Justis Kao

It’s been a long time since I’ve heard him play. I used to think he was pretty damn good. Now he’s just plain sick. Went to his concert today, and I must say, it was one of the best that I’ve ever been to. A quick intro for those who don’t know him; he’s a very talented Christian musician who I know through some of my other friends at church who put on a benefit concert tonight (and again tomorrow). He is truly gifted and blessed in writing music, singing, and playing the piano. I haven’t known him for a very long time, nor do I know him all that well, but he’s the kind of person you can really look up to. He’s obviously brimming with talent and skill, but he’s one of the most humble and down-to-earth people you’ll ever meet.

Evidence of this is the concert. All the proceeds are going to Matthew House, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping refugees from around world get their new lives started here in Canada by helping them find a place to live, job opportunities, etc. The venue was a small studio in the Toronto Centre for the Arts. It was pretty intimate, seating about 200 people. Anyway, the performances were absolutely incredible. His band consisted of an acoustic guitar, an electric guitar, an electric bass, drums, percussion, keyboard, vocals, and of course, himself on piano. Each of them were amazing in their own rights, but put together, they were simply stellar. Each ‘spot’ sorta showcased their talents, and it was a joy to watch and hear. I could go on for a long time just about all the stuff that happened there tonight, but I’ll save you the reading time. And besides, if you really want to know, you should check him out yourself tomorrow night (if there are still tickets left… but I doubt it), or go to his website and d/l his audio clips (they really don’t do him justice though, no pun intended).

It's refreshing to see how God is working in the lives of so many different people from different places, blessing them in the ministry of music, and is able to just bring them together in a relatively short period of time to make such a joyful noise. I was talking one of the guitarists after the show (Bernard, check his website to the right), and he was saying that they had only practised a couple of times, but they clicked so well. It really brings me joy to know that these people are also using their giftes to exalt and praise the Lord. I'm just glad that I was able to attend tonight, and be blessed by Justis, the band, and all the wonderful people that put the show together.