Kermit Easterling: NEWS

Hey Everybody!  This will be an extremely short entry, just wanted to let you know that I will be hitting the stage again tomorrow night at Remedy Coffee in downtown Knoxville.  If you aren't busy come check out some of the new songs & a few of the old.

Peace & Love,

Kermit

"Time flies. It's up to you to be the navigator." - Robert Orben

"Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time."

"Time, obviously is relative. Two weeks on a vacation is not the same as two weeks on a diet."

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No new website yet, but I promise it will be coming soon. The crazyness of life never lets you get things done when you think.

On another note, I have been invited to join a group of local singer/songwriters this Friday night at Grounded Coffee and More in beautiful downtown Maryville, TN. So, come on out and hear some great music. I will be playing minus the band, but I will be sharing some new tunes. This is a night you don't want to miss!!!!

Hello Everybody!!!!!! It's your long lost singing friend Kermit here. I'm so sorry that I haven't updated things in a while. Life has just been crazy. More on that will be coming soon.

Also, I know that the website has been changing here and there, but a completely brand new site is in the works. I have been working away on it and it will hopefully go public in the next few weeks. There will be lots of new features like the ability to download sheet music, to subscribe to RSS feeds, a built in player & many more other cool things. So keep your eyes open and I will talk with you again soon!!!!!

Your time challenged friend,
Kermit

We want to say a special thanks to New Era Church for allowing us to come and worship with you all Friday night and Saturday. We were truly blessed by your church. CONGRATS to all who gave their live to Christ! We pray that your new relationship with Him will grow Strong with Deep roots. God Bless you all!!
-Kermit and Kevin-

Hey Everybody!!!!
Our video from Karaoke Cafe is up. Please visit their website and vote for us!!!
http://www.karaokecafe.com/BattleBand/Viewpages/KermitEasterlingBand.html I'm also including it here, but don't forget to go and vote!!!

We are playing this Friday at a benefit dinner, auction & show to help pay for the medical expenses for Mackenzie Grace McMahan who was born on June 1, 2007. She was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and was admitted to East Tennessee Childrens Hospital the day she turned two months old. She has remained there until August 3oth when she was transferred to Vanderbilt Childrens Hospital. For more news and information you can visit her website at: http://littlemackenzie.com/default.aspx
The auction will include items such as Hannah Montana tickets, jewelry, gift certificates, weekend getaways, fishing supplies, tools, new air compressor, pet supplies, spa & beauty packages, permanent make-up certificates, and much more! For more information call (865) 397-3895

THE MARRIAGE OF LOVE AND DOUBTS AND FEARS
by Kermit Easterling

He was something though nothing at all
Where people were captivated by what wasn’t really was
The shadows are evil-clouded and wrong
The lies of a moment that couldn’t be right
Made out to be something sins loom larger than life
Than the man and his god shaped box

Minds made up and down and nowhere
Judging the standard of unreachable peaks
Crashed among the valley below
Left to bleed a tainted flow
Of something that isn’t truth

Would you stay if I asked?
A fool reaching out for the stars
Drinking beyond his means
With a silhouette of an angel
Left upon the sheets of marriage
And a whispered two word “I do”

Letters of happiness and struggles
Pour page after page of stories
And chapters bound up in a journal
Of emotions and smiles teardrops and teeth
In a wonderfully crooked smile
That no one else sees
Reserved just for me
And I am happy

Simple sweet – cherished – adored
Content for a glimpse
Pushing for the ending of ever after
And we lived
Sang songs torn from the inside
In scribbles and scrawls
Hoping to give something – anything at all

A moment into a soul troubled and free
When not held back by doubts
The fear and overwhelming thoughts
Spinning a record of things not even
Or might or could or maybe possibly not be

Help out the darkness
Package up some light
Seal me with a kiss and a good morning sunshine
Breaking the curse on an evening alone

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MAN, WOMAN & CHILD
by Kermit Easterling

Sunshine me happy
Dancing in the day
Where smiles rain
Upon my soul

'Tis a wonder to be
A lucky one
In the magical life of this girl

Breathe in breathe out
The blessing evermore
Beyond the dreams
Of all I hoped
In that distant marital shore

