As of August, we will be living in Steubenville, Ohio, for a year. Fans in western Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh area), eastern Ohio, and northern West Virginia may have an opportunity to hear us play during that year--we'll keep you posted! One of the nice things about the move is that our travel path from there to Eric's folks' can run through Coshocton, Ohio, home of one of our very favorite music shops--<a href="http://www.wildwoodmusic.com/">Wildwood Music!</a></p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59929242011-01-01T18:00:00-06:002018-09-23T15:47:33-05:00URL change<p>In case you hadn't noticed (we didn't notice it occurring ourselves), you can now reach our site without the "www" in the site name. I suppose it happened in connection with an annual domain name registration renewal, or maybe it's a new standard. The old "www" version still works, too.</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59929252010-12-31T18:00:00-06:002018-09-23T15:47:40-05:00Happy New Year!<p>Good grief, has it really been four months since we posted any news? We're sorry! We've just been a bit busy with other things. The new year looks to be pretty busy with nonmusical activities as well, but perhaps we'll be a little closer to some of you once summer begins...we'll keep you posted!</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59929232010-08-30T19:00:00-05:002018-09-23T15:47:58-05:00Music stores<p>Ok, so it took us a year after moving to Fort Wayne to visit <a href="http://www.sweetwater.com/">Sweetwater Sound,</a> the most highly touted music store in town. When we finally got there, we felt like we were in a mall, not a music store. We almost missed the instrument shop entirely--from the big corridor where we entered, it looked like just a drum shop. Where are the guitars? we wondered. Walking past display windows full of trophies, we found a few digital pianos, indoor amusements, including game tables and two big putting greens, and the café. A small book-and-sheet-music shop was obvious, and the wall map showed where the big auditorium, huge warehouse, conference room, classrooms, and such were located. Turns out that the drum display was the entrance to the instrument area. One small room for acoustic guitars, another small room for electric. Maybe a half-dozen instruments each by several different makers--many mounted so high they could not be lifted down without a ladder. Apparently Sweetwater does most of its business by internet and phone, or you can have a salesperson get stuff from the warehouse for you to look at. That's all right, I guess...kind of a Home Depot for musicians--but it sure isn't the way I shop for instruments! I'd rather drive two hours north to <a href="http://www.elderly.com/welcome.htm">Elderly Instruments,</a> where they have DOZENS of guitars (AND dobros, dulcimers, banjos, mandolins, violins, ukeleles, harps, etc.--none of which were in evidence at Sweetwater) right where you can reach them, and you can try one after another to your heart's content. I guess there just aren't that many folkies around here--Sweetwater seems to cater to the mainstream rock-pop-jazz-blues crowd. I'm sure they do what they do very well--it's just not very pertinent to what WE do. I couldn't even buy single guitar strings to use on my dulcimers...had to go to <a href="http://www.guitarcenter.com/">Guitar Center</a> for that!</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59929222010-05-28T19:00:00-05:002018-09-23T15:48:12-05:00Greater Rochester Heritage Days fun<p>Yes, it was a long day, but a fun one! We left Fort Wayne just before 9:00, had lunch with my sister and folks in the Detroit area, left our daughter with them and headed up to Rochester to play for the Greater Rochester Heritage Days festival. What with some navigational challenges, chat time, set-up, and needing to be ready to clear out at 6:00, we played about three hours altogether. What a treat! We got to see a bunch of old friends and meet new ones--some we'd only "met" online up to then. We might even get invited back next year! Thanks to everyone for coming out and supporting us--it was great to see you. After the festival, we drove on north for a couple lakeside days with my folks, who'd taken Lauren with them. All in all, over six hours' driving and several more sitting around playing music--well worth the drive!