Welcome to my 50th birthday party! It was March 14, 2003 and the monthly concert of the Lighthouse Coffeehouse here in Nashville. It also happened to be my birthday. Although we presented the evening as my birthday (an excuse by me to get some of my favorite players together for a single event!), I was in for a MAJOR surprise!
All of these pictures were taken by super photographer Steve Lowry unless indicated otherwise.

Very shortly before I walked out on stage to welcome the audience to the Lighthouse, Phil Keaggy gave me a CD with some un-released music he's been working on. These are the great songs he'll probably record in the coming year. Looking on is a member of our Sunday morning show family, John Wilson.

(These pictures hold particular importance to me since my dad's death in May. -Brian 10/01/06)

When I walked out on the stage and started my welcome, I heard a very familiar voice, "Happy Birthday, Cholly!" It was my dad calling me by a nickname he use to call me by. I was in shock! With absolutely NO knowledge, my dad, mom, sister Babs, and brother Eddie (and his wife Kim) has snuck into town to surprise me.

First up in this most enjoyable evening was Phil Keaggy. He is probably the most giving, humble man of God I know. Oh yeah, he can sing and play too!!! BOY can he sing and play!

Next in my string of incredible talented friends came Tommy Sims and Gordon Kennedy. I met these guys when they were members of the group "Whiteheart". They have written unbelievable music: songs for Garth Brooks, Bonnie Raitt, and Eric Clapton's hit, "Change The World".

If you don't know about "The Glory Bugles", you need to check out their web page (www.glorybugles.com) and get an idea of what Dave Nichols and I are laughing about. The Bugles taped a birthday greeting for me.

I love this man, Gary Chapman! It was so great that he was there (delaying his Spring break vacation). He certainly makes me laugh, but he also greatly inspires me. I love to watch him get lost in a song.

His brother Keith was there too, but did not sing (because he CAN'T!). But he did take the picture at lower right of our Sunday morning show "wonder-woman" Shelley and her friend, Shelby.

My good friend John Wilson had some kind words as well as a story of my life, written by another friend, Daniel Butler, who couldn't be with us.

This guy definitely gets the award for traveling the furthest that day! Bruce Carroll and his wife Nikki were in Denver that morning visiting family. They flew home to Memphis and then drove over just for the party.

Meet my family! It's my dad and mom with my two sisters, Judie (some know her as "Kim") and Babs, my brother Eddie and his wife Kim. Judie's children were all there too including daughter Holly-Anna and grand-daughter Gabriella. Thanks for stopping by my birthday party!