Cultivating Renton

This past Friday our church opened up its doors to the community, which it does very frequently, and put on an 'open mic night' as part of their 'Cultivate' outreach program. When we first heard about it, we thought it would the perfect place for Brooke to jump into the Seattle music scene, so he signed up. He has been working on some freaking amazing songs since we have moved out here, and I have really enjoyed listening to him sculpt these songs from day to day, now that we live in a studio apt. and he can't escape to his 'music room.'

Being in a diverse and urban area, the outcome for the evening was amazing. They had everyone from an Asian girl playing the piano with a beautifully strong voice....to 3 high school guys rapping (and I quote) 'If ya don't gotta North Face jacket you betta get one'...to spoken word on the subject of the pain of living in a crack house...to 3 different very white guys and girl sharing their songs on a guitar...to a Hispanic duo jammin on a ukulele (Brooke's favorite act)...to some dude who just wanted to dance to some hip-hop/rap music.

It was amazing, and close to the most fun I've had since we moved out here! It amazed me to see and experience the true diversity of our community. Everyone supported each other, encouraged one another, and patted each other on the back (isn't that what guys do?) And it was great to hear Brooke play out again...I've really missed that (even if it was only 2 songs or so.) The people there that night (there were close to 175!) were blown away by his talent! I don't blame them though....have you heard his stuff? www.brooketrisler.com

I appreciate our church. Though it was labeled an 'outreach' event, no one got up there to preach the Gospel. There wasn't even a restriction on what was said during their time. Their 'preaching' was in their actions. They just opened up their doors to the community to let them simply be who they are.