</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59929212010-03-26T19:00:00-05:002019-06-29T16:36:52-05:00Dr. Veith Highlights "More Than Enough"<p>Today in his blog <a href="https://www.patheos.com/blogs/geneveith/">Cranach: The Blog of Veith</a> Dr. Gene Edward Veith, Jr., mentioned our song <a href="http://ats.ericandpollyrapp.com/music-26.html">"More than Enough"</a> in his post <a href="https://www.patheos.com/blogs/geneveith/2010/03/songs-about-vocation/">Songs about Vocation.</a> Dr. Veith is the author of 18 books about Christianity and culture, a college professor and provost, and a repeat guest on the radio show <a href="http://www.issuesetc.org">Issues, Etc.</a> We are delighted and flattered that he liked our song and included it in his blog. Interestingly, Eric has had a copy of Dr. Veith's book <em>The Spirituality of the Cross,</em> which includes a chapter on the subject, for a number of years and may have been reading it around the time he was writing the song.</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59929202010-01-21T18:00:00-06:002018-09-23T15:48:24-05:00CD Baby donating profits to Haiti relief<p>CD Baby has announced that starting on Monday, January 25th and continuing for two weeks, they will donate $1 of their cut from every CD sale through their website, and $1 from every download sale over $8.99 on their site, to the American Red Cross and to Mercy Corps, a Portland-based relief organization with a large presence in Haiti. If you're not shopping for CDs right now, you might prefer to donate directly to one of our favorite relief organizations, <a href="http://www.lwr.org/">Lutheran World Relief.</a></p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59929192009-11-12T18:00:00-06:002020-06-14T21:48:15-05:00Ten years!<p>Since our lives and our music are so intertwined, it seems appropriate to note here that Eric and I are celebrating our tenth wedding anniversary tomorrow. Ten years, ten (and more!) ways to stay in love.... We are very blessed and very happy. The first ten brought us a Ph.D., two CDs, a wonderful daughter, and a major move, and I'm sure the Lord has lots more interesting things in store for us in the years to come!</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59929182009-08-04T19:00:00-05:002019-06-29T16:38:23-05:00First public appearance in Fort Wayne<p>Tonight we performed for the first time in Fort Wayne. Just up the road from our house is a coffee shop called the <a href="https://fireflyfw.coffee/">Firefly,</a> and they've been hosting an open-mic on Wednesday nights. Summer attendance being lighter than what they get in the fall and winter, we got to play for half an hour instead of ten minutes. We had fun, we were well received, and as an added bonus, we didn't have to have a babysitter for our daughter! The Firefly's summer open-mic runs 5:30 to 7:30 PM, leaving plenty of time to get Lauren home for bed. Not to mention that the place is just three minutes from home. They're hosting one more open-mic next week before taking a summer break, so we just might show up that night as well. If you're in the area, be sure to stop in and say hi!</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59929172009-07-26T19:00:00-05:002018-09-23T15:48:45-05:00We've moved!<p>We're still in the Midwest, but we've moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana, for a few years. Our email address stays the same, but our new phone number is posted on our <a href="http://ats.ericandpollyrapp.com/contact.html">Contact</a> page.</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59929162009-06-14T19:00:00-05:002018-09-23T15:48:53-05:00Sad news<p>We have just learned that one of the singers who sang on our song "Surprised by Joy" on our CD <em>More Than Enough</em>, Denise Marie Stein, lost her battle with chronic leukemia early this morning. Her sweet voice, beautiful harmonies, and generous spirit will be missed.</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59929152009-05-30T19:00:00-05:002018-09-23T15:48:59-05:00Fathers and sons<p>Last night we performed for a father-son banquet in Union City, Michigan. Accustomed as I am to living a couple hours away from my father, I was surprised to see so many fathers there with their grown sons. I doubt it surprised Eric, since he grew up in a small town himself, but I'm more a city girl (much as I dislike the crowding and traffic). They were a good audience, and we enjoyed visiting with them before dinner, sharing a good meal, playing, and talking afterward. Always nice to leave a gig feeling we've made new friends!