Meet Eric Fritts~winner of our "Open Mic Summer Challenge"...his gifts that are sweet and extraordinary. More than likely, he has more, but for now, and that I know of, the Lord has blessed this guy with these abilities: Eric sings, plays guitar, writes songs, kicks his left foot out when emphasising a point, has a great smile and a sweet godly confidence that he is called to speak/sing the Gospel. And I say a hearty "Amen!"A worship leader for Woodside, White Lake, this young man reminds me of Keith Green and I told him so. I wasn't the first (smile). Sit up and take notice, because Eric is going to impact the body of Christ even more than he already has with his music. Mark my words, he is a fighter for the truth. In fact, it would be safe to say that as you listen to Eric and his music, he demands a response with every 6 string strum attack on that guitar of his!
We nearly lost him (by e-mail) and then, voila! on the fourth Tuesday at The District in Gingeville, on Baldwin, one mile north of great Lakes Crossing...he shows up for the final audition night, and bam! he hit us between the eyes with his home-grown music. A new Papa, he and his wife Liz will have some fun raising their daughter, Macie to know, love and serve the Lord they obviously do!
When my fellow judges Pastors Gabriel Carnell & Joseph Milosic and I saw Eric perform on the last night of our auditions, we sat stunned , knowing that the bar had been raised for the competition. My only comment to him that night was, " There is only one thing wrong here, Eric..." he looked up, slightly concerned...I continued..."you don't have a CD yet!" But he will now *see the prizes listed below. I suggested that he do a cover of Steve Taylor's 80's Christian cult classic: On the Fritz, for obvious reasons.
To Eric:
Sing the high praises of God with all your might, my young brother! I am already proud of you. Keep your focus on Him who made you and blessed you with these great gifts! He has much in store for you. Stay humble.
I also tip my hat to all those who came out and performed. There were so many talented people!! We chose 10 finalists to perform on July 11. Then, it was honed down to the (fabulous)four: Ben Salazar, Shannon Johnson, Kristi Kurtz and Eric Fritts.
So, what does Eric Fritts get because he won?
- 10 hours of free studio time from "Under Grace" Studios in Highland
- an on-air stint with me (We did this last Thursday 7/16...Eric was great; the pix above were taken at the WMUZ studios)
- opening act for a National artist (TBA) at the District
We look forward to more "Open Mic Nights" at The District 248.393.5625 www.thedistrictvenue.com the District is an outreach of Mt. Zion in Clarkston 248.391.6166. Visit http://www.mtzion.org/