Music Soothes The Soul and Paul McCartney

It's been a whirlwind lately playing gig after gig.  In the midst of it all I had the privilege of actually going to a concert to hear someone else play.  Guess who I got to see?  Sir Paul McCartney.

For a Beatles fan like me, this was a thrill.  The tickets were worth every penny.  All I could think throughout the show as that someone forgot to tell this man he's 70.  He looked great!  He even tripped off of the last step from the piano to grab his guitar at one point and popped back up like a dancer.

He is a true showman, and while I will never attain his claim to fame or knighthood, I have patterned myself in my performances a bit after Paul.  He inspired me even more at this concert.

I have taken my Christian Disc Jockey service and expanded it to be a mixture of a live performance with "spinning discs" which are now mostly in digital form anyway.

No, I will never be Paul McCartney.  But, a concert like the one he put on for St. Louis is not one I will ever forget.

It made me think how music soothes an aching soul.  If it is not music that also offers the life of Christ, it may be a bit of a Band Aid repair of the soul.  But, nonetheless, it soothes it if even momentarily.

I'm glad I got the chance to see Paul McCartney live in St. Louis.  And, I can only hope to pull a little of the magic of the musical night to sprinkle into my shows as well.

Planted by living water

he finds pleasure in obeying the Lord’s commands;

he meditates on his commands day and night.

He is like a tree planted by flowing streams;

I love this scripture and I love water front views.

Enjoy these refreshing pictures. I hope you find them as relaxing as I feel when I view Gods incredible creation and life giving water.

I long for my music to bring this kind of refreshment to those who listen.

Wisconsin tour pinecrest oostburg

I love taking my music on the road especially when it means cooler temps for awhile. I have three gigs today. Got started in oostburg Wisconsin. Beautiful place and scenic drive.

Onto pine crest number two and three later tonight

Offbeat Bride's Funky DIY Button and Bead Bouquet

This is so cool.  Anyone planning a wedding knows that putting a touch of yourself into it is the fun part.  From choosing just the right music to accenting with personal touches, unique choices are what you will remember from your special day.

I saw this DIY "funky button and bead bouquet" from Offbeat Bride posted online and thought it was such a unique idea.  I just had to share it.  Check out her tutorial at the link here:

DIY your own funky button and bead bouquet | Offbeat Bride

I can't wait to see what other brides do with this.  Please post a pic on my facebook page of how your bouquet turns out.

What are You to God?

For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the LORD has chosen you to be his treasured possession.” Deuteronomy 14:2


Isn't that scripture amazing?  Me?  You?  God has chosen us to be His treasure.  I cannot fathom that a God, who I believe, created the universe would want me as his treasured possession.  This is truly amazing news.  It adds value to everything I do, and it propels me to desire to cleanse my every action and my every thought to make it pure and holy.


Pure and holy!  What is that in a world where people fight over whether or not particular scriptures are even truth or fantasy.


Regardless, I desire to live my live in a way that one day can be tested as if it is gold, run through a fire of purification, found only to be pure and more than simply glitter.


In my work and in my entertaining of audiences, I long to keep it pure.  I want God to look at how I touch the hearts of others and smile, valuing me and my work as his treasured possession.  When I sing and play guitar and saxophone before those in an Altzheimer's unit or those celebrating a wedding, I want everyone within earshot to leave the event filled with more than musical notes floating through the air.

I matter to God, you matter to God.  We are his treasured possessions.  If, when I close my guitar case at the end of a show, I know my God is smiling on me, then I have done my job well.

8 Things to Consider When Choosing Music for your Wedding

When deciding what kind of music you want for your wedding, there are many options and many considerations.

1. What music do you and your fiance' enjoy?
2. Is it music all guests will enjoy?
3. Will it embarrass older guests?
4. Will it bore younger guests?
5. Do you want an air of class or party-hearty?
6. Do you want background music during dinner?
7. Do you want just musical tracts played off of CDs/iPods or do you prefer a live band sound?
8. Do you want dancing or just atmospheric music?

This is just a handful of aspects to consider when booking a DJ or performer for your wedding.

Joyful Sounds Christian DJ service has been serving weddings for 20+ years and knows that each and every event is, or should be, just as unique as the bride and groom.

The London 2012 Olympics vs. This Weekend Performances

After an amazing 2 1/2 weeks of pure relaxation at the beach and a trip of a lifetime with my children to Walt Disney World in Florida, I am back and busier than ever.  Since returning home late Sunday night, I have performed 5 shows out and taught about 15 guitar lessons.

This weekend proves to be alive and exciting.  I am performing tonight at Madison's Cafe' on Hwy. K in O'Fallon, Missouri from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and then Sunday at Aggies Closet and Tea Room Patio Wine Garden from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

I know the Olympics are beginning tonight as well, but I promise to make your effort well worth it.  I may even play some McCartney to make you feel like you're at the opening ceremonies in London. I would love it if you come out to see me play.