</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59929142009-04-30T19:00:00-05:002020-06-14T21:50:00-05:00Benefit CD now available on CD Baby<p><em>As Long As I'm Here,</em> the benefit CD for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, is now available at CD Baby. Nearly 90% of the disc's CD Baby sales will go directly to the Society--not only are all the songs donated, but CD Baby is also donating 50% of its profits! So enjoy a great collection of songs and support a good cause.</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59929132009-04-15T19:00:00-05:002018-09-23T15:49:13-05:00Exciting CD appearance<p>Today I received our artist copy of a new CD, <em>As Long As I'm Here,</em> compiled for the benefit of the <a href="http://www.lls.org">Leukemia and Lymphoma Society</a>. The official release date has not yet been set, and the date and details of the CD release party have not yet been finalized, but I just had to give you a heads-up. This CD was conceived by a friend of ours while she was battling acute leukemia (who is now in remission following her bone-marrow transplant), and we were happy to be asked to contribute our song "Surprised by Joy" to the nascent project. Little did we know how big the little home-grown idea would become! Three years later, the final CD boasts songs by <a href="http://www.tomchapin.com">Tom Chapin,</a> <a href="http://www.annehills.com">Anne Hills,</a> <a href="http://www.folkmusic.com">John McCutcheon,</a> <a href="http://www.joshwhitejr.com">Josh White Jr.,</a> and--oh wonders!--<a href="http://www.peterpaulandmary.com">Peter, Paul and Mary</a>! There are also tracks by Pamela Campau, <a href="http://www.maynardmusic.com">Annie and Rod Capps,</a> Foxfire, <a href="http://www.stewartfrancke.com">Stewart Francke,</a> <a href="http://davidmoshermusic.blogspot.com/">David Mosher,</a> Siusan O'Rourke and Zig Zeitler, <a href="http://www.annandwillrowland.com">Ann and Will Rowland,</a> and <a href="http://www.mattwatroba.com">Matt Watroba.</a> As you would expect, we are thrilled and very humbled to be part of such a project. I feel like a little baby guppy swimming with a sailfish! We'll post details on the official release and release concert as soon as we have them.</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59929112009-02-03T18:00:00-06:002018-09-23T15:49:40-05:00"When I Give You Roses"<p>The most recent online evidence of Eric's recent songwriting activity, the love song <a href="http://ats.ericandpollyrapp.com/music-34.html">"When I Give You Roses,"</a> is now up in our "Music" section! As with the previous entry, <a href="http://www.ericandpollyrapp.com/music-33.html">"Who Knows?"</a>, the MP3 is a demo-quality recording made on Eric's Sansa Fuze. We hope you enjoy it!</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59929102009-01-08T18:00:00-06:002018-09-23T15:49:46-05:00tease, tease...<p>The holiday break has sparked some new songs from Eric... Look for some rough MP3s to hit the web site sometime soon--thanks to his new MP3 player/recorder! We'll probably create a new subhead on the <a href="http://ats.ericandpollyrapp.com/music.html">"Music"</a> page for "Work in Progress" or something similar.</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59929092008-12-18T18:00:00-06:002018-09-23T15:49:54-05:00Two songs uploaded!<p>In response to those who have asked us for a recording of our Christmas song "The Best Gift," we have uploaded a <a href="http://ats.ericandpollyrapp.com/music-19.html">demo version</a> for the 2008 Christmas season. It would have been a full studio version, except that the computer wasn't cooperating. Advent is a busy season, and we may not get another chance to do it properly before Christmas, so we did a rough version with a handheld digital recorder, just to get it online for you. Merry Christmas! We've also uploaded a demo version of <a href="http://www.ericandpollyrapp.com/music-18.html">"Your Mother"</a> recorded the same way. We're hoping to do a digital-only release of our own tunes early next year, which will include studio versions of both songs, so stay tuned!</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59929072008-10-04T19:00:00-05:002018-09-23T15:50:11-05:00A great night in Marshall<p>Last night we performed for a roomful of young Lutherans on their annual youth retreat in Marshall, Michigan, for the second straight year. Last year we were very pleasantly surprised at the good reception we received at our first show for that age group, and this year was even better. Apparently our fame had preceded us...several of the young people identified themselves as <a href="www.issuesetc.org">"Issues, Etc."