The moments come
So cherished sweet
Where forever holds
My heart to keep

Drift away
Content to be
Husband, wife
And baby three

"I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I lived just the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well."
-Diane Ackerman

"May you live all the days of your life."
-Jonathan Swift

"Life is ours to be spent, not to be saved."
-D.H. Lawrence

"Oh, the wild joys of living!"
-Robert Browning

"Work like you don't need money,
Love like you've never been hurt,
Sing as if no one can hear you,
And dance like no one's watching."
-Anonymous

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We had a great time in Madisonville with our good friend Chris Carpenter. He did an incredible job speaking. God used him in a mighty way and I am very thankful for the opportunities that I have to minister with him. We were also joined by another one of our good friends, Sean Smith, who filled in on drums. He did an awesome job despite the lack of a drum key and our bargain basement drum set. Thanks man!!!!

I have posted some pictures that were taken courtesy of Betty there at the Living Room.

We send our love to every one involved there at the Living Room. You are in our prayers!

With a song and a smile,
Kermit

****We will be playing tonight (Friday, August 10th) at Grounds and Sounds in Powell. They will be closing permanently at the end of this month so come out and join us for our last show at this venue.

Saturday night (August 11th) we will be at The Encouraging Cup in North Carolina. So if you live in the area or feel like a road trip, we would love to see you there.****

"Your work is to discover your work and then with all your heart to
give yourself to it." - Buddha

"The first step is to find out what you love and don't be practical
about it. The second step is to start doing what you love
immediately, in any small way possible." - Barbara Sher

"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." -
Chinese Proverb

"A musician must make music, an artist must pain, a poet must write,
if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself. What a man can be,
he must be." - Abraham Maslow

"Often people attempt to live their lives backwards; they try to have
more things, or more money, in order to do more of what they want, so
they will be happier. The way it actually works is the reverse. You
must first be who you really are, then do what you need to do, in
order to have what you want." - Margaret Young

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and it may be necessary from
time to time to give a stupid or misinformed beholder a black eye."
- Miss Piggy

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Greetings Everyone!!!

I hope that this email finds everyone well. Things here are peachy
keen! Life is busy as usual. I'm loving being a father. My
daughter is the most amazing thing ever! It is really something to
see how quickly she grows and develops - life is truly
extraordinary!!!!

Seeing how fast my daughter has grown makes me realize just how short
life can be. I have been fighting a urge inside of me for a long
time. I have always been passionate about music. Writing, playing &
singing give me the most joy in life. Ever since I was a little boy
that is what I wanted to do with my life. Well, I have fought it for
too long. After much prayer and council I have left my job at the
church. I am stepping into the unknown - into the land of faith.

My church has been wonderful in supporting me in this decision both
in prayer and encouragement, as well as financially. That is the
biggest obstacle to overcome. Where is the money going to come from?
We are asking for your prayers and support. Everyone in the band is
passionate about what we do. We want to show the love of Christ
through our music. We don't have a desire to be the next big thing.
We want to minister where we are whether that be to five thousand
people or two. Please pray for us as we take this step. Your
prayers are of up-most importance to us.

Something that is hard for me to ask, but I am learning I must: If
you feel led to support us financially in our endeavour let us know.
We are going to be establishing a non-profit ministry to provide a
means for tax deductible contributions. In the mean time, my church
has offered to accept these gifts in our behalf and give the funds to
us. We are also looking for more places to play - both in the church
and outside of the church. We want you to know that no venue is too
large or too small. We would love to come to your church and
minister to you through music. (We will even play in your backyard
if you want us to!)

Thanks for listening to me ramble and please keep us in your prayers
and we take this leap!!!!!

Your friends,
Kermit & the Band

UPCOMING SHOWS:
July 6th @ The Beanery in Athens, TN
July 7th @ Grounded Coffee and More in Maryville, TN
July 14th @ Grounds and Sounds in Powell

Hello Everyone!!!!
Sorry for the delay in posting news. I will be updating everything shortly. The guys and I were taking a few weeks off to rest and work on some new material. We are now booking new dates and they will be posted here shortly.
Kermit

We have gone high tech and created our own toolbar. Stay up to date on all the Kermit Band news. We have also added a chat room for your enjoyment.