Joyful Sounds Christian DJ in St. Louis and St. Charles moves to new spot on the web

You used to click on Joyfulsoundsdj.com and come up with the best Christian DJ Disc Jockey service in St. Louis and St. Charles.  We're still here with pure entertainment, playing the best in tasteful lyrical and Christian selections for your wedding reception.  We've just moved to a new location on the web.

You can find us now at http://joyfulsoundsentertainment.yolasite.com/

Stop by!  We'd love to introduce our new services of John Scott live music for your wedding reception mixed in with all your favorite Christian music or tasteful uplifting secular songs you choose.  The idea is to provide you with pure entertainment that your wedding guests won't be embarrassed to share the dance floor with grandma when it's played!

Get the best of both worlds:  Your favorite recorded music or live entertainment with saxophone, guitar and vocals by John Scott Musician.

Selling my childhood

It has come to this!  Toys from my childhood have become quite valuable, it seems.  Combine this with my need to pay down debt and everyday living expenses, and I have decided to sell toys from my childhood, including a guitar, on eBay.

This journey is eye-opening.  It makes me feel old.  It makes me feel as if a part of my growing up and happy days are waving goodbye, and it makes me sad and full of hope all at the same time.  The hope, of course, stems from the practical aspect of the money these toys bring in.

I have come to the last of what I was able to scour from my parent's basement for now.  Only one item remains to be sold and shipped away.  So, I thought I would share some photos of my experience as well as spotlight an awesome guitar that is still for sale to the highest "bidder" (more on this in a future post).

Wurdle Psalms

Just having fun with Wurdle and scriptures:

I have a QR Code

Well, it's the first step toward reaching out to a mobile world, but it's a good start.

I now have a QR code for my events page.

Check it out:

Madison's Cafe'

Having a severe sensitivity to cigarette smoke and do not wish to promote alcoholic beverages, I have had a challenge finding places around town where I can perform without coming away with a sinus infection or compromising my Christian values.

In my musical cafe' endeavors, I have landed a new gig.   This Friday (yes, it's Friday the 13th, but don't let that deter you) I will be performing at Madison's Cafe' in O'Fallon.

I will be back in the area where they put the bands - near the patio doors.  O'Fallon is smoke-free, so the restaurant environment makes for a more pleasant experience than that found in smoke-filled bars.  There is, however, smoking allowed outside the restaurant.  So, I can only hope the patio doors stay shut so I can breathe freely enough to keep singing.

Either way, I hope to see you at Madison's Cafe' on April 13 from 6-9.

The Emotions of Selling Childhood Toys - 1966 Captain Action from Ideal

It was a tough decision, but one that needed to be made.  I decided to sell some of my childhood toys to pay down some excessive debt.

These toys included a 1966 Ideal Captain Action complete with various outfits.  My dad, a former Marine, used to roll his eyes as he watched his son playing with - what he called - "a doll".  I would retort back, "Action figure, dad - Action figure."  He would just turn and leave the room.

These action figure "dolls" were so cool.  They do not make toys like this anymore.  This Captain Action had masks that were form-fitted for his face.  He could be batman, the Phantom, Super man, Spider man and change into many additional characters as desired.

These "dolls" allowed me to escape reality for a joyous afternoon with my friends.

The figures all sold on ebay for a price that made it worth my detachment and goodbyes.  Well, all but one set of extra Captain Action boots I had in the boxes, that I relisted for a small asking price to start the opening bid.  I can only hope they are headed for a good home.

October Baby Music Video Life Is Beautiful

October Baby is a movie coming out in theaters on March 23.  The Afters are featured in the movie soundtrack and in this music video:


The Afters - Life Is Beautiful (Official Music Video From October Baby) from fairtradeservices on GodTube.



October Baby is a movie about hope redemption and forgiveness.  It is a happy movie in the midst of movies enveloped with death, vampires, and dark magic.  This is the kind of movie you'll be pleased to allow your daughter to see.

My New Digital PR Press Kit

I have recently updated my site to include a digital press kit.

It's still in the development stage, but most of it is here now.  I'd love for you to view it.

Check out my new PR Press Kit!

I am very excited about tons of new bookings and am looking into additional venues this year and into next.

I have also started to plan our Wisconsin tour.  We are definitely planning on returning to Sheboygan.  I am still working out details on whether we will go up the Door or just skirt it with a Green Bay trip.  Or, perhaps, Milwaukee.

John Scott musician Digital PR Press Kit

My new PR press kit is available! I may tweak it and add to it as I go, but it is up and ready to view:

John Scott musician

I have numerous video clips that I am still editing and converting for upload.  So, the kit is only going to get better from this point.  However, I'm pleased with the initial run.

