Tonight veteran Christian singer/guitarist Phil Keaggy gave a benefit concert at a Baptist Church in Lilburn (just north of Atlanta) for the Gwinnett County Special Olympics. I’ve been a fan of Phil Keaggy since the mid-1970s when a friend introduced me to his albums What a Day and Love Broke Thru. Keaggy is a masterful guitarist whose virtuosity is straight out of the classic rock/jam band era, and his vocals and musical styling are reminiscent of Paul McCartney. This is the third time I’ve seen him in concert. We purchased “Artist’s Circle” tickets this year, which enabled us to attend a reception before the concert, meet Phil, and have our picture taken with him.
Here’s the setlist:
Just the Same
Thank You For Today
Strong Tower
The Wind and the Wheat
Little Star
John the Revelator
What a Day
Here Comes the Sun -> Jesus is Just Alright
Shades of Green
Look Deep Inside
Rockin’ in a Hard Place
Little Ones
Love Broke Thru -> Jam -> Amazing Grace
Love Divine
Reunion of Friends
Salvation Army Band
If I Fell
Jam
You Have My Heart
County Down
Let Everything Else Go
This is the second year that Phil Keaggy headlined a benefit concert for the Gwinnett Special Olympics, and there’s already talk about doing it again next year. If you are in or near Atlanta, plan on being there — we certainly will.
4 responses so far ↓
Dave Blakeslee // June 28, 2009 at 6:49 am
My wife and I have seen Phil Keaggy at least a dozen times over the years, maybe more, solo and with various bands, including an amazing Glass Harp reunion show a few years back at a local club just a few miles from my house. We also saw what I think was the very first show on the Master & Musician tour at Calvin College here in Grand Rapids. Thanks for posting the set list, it’s always nice to see what he’s playing in concert these days. Doesn’t look like he’ll be coming anywhere near us on the current tour but I know he’ll be back up our way eventually.
Nice pic w/Phil too! He’s a great guy – very accessible and down to earth, especially considering his enormous talent.
Carl McColman // June 28, 2009 at 7:29 am
You’re right about how humble he is, although we only chatted with him for a minute it was a very natural and unselfconscious exchange, and considering that he has dozens if not hundreds of encounters like that whenever he performs, his graciousness is really touching.
We’re lucky — he lives in Nashville, just a four hour drive away, and seems to be really on board with supporting the Special Olympics. So I think we’ll be seeing more of him, even if it’s not in the context of a “tour.” (Last year he brought the “Master & the Musician” band/tour here — what a wonderful evening that was!)
Keaggy Facebook Page // July 7, 2009 at 11:52 am
Thanks for posting this and for your kind words about Phil. We’ll be sharing this with other Keaggy fans on his Facebook page and will include a link to your site.
Greg Austin // July 8, 2009 at 1:43 pm
Carl, thanks for posting this! My wife Leah and I were there and got to meet Phil also. I have been inspired by his music for 25 years, and to finally get to meet him was awesome. Phil, if you come back next year we will be in the front row again!