The China Cat is out of the bag: Dave has joined Raising The Dead, a band celebrating the music of The Grateful Dead.  The Grateful Dead played live for over 30 years, logging thousands of shows from San Francisco to Egypt.  Raising The Dead recreates the music and vibe, with improvisation, tight vocal harmonies, and a groove to keep you dancing all night long.  Check Raising The Dead out and remember why there's nothing in the world like a Dead show!  Our first show will be May 21 at Westland's Token Lounge.  Get your tickets now! 

This Saturday, November 19 at 7:30, I'll be opening up for Avenue A Capella, Downriver's newest a capella group.  The performance is at the Downriver Actor's Guild Theater on the Avenue, and tickets are on sale now!  For more information, see the event facebook page. The tickets for this fundraiser performance are limited, so get yours soon.

After another year of songwriting, creating charts, performing, editing, mixing, mastering, and designing album art, Sunday Morning Live, Vol. 2 by Dave Martin and the GIPC Band is finally ready for you to enjoy!  I've poured my heart and soul into these songs, and combed The Word for inspiration.  I pray you'll find some when you listen. Purchase your physical disc at CD Baby, download it from iTunes, or stream it on Spotify, Apple Music, or Amazon Music.

If you've ever had the experience of feeling close to your child while sitting in church, sharing worship with them, then this song is for you. 
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Last week, I sat in church with my son, reading songs from the hymnal.  He turned to me and whispered, "Is the service done?"  I scribbled the question down, knowing it was the kernel for a new song.  Over the week, I wrote the poem, found the chords, arranged and scored the parts for the GIPC Band.  Here's the result!  

BONUS: I've included the demo version I recorded before sending the parts out to the band. 

Is The Service Over?
By Dave Martin
The plate is full and the cup is empty
​We sing, "Praise God, all creatures here below."
My arm around my son next to me,
He turns to me and whispers,
Is the service over? Is the service done? 
Not yet, son.

My finger traces the hymnal words.
Hearing you sing always makes me smile.
My son someday I might even watch you
Walk up this sanctuary aisle.
Is the service over? Is the service done? 
I hope you take your light into the world,
Shine it bright throughout your life. 
Remember it’s what you say and do 
And how you love that make you you. 
The organ rings its final chord,
Amen my friends, Amen my Lord. 
Take your light into the world,
Shine it bright throughout your life. 
Remember it’s what you say and do 
And how you love that make you you 

So many people have never known
A mind and heart so good as your own. 
What could you do if you choose to share?
It’s my prayer you’ll learn 
That it’s never over. It’s never done. 

Is the service over? Is the service done? 

Godfrey Porter on bass, Jason Cassell on Drums, Tim Link on keys, John Phillips on sax and guitar, and Dave Martin on guitar and vocals.  Dig the dream team in action at the Arts and Apples festival in Rochester, Michigan on Saturday, September 10th! More videos to come!

On Friday, August 19, The Bel Airs, my 50s and 60s rock and roll big band performed at Riverside Park in Auburn Hills, MI.  We performed a bunch of songs from the golden age of rock and roll for a crowd of over 300.  Here are some of the songs we performed.  Enjoy!

Ask 
Words and Music by Dave Martin
Are you there God? 
It’s me again, you see, I could really use a friend
To talk to and maybe help me understand.
Just what is going on today?
So many of us could really use some faith.
And a reminder of how we were all born with your grace.
If I ask will you answer?
If I search will you show? 
When I knock will you let me in?
Oh please won't you open the door?

Are you there, God?  
I’m still not sure how you allow suffering, the sick and the poor,
Maybe it’s something I’ll never understand.
But I’m told the gift you’ve sent for us,
How we’ve all been given your grace and your trust,
And all that you’ve asked of me is to give away all of my love.
If I ask will you answer?
If I search will you show? 
When I knock will you let me in?
Oh please won't you open the door?
I’d like to know:
Why isn’t pink in the rainbow? 
Has my life been planned?
Do we ever make you sad? 
Will I see grandpa again? 
What is it like in heaven? 
Why can’t my dog eat chocolate?
When I pray do you really hear?
Can I get a pony for christmas?   
It’s on my list every year!
Good question… 

If I ask will you answer?
If I search will you show? 
When I knock will you let me in?
Oh please won't you open the door?