With love,
Kermit & the Band

toolbar powered by Conduit

*!*!*!*!*!*!SHOW TONIGHT @ GROUNDED COFFEE & MORE*!*!*!*!*!*!

"He who does not find the great and perfect wisdom of God in his wonderful work of music is truly a clod and is not worthy to be considered a man!"
- Martin Luther

"There was so much music in America I revolted. . . It's even in grocery stores and at the beautician's, and the worst thing about it is that nobody is listening."
- Hepzibah Menuhin

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Hello to all!!!
I hope that this blog finds you well! The band and I are doing great. We are enjoying life and all the opportunities that are opening up for us to play.

We have added a new member to the band, Jason (Jeff's brother) has now officially taken over the roll as drummer. We are so excited to have him join us. He is a very talented musician and adds so much to our lineup.

The band and I would like to thank Sean for getting us off to a great start. We we first started we had no rhythm section other than the stomping of my feet. We then auditioned "Animal" our digital drummer who kept a great beat, but lacked creativity. Then Sean came aboard and really carried us to the next level (especially if he drank a cup of coffee first)! Thanks man we love you!

In other news, we now have a Band Van. As we have been playing more, we talked about getting a van so that we could all ride together.
Being poor broke musicians it was more of a dream than a reality.
Well, God surprised us all and last week we had a van given to us!!!!
How cool is that?! We have yet to name her - I'm sure that will come after the first road trip. We will post pictures of her soon, so keep checking the website.

We are adding shows often so keep checking for new dates. Also, if you know somewhere we could play, please let us know. We are availabe for just about anything - house parties, coffee houses, churches, schools, festivals, camps, and even Wal-Mart parking lots!

Peace, Love and a Rockin Sax,
Kermit & the Guys

adopt your own virtual pet!

My mother drew a distinction between achievement and success. She said that 'achievement is the knowledge that you have studied and worked hard and done the best that is in you. Success is being praised by others, and that's nice, too, but not as important or satisfying. Always aim for achievement and forget about success.'
- Helen Hayes (1900 - 1993)

Aim for success, not perfection. Never give up your right to be wrong, because then you will lose the ability to learn new things and move forward with your life.
- Dr. David M. Burns

Real success is finding your lifework in the work that you love.
- David McCullough (1933 - )

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The band had a great weekend this past week. On Friday night we got to lead worship for the "30 Hour Famine" For those of you who don't know, this is where a group of youth get together and raise money for those less fortunate than us. They collect money from people who sponsor them to go 30 hours without any food. For those of you who have never done it, it's harder than you might think. I commend them for their hard work and their effort. We had a blast with them and I must say that they screamed the loudest out of everywhere we have played!!!!! If you would like to know more about the famine, you can visit their website: http://www.30hourfamine.org/

On Saturday, we achieved a milestone. Something that few bands get the opportunity to do ---
We played at the Wal-mart in Lenoir City, TN.
I must admit I was really excited about that, I mean who gets to play at Wal-mart!!!! Okay, laugh if you will but I still think it's cool. We set up outside, next to the front door and got to entertain the crowds coming in and out for a couple of hours.
This concert was an outreach for Faith Outreach Assembly of God church. We want to thank them for inviting us to play. If you live in the Lenoir City area you should stop by and visit them. They are located at:
201 North B. St.
Lenoir City
On Sunday their service times are: Sunday School 9:30 AM & Worship at 10:45 AM. They also have Family NIght on Wednesday at 7:00 PM. If you need more information give them a call at (865) 988-4011

That's all for now! Keep checking the calendar because we are constantly adding dates!

