Sam Hensley: Home

Going back to hometown Greensboro is always a treat, but this time was a double pack punch of fun. For two and a half days, I led music for the Episcopal Diocese of NC Spring Youth Conference at the Summit conference center, the same place I learned guitar and learned about my faith. It was truly an honor to come back this, as many young people I met when they were in sixth grade, were now graduating and moving on. It was a wonderful weekend. Then on Sunday, I had the privilege of playing in downtown Greensboro for the celebration of 200 year since the founding. And the place isn't looking too bad. With my friend Katie Wangelin, I did a chilly hour set at the new Center City Park, and my friend Jake Melnyk caught most of it on tape. If you want to check it out, head over to www.youtube.com/jakeness19. Heading out to California this weekend for a first visit with the diocesan Happening program. I'll wave to you from the plane.

Happy New Year, from your good friends in February. It's bitter cold in DC right now, but not cold enough to keep music fans from flocking in droves to a couple great shows coming up. Uber-talented singer/songwriter and friend Dave Potts will be in the DC area next week for a series of shows that are sure to dazzle. Watch for flying socks, as they will be blown off. Friday, Feb 22nd, Dave will be doing a show at St. Alban's Church in DC as a fund raiser for its hunger and homeless ministries. The show starts at 7:30pm with an opening set from your truly. Dave will then be opening for a truly wonderful Christine Lavin at the Birchmere in Alexandria the next night, Feb 23rd. Check out www.birchmere.com for more info. And then he'll wrap up his trip on Sunday with a show at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in South Alexandria at 6:00pm, as a fund raiser for their summer mission work. I will be doing an opening set there as well. So, three chances to see one of the fastest rising singer/songwriters on the national scene. Dave is not to be missed. For complete details on these shows, check out the calendar page, and for clips of Dave's music, check out www.davepotts.com. He's good folk.

On this past Saturday, Nov 3rd, my father's birthday, I had a big musical dream fufilled. My song, "Let
Her Go" was featured on the NPR radio show, "Car Talk." If you've never listened to Car Talk, every week two brothers, Tom and Ray Magliozzi(or Click and Clack, the Tap-it brothers) discuss cars, car
repair, and take calls from people asking questions about their own
cars. Twice during the show, they pause for station ID, and play a
clip from a song relating to cars. Car Talk has always been a favorite show, and after several friends had songs aired, I really hoped I
could do the same. So I wrote "Let Her Go" several months ago, about
my first car, and the metaphor of letting go of it like we must let go
of those pieces of our lives that are holding us down, even though
they may have been a wonderful, integral part of our being. I sent
them a copy, and now, several months later, my dream has been
fulfilled. Thanks to the folks at Car Talk for giving it airtime, and
thanks to all who heard it, and called or emailed to tell me so, and thanks Mom and Dad for gifting me the car so many years ago. If you would like to hear the broadcast, it is available on Itunes, and on
their website, cartalk.com, and "Let her go" is available here at
samhensley.com, under "Tunes."