For the Miami Valley Today

PIQUA — Stonebridge Church, located at 105 E. Greene St. in Piqua, will be hosting Mitch McVicker live in concert at 7 p.m. on Nov. 27.

With the recording of his 12th album, “A Shrugging of the Shoulders,” Mitch McVicker gives a nod to his past as he stretches forward.

McVicker’s vocational musical journey began by working with the late Rich Mullins. The two performed concerts and wrote songs together. Shortly after a car wreck killed Mullins and badly injured McVicker, a song the two penned together, “My Deliverer,” was given the GMA Dove Award for song of the year, all while McVicker was still deep in a lengthy and difficult recovery period.

After his recovery, McVicker continued his musical career, influenced by Rich Mullins in music and thought, yet with his own distinct voice and style. McVicker’s solo career has spanned over 2200 concerts in 49 states and 13 countries. Along with recording 11 full-length albums, he has made two EPs, and released two live concert DVDs.

McVicker seems intent on making sure his musical journey continues to grow and evolve. In creating “A Shrugging of a Shoulders,” he once again placed himself in a new situation by recording at the never-before-used-by-him Old Bear Studios with a brand-new-to-him group of musicians.

“I wanted the songs on this album to be simple, similar to when I first started writing songs,” said McVicker. “But now I hope the songs connect with people in a non-complex way … while hopefully having some provoking lyrics that point us beyond ourselves to a God that is involved in our lives in ways that are often overlooked, undetected, and taken for granted.”

With the recording of Shrugging’s 14 songs, McVicker set out to capture the same spirit of his live concerts — using his unique and signature construction of percussion tracks by looping junk, household items, and children’s toys. McVicker’s concert is a little bit Mark Twain meets MacGyver. His quirky and inventive approach includes insightful song lyrics, unconventional instruments, and profound storytelling. His concert connects the everyday with the otherworldly.

The second half of 2021 will see McVicker embark on the “A Shrugging of the Shoulders“ tour. As the pandemic that has derailed many lives, much health, and countless vocations begins to lift, McVicker sees the 60-concert tour as a perfect opportunity.

“In working with these songs the last couple years, they have definitely breathed life into me,” he said. “I can’t wait to share them. I hope my concert will raise spirits and direct attention toward the good.”

The concert will be at 7 p.m. on Nov. 27 at Stonebridge Church, 105 E. Greene St. in Piqua. Admission to the concert is free, but the church will be taking an offering. Merchandise will be available. For more information, visit mitchmcvickermusic.com.