Day 363 - The Road to the Opry continues

Not a lot to write about tonight! I had a great birthday weekend! Tomorrow will be full steam ahead. I spent most of this weekend looking at cars with my girlfriend. Trying to figure out a way to tie it in with the Opry connection, we said we were looking for a car to drive to Nashville when we play there! Looking forward to working hard this week!

I'll be in Nashville a week from today, so this week I will try to make sure I get the most out of my trip. Time is flying by. Only 363 Days to go!

Day 363

Day 364 - "The Road to the Opry" Continues

Last night was a blast!! It's not everyday you get to perform on your birthday, but I got the privilege last night! Lakeshore Cafe was a blast! The place was full, and the crowd was energetic! I was going to try to list everybody, but I'm scared I would leave someone out. It was great to have everybody out! We had birthday cake, balloons, and everything! Thanks to my Mom, sister, girlfriend, neice, nephew, and John Patrick for the cake and balloons! Terry Swilley came out and played harmonica with me. It sure is nice to have that harmonica. It adds so much to the music. It was a great way to start off the "Road to the Opry" tour. It gives me more confidence as we take on this task. When I woke up this morning the first thing that went through my head was, "I've got 364 days to make this happen!". We've gotten lots of encouragement on this mission.

Some comments were:
"I will be cheering you on at thr Grand Ole Opry on Oct 1, 2011!"
"Good luck, Ben!! I know you can do it!"
"That would certainly be the one time in my life I would pay extra for front row tickets! Can't wait to see you there!"
"I know it's gonna happen 4 y'all!"
"that is so awesome, you have a great tallent and the opry will be lucky to have you on that stage."
"We will be there to see you play the Opry"

We've also had donations on the website! It's really gettin peoples attention, and it's only been one day! Looking forward to seeing what tomorrow brings!

Day 364

The Road to the Opry - Ben Coulter's Delta Outlaws quest to play the Grand Ole Opry in one year

Well, I woke up this morning to the BIG 30! Feels the same as 29, but nobody has asked me how old I am yet! I'm performing at the Lakeshore Cafe in Lake Village, AR tonight from 6:30-10. I hope you can make it out!

Over the past few weeks I've been thinking about where I am in my career, and where I want to be. I know that I want to "make it", but what is my definition of that. So I decided to set a goal. I've talked to my girlfriend about it, and to my bass player, Zach Gibbons. By this time next year our goal is to perform at the "Grand Ole Opry". It's not going to be just a goal we set, but a mission or a quest. Starting today we are counting down to next Oct. 1st. Today is Day 365 and tomorrow will be Day 364, and so on. We will blog everyday about the experience, and what we are doing to get closer to playing the Opry. We are going to publicize this, and let everyone know what our goal is, and that we plan on playing the Opry in the next year! I needed to have a certain goal to go after to narrow my focus. I asked myself, "where do I want to be at this time next year", and the answer was obviously, "the Opry". We know that we really don't have control over us playing in there. We have to create enough "BUZZ" to catch the Opry's attention. So that's our plan. We are gonna let the nation know about this quest, and try to blow people away when we play their venue. From now till next October we will promote our gigs as "The Road to the Opry" tour, and we be doing a nationwide tour next year! It's gonna be exciting!!

There will lots more to come in the coming days. I will set up a facebook page about it, and a separate blog about it. For the next few days I will blog about it on www.bencoulterscountrymusicdeltastyle.blogspot.com. I hope you follow this, and get behind Zach and I on the quest. For now we will call it, "The Road to the Opry" - "Ben Coulter's Delta Outlaws quest to play the Opry in one year".

Day 365 - The Road to the Opry starts tonight at the Lakeshore Cafe

Sept. 21

Well, I haven't been to steady in my blogging. Sorry about that. Hopefully I will get better at this. If I ever take the time to sit down and do this I enjoy it. It's just taking the time to do it. I will try harder.

