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I was excited to read the excellent article in "The Republic” by Hallie Gallinat about Dale Sechrest doing a Harry Chapin Tribute at the YES Cinema in Columbus on Friday, January 16 starting at 7 p.m. 

Tickets are $25 in advance while $30 at the door. 

Dale is well known in the Hope area due to being a key in providing music at The Cross service at WILLow LeaVes for a period of time, leading the music at Hope United Methodist Church once a month for a while, and now being very involved with music at the Moravian Church. Our friendship started when asking if he might be willing to be a part of HUMC services. Due to several conversations over the years, I have learned quite a bit about Dale's musical journey.

When 13, Dale asked his mom for drums. Instead, he received a guitar for Christmas and will forever be grateful. His musical career started, and it has taken him to some intriguing places while allowing him to meet many interesting people.

Dale has been on several live and recorded radio shows. He even made a dozen appearances on the live and taped television WTTV program out of Indianapolis, The Jim Gerard Show.

In the movie “Breaking Away,” Dale was a background guitar player, and Dennis Quaid inquired about his Ovation 12-string guitar. He had the unique opportunity to play a song for Jim Nabors. While performing at the Ozark Folk Festival, Dale fondly remembers meeting Grandpa Jones and his son. On a TV set, he had a chat with the original Batman, Adam West. Dale has recorded and performed with Jim Ryser, Tim Grimm, Michael Clark, and Troye Kinnett -- who tours with John Mellencamp.

Dale's first CD was released in 1997. The title track, “Speed of Light,” was played on radio stations throughout the Midwest. One station even played the entire CD continuously for six hours.

His second CD in 2006, “Worship,” developed after a couple of people from his church asked him to consider recording music that might assist them in their meditation time.

Dale released “The Journey” album in 2015 which was produced by Michael Clark, a Gold-Record winning producer, at The Lodge Recording Studios in Indianapolis. It was made possible by the encouragement of family and friends aware of his musical gifts and wishing to monetarily support such a project. I, as well as many others, were at Yes Cinema for an inspiring performance by Dale who was accompanied by talented band members.

Several songs on that album have received much attention. “It's All About Love” in 2015 was part of a radio ad by New Song Mission, a safe place in Brown County for children with special needs. “With All My Heart” is currently used by Art of Invitation, a Columbus organization focused on connections and relationships, and it is one of my favorite worship songs. The song “Yeshua” has traveled all over the world, and Dale considers it his testimony in returning to his spiritual roots. In a reflective moment, he discussed how in 2000 he and his son were grieving the unexpected passing of his wife. He kept on thinking of one of their last conversations about how she missed his music. One day, he felt the warmth of the sun again and found light in the darkness and eventually wrote these words: “You've turned my mourning to singing;” “You've changed my night to day;” “You've taken away my sorrow.” Consequently, he started once again performing and pursuing his music journey..

In talking with Dale, I know he is very much looking forward to doing the storytelling songs by Harry while hoping to honor the Grammy Award-winning artist and Grammy Hall of Fame inductee who sold  over 16 million records in the 70s. Interestingly, when sharing with Michael Harding about this event, Mike mentioned how Harry's daughter, Jen Chapin, requested the opportunity to play at the Pixy in Edinburgh several years ago and how he quickly agreed while being impressed with her storytelling songs and performance too. She has continued the WhyHunger nonprofit organization her dad started in 1975 which eventually led to him receiving the Congressional Gold Medal posthumously in 1987.

Dale knows I very much enjoy storytelling songs and have written and recorded a few with the assistance of locally talented Avery Tallent and Ben Cleland. On Friday, Dale will also be joined by talented musicians: Tony Garrison, Mark Fisher, and Grover Parido. I asked Dale if he might consider including one of my favorite storytelling songs he wrote, “Harry and Sandy.” He indicated it could be a possibility. No matter what Dale decides, I will be attending and will enjoy the evening immensely. I would encourage you to attend this Harry Chapin Tribute while knowing it will be very special.

For more information about Dale's songs, you can refer to www.dalesechrest.com. His music has been described as Singer/Songwriter Americana and Faith-Based Americana.