Saying GoodBye to 2015...or is it good riddance...

2015 started with such promise. My business was getting a "fresh start", new working relationships, new partnerships and I actually needed to wear shades as the future did in fact look very bright...THEN...all hell broke loose. I don't think I am exaggerating when I suggest that everything I had dreamed of for this fiscal year - died! I do not want to rehash the details, but lets just say that every single projection, every single goal, every single financial "dream" - was obliterated!! I think that sums up my 2015... Now I could sit here and think of the craziness that was 2015. I could sit here and blame and finger point and pretend I am a victim and that life is so unfair and life is harsh yada yada yada...I could be sad, and sit here and be depressed because of the situation I find myself in...OR...I could find the many blessings in the rubble. I choose to find those blessings...here are just a few: 1. We finally took a family vacation. Wendy has been saving for a couple years without telling anyone. She surprised us last Christmas with a trip to Cuba for us and the 3 kids! AWESOME time!!! 2. I had the chance to tour with all 3 of my vocal heroes. Growing up, Steve Archer, Russ Taff and Michael English were the 3 singers that I pattern'd my vocal style after. I knew all their music, I knew their special "vocal lyks". I toured with all 3 and got to sing some of their iconic tunes with them. I sang, "Through His Eyes of Love" & "Jesus is the Answer" with Steve Archer..."I'm Forgiven" & "Trumpet of Jesus" with Russ Taff...then just last week, "Mary Did You Know" "I Bowed of My Knees" & "I Believe in a Hill" with Michael English!!! So...that was VERY cool. 3. Our company helped Jessica Ridley tour in the UK for 18 dates with Ward Thomas (#1 Country act in the UK) and I was able to spend 8 days in the UK and see many incredible things! I even saw Stonehenge! 4. I was able to release my very first DVD, THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS WITH KEVIN PAULS & FRIENDS, featuring - The Martins, Steve Archer, NewWorldSon, Jacob Moon, Alynthia, Kevin Ramessar and a great band and choir!! It played all over the UK this year, into the US Market and parts of Australia and South Africa. This is a huge deal for me...so happy about this! 5. My daughter Lauren - is engaged!!! Getting married next year...She is also finishing up school and is a youth pastor at a local church in Waterloo. 6. My daughter Amber is at Bible College and just got back from a 6 week missions trip to Jamaica. She is also an amazing photographer. 7. My son Jordan is done high school and is taking his Real Estate course and will be joining my brother in Hamilton to keep the tradition going and work for PAULS Real Estate! 8. My lovely wife, Wendy, and I celebrated our 27th Anniversary this year. AND we still really like each other! SO...??? I can focus on the negative of 2015 --- OR, I can choose to see the blessings. I have learned many things this year. I know who my friends are. I know that there are many people that like to see others fail. I also know that there are many people that see the good - and there are many people that have the ability to show grace and mercy! Here is what I hope for in 2016. A) I will be back touring a lot more B) I will be back working with artists a lot more C) I will have my wife working by my side! D) I have a renewed focus for the few things in this world I am good at. STICK TO THEM! E) I will write new music this year, with some great songwriters I am so happy to be turning the calendar over to 2016. Not so much to get rid of 2015...but to look forward to another year to be better - professionally - and personally! God be the centre of all I do. May people see YOU before they see me. Happy New Year!!! See you on the road in 2016. Kevin

#InTouchMinistries Present #LIFE!!!

Just wanted to share this event with you...This Saturday April 12th...Markham Ontario @ The Olive Branch...Details in the poster! Check it out - i will be performing a lot of brand new music!!

Hope to see you there! Check out InToucMinistries!! See you Saturday! Kevin

Round 1 - SG Blog, from TRUE MUSINGS, by Kevin Pauls

**NOTE:  For those of you that follow this blog - this is the first installment that will be featured in the SG Blog.  This blog is huge around the world and focuses on the music and the world of Southern Gospel Music - which is my heritage!!

Ok, that is a very long title for the first blog isn't it?  Really...I will shorten them in the future!!  LOL

I want to open by saying thank you to Lorraine Walker for inviting me to be a part of this blog.  Growing up being involved in SG music and singing SG music and touring with the Gaither's etc...I have SG in my blood!  It is at the root of all that I do, and there is a real love for the music and the people!!

Let me introduce myself...for those that don't know me - the following is a little information you might find incredibly boring...but it will give you some insight as to why I am writing what I will be writing...I will not be this boring every blog!  I PROMISE!!  LOL

I have been singing for over 25 years (I say over, because once you hit 25 years...does it really matter?)  You can find me on the web at www.kevinpauls.com, www.facebook.com/kevinpauls, twitter: @kevinpauls, instagram: @kevinpauls.

I have released 7 CD's and am finally releasing a new CD either November 1 or January 1...still trying to decide.  I am also starting to write for another ALL original CD for release in fall of 2014.

Interesting tid-bits - I have performed over 2000 shows, touring with Avalon, Michael English, Jonathan Martin, been a part of the Gaither Homecoming from 2004 - 2010, appeared in 2 Gaither Homecoming Video's, TOP 40 Single "The Spirit of Christmas" Canada, Nominated 7 times for Male Vocalist of the Year GMA Canada, WON Religious Recording of the Year at The Hamilton Music Awards, WON Fans CHOICE Artist of the Year at the Hamilton Music Awards.  Recently Nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Fan Choice Artist of the Year at The 2013 Glass Awards.

You can check out more stuff on my website etc...

None of that stuff matters at all, seriously...it's only there to give context.  I have been doing this for a while and have many interested journey's and lots of stories.  I am looking forward to sharing my life on the road.  Sharing my time in the studio...and life with you all! (i had to sound a little more southern!!)

One note...in September, I will be performing with Gaither Homecoming star, Mike Allen.  We will be performing a month of shows at the Avalon Theatre in Niagara Falls Ontario.  We are a part of a huge Elvis Tribute show called Return To Grace.  We are representing JD Sumner and the Stamps...PS: I am NOT playing JD!! LOL

I will writing to you about my recent Alberta tour, and will keep you informed as Mike and I prepare to take on the music of Elvis!!

Talk soon,

Kevin Pauls

Backyard Concert Series - found this video...