</a> listeners when we were being introduced, and when we started singing our song "Hey, Preacher Man," which frequently appears as bumper music on that show, I couldn't believe the number of digital cameras and cell phones that suddenly got pointed at us! A number of the young people said later that they'd heard the song on the show and hadn't realized it was us. It was a great night, and we had a great time talking to the youth.</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59929062008-10-01T19:00:00-05:002018-09-23T15:50:18-05:00CHANGES to Marshall Retreat gig!<p>Just in case you didn't notice it on our Calendar page, the location and time for our concert at the annual Lutheran Youth Retreat in Marshall, Mich., have been changed. We are now scheduled to play at 8:30 PM at Schuler's Restaurant, NOT the Stuart's Landing bandshell. It's going to be a bit chilly for an outdoor evening concert!</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59929052008-06-18T19:00:00-05:002018-09-23T15:50:26-05:00"Issues, Etc." is back!<p>A fine radio program has returned to the airwaves and internet! Visit <a href="http://www.issuesetc.org">Issues, Etc.</a> to learn more about an intelligent, biblically oriented talk show dealing with issues in the social, political, and religious spheres. Great listening!</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59929042008-05-27T19:00:00-05:002019-06-29T16:25:28-05:00Issues Arising!<p>The outstanding radio talk show "Issues, Etc.," on which Eric and I were featured a year ago, was canceled in March, but a new show is about to rise to take its place! It promises "no holds barred" coverage of the same kinds of cultural and religious issues featured on the old show. See <a href="http://www.piratechristianradio.com/">Pirate Christian Radio</a> for more information and to see how you can donate to this new program of Lutheran Public Radio. If the 7,000-plus people who signed the petition to bring back "Issues" committed just $50, the entire 2008 broadcasting season costs would be more than covered!</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59929032008-04-28T19:00:00-05:002019-06-29T16:15:06-05:00Walking for Life!<p>Eric and I will be participating in the annual "Walk for Life" of the <a href="https://carenetberkleydetroit.org/">CareNet Pregnancy Information Center</a> of Berkley, Michigan, this Saturday, May 3. If you would like to support us in helping women, their partners, and their unborn children deal with unplanned pregnancy, post-abortion trauma, and abstinence education from a loving, Christian perspective, please <a href="mailto:prapp699@yahoo.com">email us</a> with your name, complete mailing address, including Zip code, and the amount you would like to pledge (lump sum, not per-mile). I will enter your pledge on our sponsor sheet, and the center will contact you by mail to fulfill your pledge after the walk. (This is the only mailing you will receive--you will not be added to the center's mailing list unless you specifically request it.) Thank you!</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59929022008-04-14T19:00:00-05:002018-09-23T15:51:11-05:00"Ten Ways to Stay in Love" #5 on the Country chart<p>Artist Underground has informed us that our song "Ten Ways to Stay in Love" was ranked #5 on the Country chart last week. The song has been on the site for well over a year now, so this is a pleasant surprise. Thanks, listeners!</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59929002008-03-27T19:00:00-05:002018-09-23T15:51:22-05:00"Issues, Etc." makes news at Wall Street Journal<p>Today's <em>Wall Street Journal</em> contains a column about the cancellation of "Issues, Etc." and the resulting outcry from thousands of fans. You can read it <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120667366412170875.html?mod=taste_primary_hs">here.</a></p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59929012008-03-26T19:00:00-05:002020-06-14T21:53:53-05:00"Issues, Etc." petition tops 5,000 names<p>Today the petition to bring back "Issues, Etc." hit the 5,000-signature mark and is still gaining names. David Strand has issued a new "explanation" for the cancellation, which inside sources say is full of misinformation and "spin." </p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59928992008-03-24T19:00:00-05:002018-09-23T15:51:41-05:00"American Idol Underground" update<p>This site has become "Artist Underground", and last week our song "More Than Enough" rose to #15 on the Faith-Based chart.