Verse of the Day- Romans 8:1 - "There is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus". What a great verse! I read Romans 8 today, and it is so good. If you haven't read that chapter in awhile, read it today. It is full of good stuff!!

Song of the Day - "One step at a time" by Mike Zito/Anders Osborne. Listen to it at www.andersosborne.com or www.mikezito.com

I turn 30 next week. That used to seem so old. Over the next week, I'm sure I'll look back and see if I'm where I thought I'd be at this age. I guess that will make for some good blogging.....

Until next time..

Inspiration

Over the last week, I've been really inspired musically. All musicians want their albums to touch people, to inspire them, and to speak to them. Well I purchased an album last week that did just that. Anders Osborne's "American Patchwork" album is an inspiring album. It's one I can't quit listening too. Everything about the album is great. The singing, the playing, the lyrics....I can't find one bad thing to say about it. Anders, one of New Orleans best, is such a soulful singer, and you can feel his passion through the songs. It's an album that makes me want to be a better singer, player, performer, and songwriter. It's the best album I've heard in YEARS. I know Anders from my time in Nashville, so it is a more personal album for me. I hope you check it out, and let the music change you! Check out Anders online at www.andersosborne.com.

Verse of the day - "O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth. Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day." Psalm 96:1-2

Song of the Day - "Echoes of my Sins" - Anders Osborne

www.bencoulteronline.com

Vision

Verse of the Day- "Where there is no vision, the people perish"- Proverb 29:18

I think this is a great verse for all of us. We must have a vision and goals of where we want to go. These visions and goals help push us to be the men and women we want to be.

Song of the Day - "The Way I Am" - Merle Haggard

Blog - July 29th

Well, it's been a few days since my last blog. Sorry about that. It's been a pretty jam packed week. For the verse of the day today, I wanted to give you a verse out of Proverbs. I try to read a Psalm and Proverb everyday, and today a verse from Proverbs really stood out to me.

"Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established;" - Proverbs 24:3

I hope you get something out of this verse. I think it shows that wisdom is such a key in everything we do. We need to be a wise and understanding people.


Song of the Day - "All I Know" by the Isaacs. One of my favorite songs of all time.

July 20th

Verse of the day "May He grant you according to your hearts desire and fulfill all your plans" - Psalm 20:4

Song of the day - Echoes of my sins by Anders Osborne

Headed to Fayetteville today for a couple of shows this weekend. I always look forward to playing at Foghorns up there! Not only are the crowds always fun, but they have the best brownie bites you will ever eat!!!!

Verse of the Day - There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

I get a lot of comfort from this verse. Knowing that being saved and a believer in Jesus, means there is no condemnation. That doesn't mean I can just do anything I want to. It's God giving me mercy and grace in places I fail Him.

Song of the Day - Amazing Grace

A classic song.

July 14th

Verse of the Day- "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except by Me." - John 14:6

Song of the Day- "He Walked on Water" by Randy Travis

July 7th

Verse of the day. Matthew 6:33

Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added to you.


Song of the day. "How can you refuse Him now" by Hank Williams Sr.

July 5th

Yesterday was a great day! Really relaxing. We played for 6 hours on Saturday night, so it was nice to spend the 4th taking it easy.

Verse of the day. Matthew 5:16

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

As I was thinking of a verse today, this one came to mind. We need to let Jesus shine through us, and by that lead people to Him. Every time I play a show I end with the song "I saw the Light". No matter how rough the place I always end with that song. I feel like it's a good way to let my light shine, and to spread the Gospel of Jesus.

Song of the day- "I saw the Light" by Hank Williams Sr.

Great Song. I hope you enjoy it!

July 3rd- Verse and Song of the Day

Had a great time last night at Crystal Springs Resort. Saturday night out there is usually the big night, so I'm looking forward to seeing whats in store for us!

Verse of the Day- Joshua 1:9

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

This is a verse that has been on my mind today. This verse is a great encouragement to all believers. We should be strong and steadfast in our way, knowing that God is with us at all times. This verse should bring comfort and hope to all who believe in Jesus.

