Q & A with Matt Kees, President of Christian Music Summit, Inc.
April 29th, 2013Matt Kees, President of Christian Music Summit, Inc. joined KingdomBound.org for a quick Q&A Session recently about the latest news surrounding the upcoming CMS at The Chapel May 2-4, 2013.
KB: Matt, What’s new this year at CMS?
MK: We are doing the Late Night Groove Lounge this year for the first time… it will feature local Buffalo artist, Mick Hayes. Also, we will be doing the Songwriters in the Round for the first time in Buffalo. Some well known folks will each share a song, unplugged.
We have some brand new workshops this year, featuring the Nashville session players who will be backing up Dave Cleveland. John Hammond on drums, Craig Nelson on bass and Jason Webb on keys.
KB: What is the mission of CMS?
MK: Our mission/goal is to provide practical resources and training for Christian artists to improve skill and inspire talent for God’s glory! We do this by putting together world-class teachers at the conferences (there are also conferences in Washington State and Nashville), by publishing Christian Musician and Worship Musician Magazines, by selling great products on WorshipGuitarPlayer.com, and by streaming our events Live and OnDemand at CMSstream.com.
KB: Is the a moment from a CMS that has stuck with you?
MK: At the close of CMS Northwest 2012, the band One Sonic Society was finishing their set… it was the last song of the night, and of the event, for that matter. The moment was so sweet and thick with the power of the Holy Spirit, that when the song faded, there was ABSOLUTE silence in the room of 2,000 people. Not a peep. No one coughed, no one whispered, nothing… complete stillness before the Lord. It was powerful… and the stage was completely black. From the glow of the amp lights and stage gear, I saw Jason Ingram walk back to Paul Mabury and say something to him in his ear… Paul got up from the drum throne, walked to the front mic in darkness and spoke this phrase, emphasizing a different word each time… “Be still and know that I am God.” A few lights lit the stage now. Paul prayed over the crowd… Bruce and I bid farewell to the people, and CMS Northwest 2012 was done. The most powerful moment I can recall during a CMS event.
KB: Kingdom Bound has had the pleasure of working with CMS for the past several years…what does that partnership mean to you?
MK: We are extremely grateful to Kingdom Bound for their partnership with our New York and Nashville events. There’s no way we could do it without them. They bring a strong history of event promotion and an incredible team that supports the vision of the CMS.
Our prayer is that we can continue to move forward to make an impact in the lives of creative people for the sake of Jesus and His kingdom.
KB: What kind of feedback have you received from past CMS Attendees and Presenters?
MK: A TON! Here are a few:
“I’ve earned more in the first morning than I have in years.” – Nashville attendee
“This was far and away the most helpful and practical Christian event I’ve ever attended.” – Jarrod Neufeld
“All classes, organization, flexibility where needed, talent, musicians, entertainment. To me, I could not have been more pleased and will be there next year.” – J. Noonan
And finally…from one of the most talented artists we’ve ever had the opportunity to partner with:
“I have had the privilege to be a part of the Christian Musician Summit conferences over a number of years now, and I can tell you it is an event that both educates and encourages musicians, vocalists, technicians and anyone who desires to improve their skill and having an impact in this world with their God-given talents. The people who have tirelessly put all this together are true servants and amazing human beings that I have come to love and respect. Thank you CMS for all that you’ve done in encouraging us!”~ Phil Keaggy
For more information about workshops and how to register for CMS at The Chapel, click HERE (link to register). for evening concert information, click HERE