</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59928982008-03-22T19:00:00-05:002019-06-29T16:23:13-05:00"Issues, Etc." petition and web site<p>For any of you who may have listened to "Issues, Etc.," we encourage you to sign the petition asking for its return. You may also keep up to date with discussion of its cancellation at the Wittenberg Trail and/or Bring Back Issues blogs.</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59928972008-03-18T19:00:00-05:002019-06-29T16:22:05-05:00Ways to Support "Issues, Etc." Staff<p>Todd Wilken and Jeff Schwarz, the host and producer of "Issues, Etc." have lost their jobs because of the cancellation of the show. According to someone who worked on the board overseeing the radio station, KFUO, severance packages are usually contingent on a signed promise never to talk about the termination. So if you would like to help Todd and Jeff through this difficult time, you may send checks to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Box 247, Hamel IL 62046, with "Wilken/Schwarz Fund" on the memo line, or you may contribute through PayPal at the Wittenberg Trail blog. Just scroll down a little and you'll see the link in the right sidebar. (Be aware, however, that PayPal will deduct their percentage--up to 2.9% plus 30 cents-- from your donation.) And, of course your prayers will also help!</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59928962008-03-17T19:00:00-05:002018-09-23T15:52:20-05:00"ISSUES, ETC." CANCELLED!!!<p>It's outrageous, but it's true--the Lutheran radio talk show that was largely responsible for igniting Eric's faith and inspired several of his songs has been canceled without warning--they've even obliterated the online archive! Anyone wishing to express their opinion of this decision is encouraged to call the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod at 888-843-5267, email David L. Strand, the Executive Director of the LCMS's Board of Communication Services, at david.strand@lcms.org, and LCMS President Gerald Kieschnick at president@lcms.org.</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59928952008-01-04T18:00:00-06:002018-09-23T15:52:29-05:00Xiao Dong Wei at Paint Creek Folklore Society<p>The <a href="http://www.paintcreekfolkloresociety.org/">Paint Creek Folklore Society</a> is an amazing organization.... We've been members since early 2001, and it's exposed us to all kinds of fascinating music. Just tonight, for example, we were privileged to hear <a href="http://www.xiaodongwei.com">Xiao Dong Wei,</a> a fabulous artist of the Chinese erhu (a two-stringed violin) who has played with the <a href="http://www.detroitsymphony.org">Detroit Symphony Orchestra.</a> Mesmerizing. On other occasions we've heard West African music played on the gyil (a xylophone/marimba with buzzing gourds for resonators), Scottish bagpipe music, American bluegrass, Irish pennywhistle, and a host of other things. That's just the monthly workshops! Then there are the members themselves--everything from semi-professional musicians to nonmusicians who just love the art and the fellowship. If you love music and live anywhere around the metro Detroit area, you really ought to check it out sometime. Meetings are the first Saturday of every month, starting at 7:30 PM at Lawnridge Hall of University Presbyterian Church, 1385 South Adams Rd., Rochester Hills, Michigan. If you're a musician yourself, bring your instrument and a song to share at the Song Swap! (A guest fee of approximately $8 applies.)</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59928942007-12-16T18:00:00-06:002018-09-23T15:52:39-05:00"More Than Enough" on American Idol Underground<p>Our song "More Than Enough" has joined "Ten Ways to Stay in Love" and "Hey, Preacher Man" on the American Idol Underground.</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59928932007-11-20T18:00:00-06:002020-06-14T21:59:28-05:00"More Than Enough" as Bumper Music<p>The "Issues, Etc." radio talk show, hosted by Todd Wilken in St. Louis, Mo., on station KFUO, used a clip of our song "More Than Enough" to introduce a segment on "Christians and Vocation"! Go to the <a href="http://www.issuesetcarchive.org/07nov.php">program archive</a>, scroll down to November 21, and click on the link for the segment containing "Christians and Vocation"--the song appears about halfway through the file. We're always pleased and honored to be included in such a quality program--check it out!</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59928922007-11-12T18:00:00-06:002018-09-23T15:53:15-05:00"Hey, Preacher Man" Tops the Chart!