Song of the Day- "Turn the Page" by Bob Seger

One of my all time favorites!!

July 2nd- Holiday weekend, verse and song of the day

I always look forward to Independence Day weekend. Not only is it the birthday for our country, but over the last few years I have performed at Crystal Springs Resort in Hot Springs, AR every July 4th weekend. It's always a fun time. Over the years, I've been able to make some new friends that I only get to see this one weekend. The crowds are always good and energetic, which makes me feel like I'm doing some good!

Verse of the Day - Psalm 1:1-3
"Blessed is the man whose delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season. His leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."

These verses or on a picture that hangs on my wall. I find the verses very encouraging. I read them many times a day.

Song of the Day- "Whose Gonna Fill their Shoes" by George Jones
Yesterday we went with "Footlights" by Hag. Today I wanted to stick with a legend, and stay in the same "song idea". Haggard said "Tonight I'll kick the Footlights" out again, and today "the Possum", George Jones is asking "Who is gonna take Haggards place in doing it". Good Question. Hope you like the song!! It's a great one!

July 1st- new blogging project "Verse and Song of the Day"

I'm going to try something new with the blog. Each day I will post a verse and song of the day. I hope you enjoy!

Today's verse of the Day-
John 10:10- The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

This is one of my favorite Bible verses, and one that I always place on my Albums when I sign them. This is Jesus talking and it signifies to me why He came, to give us life in Heaven, and a better life on earth. The thief signifies Satan, who comes to destroy your life. Jesus says when you follow me, I will give you life in Heaven, and a better life here on earth. A better life meaning a more abundant life. It's something we all should strive to bring people. When we come in contact with people, we want their life to become more abundant.

Song of the Day- "Footlights" by Merle Haggard
Check it out! It's a great tune, and one of George Jones' favorite!

band

It's been awhile since my last entry here. Things have been really busy, which is a good thing! I was fortunate enough to open for the Bellamy Brothers this past Saturday at the Pink Tomato Festival in Warren, AR. Those guys were so good! I knew they had a lot of hits, but I didn't realize how many until Saturday night! It was fun, but it was a hot one. I want to say thanks to the folks in Warren for having me down there again this year!

Well I'm one step closer to getting my band together. I performed last night at Casa Mexicana in Maumelle, AR with Zach Gibbons on bass. Zach and I performed together back in college at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. We were in a Christian worship band together back then. I hope to have a full band up and running by the end of next week....or before. All I can say is just get ready when this band gets together.

Nashville Flooding

In case you haven't heard, "Music City" is under water. Many people have lost their lives and their homes. A buddy of mine had his truck destroyed, and his mother's house was damaged. Also the Grand Ole Opry house, Opryland Hotel, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and many famed tourist locations are totally underwater. It is crazy how bad it is out there.

Starting today through next Monday, May 10th with each cd purchase or Mp3 download on my website, www.bencoulteronline.com, I will donate 1/2 of the money to the Middle Tennessee Red Cross chapters to help the flood victims. So if you've been thinking about buying any albums or the new album, this is a great weekend to do it!

Be sure and keep all the people in Middle Tennessee in your thoughts and prayers.

New Album - Outlaw

Well I had hoped to finish recording all the songs for my new album today, but a head cold is keeping me from that. I'm really excited about this album. I hope to capture what my music is all about with this album. It should capture "Country Music...Delta Style" to the tee. I want this to be the album that really starts getting nationwide attention. I think it's gonna be some of my best work! We will see!!