With a song a smile,
Kermit & the Band
Luke 19:10
If you need more information give them

"Eccentricity is not, as dull people would have us believe, a form of madness. It is often a kind of innocent pride, and the man of genius and the aristocrat are frequently regarded as eccentrics because genius and aristocrat are entirely unafraid of and uninfluenced by the opinions and vagaries of the crowd."
Edith Sitwell (1887 - 1964

"Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society."
Mark Twain (1835 - 1910)

"Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each."
Henry David Thoreau (1817 - 1862)

"Eliminate something superfluous from your life. Break a habit. Do something that makes you feel insecure."
Piero Ferrucci

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Hello to all in internet land. I suppose it safe to talk to you this way - I'm not spreading my cold via computer. I have been struggling with the flu for the past few weeks. At first I felt miserable, but I could still sing. Now that I feel better I have lost my voice.

It started going last Wednesday when Kevin and I got together to work on some new songs. The next day it was gone completely. By Saturday, it had come back enough for me to sing - sort of. Thanks to all who came out to the Beanery Coffee Cafe. We had a blast playing there. Hopefully, my gravelly flu voice wasn't too painful to listen to all night.

We will be back there in about a month and I better be over the flu by then! Everyday I'm getting a little better, so I should be completely well for the Tellico Lake Church Kick-Off this Saturday.

We are so excited to be a part of this with Lonnie, Tim, Allen and all the others. If you are free this Saturday, come out and join us as we help get this new church off the ground!

With a sniffled goodbye,
Kermit

"A man's life is what his thoughts make it."
- Marcus Aurelius

"As a man thinks in his heart, so is he."
- King Solomon

"A man is what he thinks about all day long."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Be transformed by the renewing of your minds."
- Paul of Tarsus

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What do you think about? What consumes the inner recess of your mind? Those deep places that no one else sees? The things that you keep hidden from the light of day, buried from the world? These are what makes us who we are - good & bad.

The mind is a powerful thing. It can push us to be great or it can drag us down into the depths of insanity.

I have been reading a book lately that has been challenging me as I examine my life more closely. It's called, "THE NEUROTIC'S GUIDE TO GOD & LOVE - 7 MISTAKES THAT MAKE US CRAZY AND 8 WAYS TO CHANGE" by Dr. Lance Moore. The latest chapter that I read deals with taming our minds and our emotions. So often in life we are our own worst enemies. We can become defeated by our own thoughts.

I learned some facts about our presidents of the last fifty years: Here are some reasons why they shouldn't have been elected - Truman didn't have a college education, Eisenhower had a heart condition, Kennedy wore a back brace and had several chronic illnesses, Nixon tried and failed against Kennedy, Ronald Reagan was too old, Bill Clinton was too young, the elder George Bush had no charisma, and the younger Bush (according to critics) had no brains. Dr. Moore says, "Regardless of their politics, these men had at least two things in common: They all believed they could become president - and they did!"

What are you becoming? Is it what you dreamed in your mind when you were a child? My dream has been the same for as long as I can remember - I wanted to do music. I used to stand in front of the mirror and sing to myself. I never wanted to be a fireman or a policeman, I always wanted to be a musician.

I have faced some road blocks on my path - people who didn't like my music or said I wasn't good enough - but my biggest enemy has been myself. My own doubts and fears are far more devastating than anything that someone else could do or say. I am fighting through it though. I am daring to dream big - to believe that God has something great in store for me.

I'll end with a final word from Dr. Moore, "How big is your imagination? How broad is your vision? How strong is your belief in the good possibilities of life? Taming your mind, your attitude, and your point of view and perspective can make all the difference between success and failure, health and illness. A little bit of faith can lead to great action and, ultimately, to something miraculous."

With a song and a smile,
Kermit

P.S.
Me and the guys are playing this weekend on Saturday the 17th at Grounds and Sounds in Powell at 8 PM so come on out and join us!