<p>On the "American Idol Underground" "faith-based" chart, our song "Hey, Preacher Man" was the highest-rated song last week! There are hundreds of songs competing for a spot on that chart, and this song has been on the Underground since February, so this comes as even more of a surprise. Many thanks to all the online listeners who have rated our song so highly!</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59928912007-10-05T19:00:00-05:002020-06-14T22:00:45-05:00Zion Youth Retreat<p>We were invited to play for the second annual youth retreat put on by Zion Lutheran Church in Marshall, Mich., this weekend. We played for their banquet at Schuler's restaurant and an evening concert at the Stuart's Landing bandshell, and we had a great time. This was the first time we played to an audience of mostly young people (from all over Michigan as well as Indiana), and we were delighted with their enthusiastic response--some of them were even singing along with our own compositions! We also got to play along for a bit of folk dancing, which was capably led on pennywhistle, Uilleann pipes, and Highland bagpipes by a Hillsdale College student named Abe. The concert was recorded on iPod, so if you like, you can listen at the church's audio archive page.</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59928902007-09-13T19:00:00-05:002018-09-23T15:55:31-05:00"More Than Enough" at Lutheran Bookstore<p>The Lutheran Center Bookstore, at 16259 Nine Mile Road in Eastpointe, Michigan, is now carrying copies of our most recent CD, <em>More Than Enough.</em> Stop in and check out their wonderful collection of books, gifts, Sunday School materials, and CDs, and you might just hear us playing while you shop! If you would like to call them, they have a toll-free number--800-572-6711--and their hours are Monday through Friday from 10:00 to 5:00, and the first Saturday of the month from 9:00 to 2:00.</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59928892007-08-24T19:00:00-05:002018-09-23T15:56:06-05:00Supporting the Local Community<p>Our little suburb had a community-wide garage sale and mini-mini-festival, so we volunteered to play some music for it. They hadn't actually been planning on music--their "festival" concept was mostly a moonwalk for the kids, food from several local vendors, and a raffle--but to me (Polly), you just can't call it a festival without music. We played for an hour, chatted with some new fans, and ended up selling several CDs. We had fun, and we're hoping maybe the organizers will be inspired to take it a step further next year, with a stage and an organized list of acts! :)</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59928882007-08-10T19:00:00-05:002018-09-23T15:56:30-05:00Live on in Joy<p>Within the space of a little less than two weeks, we received notices that two of our fans had passed through death's curtain. I (Polly) got to thinking about the stereotypical line, "Rest in peace." It has its place, I guess, for in God's heaven "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away" (Revelation 21:4). But I think it emphasizes too much what will be absent. The absence of pain and sorrow isn't merely rest--it's joy! So if in some way you can perceive my prayer for you, my brothers in the faith, may you live on in joy.</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59928872007-07-22T19:00:00-05:002020-06-14T22:09:38-05:00We've been parodied!<p>Some youth from Marshall, Mich., have taken our song, "Hey, Preacher Man," and adapted the words to address it affectionately to their own pastor. This is a first, as far as we know, and we're flattered by the attention...they've even put it on YouTube! Check it out at the <a href="http://honoringtheministry.blogspot.com/2007/07/hey-preacherman-james.html">Honoring the Office of Holy Ministry</a> blog.</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59928862007-07-01T19:00:00-05:002018-09-23T15:56:57-05:00"Hey, Preacher Man" as Bumper Music<p>Pastor Todd Wilken, host of the Lutheran radio program "Issues, Etc.", played a short clip of our song before his July 2 sermon review of a Robert Schuller sermon. We're delighted and honored--it's not every day your music gets used as a theme song! Check it out on the <a href="http://www.issuesetcarchive.org/07jul.php">archive page</a>, and you'll also get to hear Pastor Wilken's simple three-point diagnostic for a good sermon.