"Paintin' and Pickin'" in the Heights

Last week I had the pleasure of performing at "By the Glass" (www.btgbar.com) on Kavanaugh in Little Rock. It's a really cool wine bar in the Heights. For the show they brought in a local artist and a local musician, who was me! They paired me with Barry Thomas (www.barrythomasart.com) a nationally known artist from Ferndale, AR. Barry is an incredible artist. The energy in the place was awesome! Barry painted as I performed, and both arts really complimented each other. Barry didn't know what he was going to paint until he started, and he decided to paint a picture of me performing! It was really awesome! It took him about an hour, and he blew it away. There is a picture above of the finished product. If you've ever seen me perform you know he captured how I move with the guitar. It's really cool stuff. When he finished the painting of me, he painted the bar. He was done with that in about 30 minutes. It was quite an experience. I'm gonna use a picture of the painting he did of me for the cover of my next album. I look forward to performing at "By the Glass" and with Barry Thomas again in the future! I hope you will check out there websites. By the Glass' website is www.btgbar.com. Barry Thomas' site is www.barrythomasart.com.

Pics from the event are shown above.

I saw the light

If you've ever been to one of my shows and stayed till the end you've heard me end with "I saw the Light". The old Hank Williams classic is one of my favorite songs. Very rarely do I end a show with another song. You may wonder why? Well I heard Connie Smith talking one time how you end with a song that sums you up. She always ends with "how great thou art". So I decided to always end with "I Saw The Light". That song sums me up. Jesus saved me and showed me the Light and so me singing that song is just another way of showing it! I've sang it in places where you wander if there's light at all in there. I guess that's my calling is to go to the dark places and carry the Light of Jesus there. It's amazing sometimes the joy that comes on peoples faces when I sing that song. Even in the darkest places there is always light. I see it more everyday.

Street team

I'm putting together a street team. It's long overdue that I create this group. This group will consist of die hard fans of me and my music! They will spread the word about my music. I'm really excited to get this goin. I think it will do wonders for my career! Well, back to work!

An artist's look

Every artist has a look. People knew Johnny Cash as the man in black because he always wore black. Porter wagoner always wore a shiny, flashy nudie suit. Waylon personified the outlaw image. All these artist's look magnified their music. What they wore was a huge part of their success. What I'm getting at is my look. What is it? Over the past year I've wrestled with the look. I went from dressing like George strait to wearing dress pants and a tie, and now back to the George look. Neither of these mirrors my music. Neither screams country and blues. That's what I'm looking for, a look that mirrors my music. An image that screams country and blues. An image that personifies "Country Music...Delta Style". I will find it one day, and will know it when I see it!

New album

Well I've finally started recording my new album. The album will be called "Outlaw", and will have some surprises! I've already recorded 2 songs on the album. I'm really excited with how things are progressing! I will give some of the tunes on the album a sound that my fans have never heard from me before! I can't wait for y'all to hear it. A song on the album, "made to be tied down" can be seen on my website bencoulteronline.com.

Newsletter for 1-7-10 - Radio Spot and Single Release

Hello!

A quick note to let you know that you can hear me live on the radio tomorrow,Friday, Jan. 8th, from around noon till about 1 or 2pm (Central Time) on KABF 88.3 out of Little Rock, Arkansas. I'll be interviewed and we will play a few tunes for you! If you can't pick up 88.3 on your radio, you can listen across the world on the internet at www.kabf.org. Go there and look for a listen or listen live button. I hope you get a chance to listen in. I have alot of fans that visit my website from Russia, so it will be really cool that they can listen to me tomorrow.

Also, I will be releasing a single to country and blues radio. To country radio I will release "Songwriter" and to blues radio I will release either "Delta Blues" or "Mississippi Woman", still trying to decide. When I get the song out there I will let you know what stations have the tunes so you can call and request them!

Don't forget about the shows this weekend.

Friday, Jan 8th - 9 till 1am - Prost (connected to Willy D's on the Rivermarket) Little Rock, AR
Sat. Jan. 9th- 6 till 10pm - Cow Pen - Lake Village, AR

Hope to see you there! Thanks again for your support and have a great weekend!

God Bless,
Ben Coulter
www.bencoulteronline.com

2010- the year it all comes together

I think 2010 will be the year everything comes together! After 5 years of marketing and promoting my music I think everything is about to explode. We will see. I've got a lot of good marketing ideas and I'm excited about getting started!