Now, moving forward to fill up the rest of my booking calendar with local performances (preferably in venues that do not allow smoking and are family friendly).

Then, I plan to move onward toward booking my September shows in Wisconsin.  This year, we're looking at Sheboygan, Milwaukee or Green Bay, possibly back up to Sturgeon Bay, in Door County.

It Will Be a Hot Show - Literally, No Air Conditioning

Today's show is expected to be really "hot".  However, as I hope it will be entertaining, I literally mean it will be hot.  I received a call last night to forewarn me to expect a very warm environment at today's show because we are experiencing unseasonably warm temps in the high 80's, and their AC is broken.

The show must go on, as they say.  Today's show took a turn with a surprise as I was told to show up in any attire (other than my usual long-sleeved tuxedo), even shorts would be acceptable.

Then, I received another call.  This time, it was a bit happier.  They have decided to move the even outside underneath some trees, in the shade.

Ahhhhh!  Hooray!  While it will still be warm and humid outside, it will not be stifling warm caused by no moving air and inside walls trapping the heat from yesterday and into today.

Now the fun part of deciding what to wear besides my tux.

Michael W. Smith Endorses Santorum

Last night's Mississippi and Alabama wins went to Republican candidate Rick Santorum.  Not long before his sweep of the south, there was a Christian musician who threw his endorsement into the ring of the Santorum camp.

Michael W. Smith has been a Christian icon and rocking performer.  Decades after his start, the musician is still touring strong and helping Compassion International along the way.  A few days ago, he announced he would also be helping a candidate in America.

Find out why Smith is supporting Santorum.  Read more about this latest endorsement here:

Grammy winner supports Santorum before his sweep of the south - St. Louis Christian Music | Examiner.com

Flu Epidemic Quarantine

Yesterday when I arrived to perform at a retirement facility, I was informed that the doors had been locked because the building was recently quarantined due to the flu epidemic.  What is a performer to do in this situation?

Well, the show must go on....  Now, of course, if I were the one that was suffering from the flu - I would reschedule my performance seeing as how I am in close proximity to the elderly whom I wouldn't want to infect.  However, the shoe was on the other foot.  It was the audience that was suffering from the flu - Putting me at risk for contagion.

Still, the show went on as scheduled for those who could make it.  It was a great show, though I may have shook a few less hands than usual.  And, I will admit that (in order to protect my family) the shower was my first stop upon arriving home.

Full Day Of Music

Today is a full day of music.  I begin the day performing at two retirement facilities and end it up performing and DJing for a Girl Scout father/daughter dance.  So, today you might say that I run the full spectrum of ages.

My prayer is that my van holds out as the gauges have been reading that it is running hot, though the car mechanic found nothing immediately wrong.  I have quite a distance to drive for tonight's job.

My shows today will include 2 traditional classics shows and then one pop/modern music mixing in a bit of Contemporary Christian for the Girl Scout dance (as per request).  Since it's a father/daughter dance, I have selected to play at least one daddy song, such as "Lead Me" from Sanctus Real.

I like it when a client requests Christian because if I can make people smile for awhile, I've fulfilled a dream.  If I can also put a smile on my Savior's face, I have been successful!

This Musician Is Not Meant To Be An Accountant

Being self employed holds many exciting opportunities.  It also, however, creates challenges.  For instance, as a musician my desire is to sit with a cup of Starbucks and pluck away at my guitar hours on end creating music.

I cannot do this while I am also the business end of my name.

My daily work includes making phone calls, booking jobs, writing bills, preparing to teach students, sitting in a small room with students, calling the bank to take care of bounced checks clients have written me, learning computer skills to keep up on emails, iTune downloads and Facebook social networking and then re-learning everything a day later as it rapidly changes.

I would much prefer sitting and creating music with my cup of coffee.  But, houses, food, cars and kids are not free.  I have to also take care of the business end of being self employed.

One day I hope to spend an afternoon, a day, a week or even a month sitting next to an ocean or Great Lake doing nothing but creating, and engaging in worshipful music to my creator.

For now, paying the bills takes priority and steals my joy and time.  Oh how I long for those days of youth where I could sit in the presence of God and pluck away at what I call music.

My New Year in Music

Welcome to 2012. My New Year's Eve, like any professional musician I suppose, consisted of 3 gigs (starting at 2:00 in the afternoon and running into midnight, then 1 gig on New Year's Day). It was an amazing way to ring in the new year, though I did miss time with my family (always a downside).

Some of my goals for 2012 include:

• Playing more gigs
• Expanding my show with new music
• Posting more videos of my performances
• Enjoying life, while paying down debt
• Digging deeper into my spiritual journey as I walk a Christian life

What are your goals?

For information on booking John Scott Musician, visit http://www.johnscottmusician.yolasite.com or email him @ Johnscottmusician@yahoo.com .