</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59928852007-06-14T19:00:00-05:002018-09-23T15:57:08-05:00At the Blue Note Café with Art Wojtowicz<p>It's always a bit like coming home.... We first played at the "Live! from the Living Room" acoustic showcase on its premiere in Lake Orion, Mich., in January 2002, and tonight was our tenth feature appearance, now in Pontiac, Mich. We had a good crowd--it's always a good sign when they have to set up extra chairs! Our friend Art Wojtowicz also did a feature set, including many of my personal favorites as well as a number of newer songs. I (Polly) would have liked to sing along more, except I was fighting a cold and needed to save my voice for our set. Art closed with his very fine setting of the "Irish Blessing" ("May the road rise to meet you..."--on the <a href="http://ats.ericandpollyrapp.com/products.html">Music in Lawnridge Hall</a> CD, which also contains our song "Don't Forget About Me") and had the whole crowd singing along.... It might as well have been the traditional end-of-night singalong--it was that good. Ahhhh...what a privilege and pleasure to share the night with such a talented kindred spirit.</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59928842007-06-11T19:00:00-05:002020-06-14T22:11:59-05:00On "The Old Front Porch Radio Show"<p>Today we appeared on "The Old Front Porch Radio Show," which features music from a variety of little-known and well-known artists in the folk/acoustic veins. The show is broadcast live weekly on WXOU-FM, Rochester, Mich., both online and locally at 88.3 FM, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. We talked with host Maggie Ferguson about how we got together, how our daughter's arrival has affected our music, the humor in many of Eric's songs, and our upcoming show at "Live! from the Living Room", and we played several songs from our CDs. It was a delightful half-hour. (Note: the station does not archive its programs.)</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59928832007-05-24T19:00:00-05:002020-06-14T22:13:00-05:00Opening for Rev. Robert Jones<p>Tonight we got to do an opening set for the Rev. Robert Jones--host of WDET-FM's "Deep River" gospel show and blues/folk/gospel musician in his own right. Robert played our song "Hey, Preacher Man" on his show in December (see December 3 news item below), so we included it in our set, and as Eric was introducing it, he was surprised to hear a deep voice call out, "I love it!"--it was Rev. Jones in the audience. After intermission, we got to sit back and enjoy the main event. Robert is both a dynamic and talented performer and a scholar in his field--the songs are stitched together with fascinating facts about the history of blues and gospel. His talented wife, Sister Bernice, joined him for several pieces at the end of the show, rounding out a lively and very enjoyable evening.</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59928822007-05-23T19:00:00-05:002023-07-08T11:23:35-05:00Eric and Polly on "Issues, Etc." radio show<p>"Issues, Etc." was the program based in St. Louis, MO, that turned Eric on to Lutheran theology--and, not incidentally, the Gospel. It also inspired several of the songs on our CD "More Than Enough." So we were thrilled when the show's producer called and asked us to do a half-hour phone <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.issuesetcarchive.org/07may.php" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">interview</a> featuring three of the songs from the CD: "Hey, Preacher Man," "More Than Enough," and "He Took My Part." Look for the title "Issues, Etc. Inspired Music" on May 24. The interview begins just after the 28-minute mark.</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59928812007-05-21T19:00:00-05:002018-09-23T15:58:20-05:00"Hey, Preacher Man" ranked #2 on American Idol Underground<p>The news is that last week, the song was the second-highest-rated out of more than 300 songs on the Faith-Based chart! It received a 4.2 overall rating on a 5-point scale.</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59928802007-04-13T19:00:00-05:002018-09-23T15:58:46-05:00At the Hazel Park Talent Show<p>This was a first-time event for the city of Hazel Park, Mich., held in conjunction with the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit as a fund-raiser. We were originally scheduled to play just 5 to 7 minutes, but a number of the people who had signed up didn't come, so we were asked to play longer. We chose "I'll Remember You, Love, in My Prayers" from our <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/eprapp">first CD,</a> "Don't Forget about Me (When You Get to Heaven)" from the second <a href="http://www.paintcreekfolkloresociety.org/PCFSmplr.html">Paint Creek Folklore Society sampler,</a> and "He Took My Part" from our <a href="http://cdbaby.com/cd/eprapp2">second CD,</a> and we were very well received. It's always fun to make new friends and sell a few CDs! And it's not every day you get to perform for a mayor and a district judge. Other acts included a poet, a breakdancer, a bartender/juggler, a young flutist, a three-piece punk-rock band, and a pair of grade-school girls--quite a variety!