VINTAGE ZAC'S PLACE LIVE FROM 'THE OFFICE' -'If you can't handle the organized Church - create a disorganized one...!'

Whilst sorting through some old recordings, I came across a disc from August 2002 when Zac's Place was gathering on a Sunday night in the public bar of The Office pub in Swansea city centre. On it was an interview with John Smith and following that a short reflection from the Bible. The link below is for the interview and covers questions on being jailed and facing excecution, life influences and church struggles.

What's remarkable, is that this was recorded in a public bar to a mixed audience of around 150 people - bikers, musicians, artists, believers, seekers and cynics among them . . . . for a brief moment the pool table, pinball machine and bar fell silent . . . grab a few minutes and take a listen . . . .

You can also find John's own podcast here: http://john-smith.podomatic.com/
(Part two of this recording will eventually be posted there)





A direct link to the podcast can be found HERE.

Our Tribal Gathering at Zac's last week was a little different to our usual, as we welcomed Barry McGuire to share some stories and songs. It was great to have the main hall packed with some folk making a journey of several hours to be there. Barry himself had travelled four hours after having flown in from California.

It was wonderful hearing his life's journey as he shared his stories of carving out his career in music alongside his mates in The Byrds, the Mamas and Papas and hanging out in small coffee house gigs with Bob Dylan. He also shared his frustrations and heartaches as he's seen so many friends die from the lifestyle excesses along the way. Eve of Destruction remains his most notable work, but he rejects the 'protest song' label for it, stating that it was a 'diagnostic song', painting a picture of what was around at the time. Many of his own stories contained his search for the answers to questions in that song.

Several decades on from 'eve' and his desire to subsequently follow Christ, now at 75 years of age he took the stage for an hour and half with charisma, energy and passion that can only be admired. Zac's Place has a long history of live music and the arts - these days live music doesn't come around too often, but when it does it's worth savouring!

Here's a YouTube link to Eve of Destruction from that night - follow the links through to Liz's additional uploads as they appear.

Barry McGuire at Zac's Place

One final reminder about the event at Zac's Place on Tuesday night. We welcome singer songwriter, Barry McGuire from the USA for what will be the first event of a short UK and Ireland tour. For over forty years Barry has continued to be prolific song writer, performer, story teller and truth seeker. From way back in the 60's when he was part of the New Christy Minstrels, His massive solo hit Eve of Destruction and legendary recordings with the Mamas and Papas colour a very rich past. His journey of faith and passion for the marginalised add textures that will make for a great Zac's Place evening and after all, - It's not every day we get chance to have a guest at Zac's that's performed at the White House - don't miss this opportunity!
Tickets are £12 (Any profits going to the work at Zac's Place)
Online purchasing available here:

You may also like to check this interview with Barry out ....

NEW JOHN SMITH PODCAST SITE

OK folks, hot on the heals of John's recent return visit and our collective pondering ... here's a link to John's new podcast page - kicking off with one of his regular 'This Is John Smith' - 'thought for the day' - radio spots, heard across Australian radio stations for years. More will be added on a regular basis - including the best of a huge back catalogue. Other features will also include video and comment.

Get in and subscribe early ..... "John Smith's message is for people who want to do more than just listen" Bono U2

NEW ONLINE TICKETING FOR BARRY McGUIRE EVENT

We have a new option for online ticketing for Barry McGuire's 'Stories and Songs' event at Zac's Place on Tues 21 Sept.
You can find it at this link:
BARRY McGUIRE ZAC'S PLACE TICKETS
Advance purchase is advised to avoid disappointment on the night .....

See previous posts for poster . . .