A Masterful Poet Treasure

     I first heard Pierce Pettis in 1993, when he covered “Nod over Coffee” for a tribute album to singer/songwriter Mark Heard, who had died just a year earlier. I was impressed with his interpretation of Heard’s song, and I sought out some of his original music. The first album I discovered was 1993’s Chase the Buffalo, a stellar collection of modern folk gems. From “You’re Not There” to “Lions of the Colosseum,” it was impossible not to recognize Pettis’s songwriting chops. I began snapping up his records as soon as they were released: Making Light of It, Everything Matters, State of Grace (probably my favorite), Great Big World, That Kind of Love, and Father’s Son stretched from 1996 to 2019 and contained some of what have become my all-time favorite songs. “Alabama 1959” is a poignant indictment of racism within a song of fond nostalgia—Pettis walks that narrow line with seeming ease. “A Mountaineer Is Always Free” is a declaration of independence and dignity that resonates with the Appalachian mentality and lifestyle that I encountered when I lived in West Virginia. And “Love Will Always Find Its Way,” a clear-eyed statement of commitment between two persons with a lot of life behind them, is the song to which Sarah and I shared our first dance at our wedding in 2005.

     Others have been impressed by Pettis’s artistry as well. Here are some comments from critics and songwriting peers about his work:

     You have an opportunity to encounter this masterful poet treasure here at Community next month. On Saturday, August 15, at 7:30pm, Pierce Pettis will be performing in concert in our fellowship hall. Ticket prices are up to you; we are suggesting a donation of $18, but you can give more or less as you feel is appropriate. I hope you will invite your family and friends to this special outreach event. It’s going to be a great time, as well as a great lead-in to worship the next day, when we will be exploring Pettis’s “That Kind of Love” as part of our “Gospel in 4/4 Time” series.

     Get your tickets now, and next time you’re at church pick up a handful of flyers to post around town. Let’s make this a wonderful and artful outreach to our community!