</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59928792007-03-10T18:00:00-06:002018-09-23T15:58:53-05:00"Hey, Preacher Man" in Competition Top 20!<p>As of today, the song has moved up to #19 out of 709 in the Sony Competition! If it makes it into the top 10 by the end of the month (and stays there), it will be a finalist, to be judged by professionals for a chance to win a trip to Hollywood to play for an industry showcase. Thanks for all your support!</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59928782007-03-02T18:00:00-06:002023-05-01T23:41:27-05:00Fish Family Fund Raiser<p>We were one of six acts on the bill for this benefit show--the others being <a class="no-pjax" href="http://www.joelpalmermusic.com/ww-index.html">Wanderin' Wheel</a>, members of the <a class="no-pjax" href="http://cantataacademychorale.bravehost.com/">Cantata Academy Chorale</a>, Andy Mather, Maggie Ferguson, and the Azusa Street Band. The music was fabulous, the fellowship warm, and the donations "beyond our expectations," according to organizers. We were delighted to do what we could to help breast cancer survivor Kelly Fish, mother of two and recent widow, who has been going through radiation and chemo without insurance.</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59928772007-01-29T18:00:00-06:002018-09-23T15:59:22-05:00"Ten Ways..." on the charts<p>Last week, "Ten Ways to Stay in Love" charted at #20 on the Country chart at American Idol Underground...not bad when you consider there are hundreds of songs out there!</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59928762007-01-07T18:00:00-06:002018-09-23T15:59:32-05:00Rapps on American Idol Underground<p>Thanks to <a href="http://www.discmakers.com/">Disc Makers</a>, our song "Ten Ways to Stay in Love" is now playing on American Idol Underground.</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59928752006-12-02T18:00:00-06:002023-07-08T11:17:14-05:00"Hey, Preacher Man" played on WDET-FM<p>On his "showcase of spiritual music," "Deep River," the Rev. Robert Jones played our song "Hey, Preacher Man" today--"good stuff" and "one for the people sitting in the pews," as he put it.</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59928742006-11-16T18:00:00-06:002018-09-23T16:00:03-05:00"Christian Night" at the Blue Note<p>It wasn't officially billed that way, but with Art Wojtowicz and Theresa Dalton on the bill (and with us as a brief warm-up act), the night played out a bit that way! We were delighted to be part of the evening as substitute sound-hands for co-host Dennis Kingsbury, who had another gig the same night. After host Maggie Ferguson and Denise Marie Stein, as Foxfire, gave us a selection of Thanksgiving-related tunes, we did three favorites and retreated to the sidelines to run the mixer and mics for Art and Theresa. They both did wonderful sets. With friend Eric Easterbrook adding tasty guitar licks and sweet harmonies, Art did many of his fine originals, which range from the sublime to the ridiculous. Theresa did a nice mix of covers and her own songs, powerfully sung. Both sets were permeated with the artists' faith...overall a wonderfully uplifting night!</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59928732006-08-24T19:00:00-05:002023-05-01T23:38:46-05:00CD Release Party!<p>Wow, what a night! The Blue Note was packed with fans and friends from all over--some folks we hadn't seen in YEARS!... John Finan did a wonderful set and had us all singing along with his fabulous anthem "Off the Ground" (among other things)... We played a selection of tunes from <i>More Than Enough</i> and shared the stage with several of the talented musicians who did so much to make the CD sound good. Definitely a night to remember!</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59928722006-07-28T19:00:00-05:002018-09-23T16:00:49-05:00Faith Fest 2006<p>After a last-minute schedule change, we appeared at Faith Fest a day earlier than planned. As it was last year, it was a very uplifting event, and we much enjoyed getting to hear our friend Art Wojtowicz, who contributed harmony vocals to our new CD.</p>ericandpollyrapp.comtag:ericandpollyrapp.com,2005:Post/59928712006-07-19T19:00:00-05:002018-09-23T16:00:56-05:00NEW CD!<p>Our brand-new CD, <em>More Than Enough,</em> arrived today!</p>ericandpollyrapp.com