"I dreamed I was eating spaghetti. When I woke up, my pajama string was gone."
-Shelby Friedman-

"If a certain 20 percent of the country's drivers lost their licenses, the accident rat would go down 80 percent."
-Knoxville News Sentinel-

"Be dissatisfied enough to improve, but satisfied enough to be happy."
-J. Harold Smith-

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Hello to all our friends out in email land! It's Kermit here writing my late night ramblings.
I love that last quote. I think that it might be the key to living a content life. I love to learn. I like to push myself into being a better person. Pablo Picasso wrote, "I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it." It's a great desire to have, to be fascinated with the wonder of the world around you, but if you are not careful it can consume you. Some times you have to take time to just stop and smell the roses. So often we work so hard that we have no time left to enjoy the fruits of our labors. I never want to be that way, but it's hard not to be sometimes.
I find this more and more true now that my family is growing. Having a child changes things. I have this overwhelming desire to take care of my family. If I pursue this dream will I be able to meet all of their needs? Am I being a bad husband and father for not working a normal 9 to 5 job? I cry out - NO!!!! In the face of my accusers I am daring to live! I am enjoying the moment whether it last for a life time or ends tomorrow. Live your life in wonder, learn what you can, enjoy the moment - both good and bad - because this is what makes you who you are!

**This now concludes my sleepless ramblings we now return to our normally scheduled programming.**

THE BAND IS PLAYING TONIGHT - FEBRUARY 10TH - AT GROUNDED COFFEE AND MORE IN MARYVILLE @ 7 PM

Come on out and enjoy the first show in Maryville since December!

A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds.
- Francis Bacon -

I shall pass through this world but once. Any good that I can do, or any kindness that I can show any human being, let me do it now and not defer it. For I shall not pass this way again.
- Stephen Grellet -

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Just wanted to let everyone know who lives in the Maryville/Alcoa area that Kermit was featured in the Blount Today this past week. So grab yourself a copy and learn more about your favorite singing friend.

Hey everyone! We are back from SC. We had a Great time and we want to give a BIG thanks to Carpenters Cellar for having us! Check out the pics from the show. We didn't have our photographer with us so there are not many this time.
Also, we want to recognize some guys that made our night! Dylan Marler and Alex Brown of Greenville, SC. We let these guys share the spot light and do a couple of songs of their own. Check out a clip from one of their songs from that night at www.myspace.com/kevinneilharris Click video and then select carpenters cellar video and it should play. Well thats it for now. Hope to see you at the next show. Dylan, Alex thanks guys! Keep it real!
-Kevin-

Hey everyone! It's Kevin. Just letting you all know that we are on our way to South Carolina today! We are all very excited to get to play there. Keep us in your prayers for our safe trip and return. Also pray that God would use us there in a great way! We will be back in town tomorrow! Until next time, keep it in the road ya'll! C-ya!

I wanted to let you know that Irelyn now has her own website. If you would like to see what she is up to, head on over and check it out.
http://www.totsites.com/tot/irelyngrace
The Dad,
Kermit

"People who say they sleep like a baby usually don't have one." - Leo J. Burke

"There is nothing like a newborn baby to renew your spirit - and to buttress your resolve to make the world a better place." - Virginia Kelley

"A baby is God's opinion that the world should go on." - Carl Sandburg

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Howdy & Hello!
I am finally getting pictures of little Irelyn posted, so head on over to the photo gallery and check them out. I'm sure there will be many more to come. All of us are doing well. Kristen and I are getting used to being parents and loving it. Thanks to all who have helped us adjust by bringing us food and for all the wonderful baby gifts.

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We had a great show last Friday at the V-Cafe. Thanks to all who came out. We have added a new member to the group - Sean Smith has joined us and is playing drums. We will be playing this Friday night in Powell at Grounds and Sounds. The show starts at 8 PM so come on out and join us!!!!!

From the New Dad,
Kermit

Hello to everyone! If you haven't heard yet...I'm a Dad!

Irelyn Grace Easterling was born on January 11, 2007 at 10:16 in the morning. She weighed 7lbs. 11oz.

She is a beautiful bundle of joy. She is doing very well so far, eating and sleeping and is a very curios child (much like her father). Mom is doing well and we are slowly getting adjusted to being parents.

Sorry for the delay in getting this posted but our internet was down at the house and is just now back up and running. I will have some pictures posted shortly.

Also, we are playing tonight at the V-Cafe in Knoxville. Little Irelyn won't be there, but you can still come and see me.

Take Care!
The New Dad,
Kermit