Jeff's offers high caliber performances through songs, stories and more. His original songs dig deep into life, into faith in both humorous and poignant ways. A delightful mix of characters bring to life the stories he tells. And he has a unique way of connecting with an audience, whether it is fifty or five hundred. Some shows are solo, others are works with Ted Swartz from Ted and Company.
But what does he do and how might it fit? Invite Jeff to come for the morning service. Helping a congregation to find a new way to look at a passage. In story, in song, even with a reader's theater. He has an engaging way in connecting with people and helping them to see this journey in a very new way.
Recently, he was called upon for some consulting work with a church that was exploring how to bring laughter and humor into the dialogue of church life. What a great partnership it was in finding ways to make that work for a sermon series.
Then there's The Bell Bottoms, a groovy band of musicians bringing great hits from the 60’s and 70’s.So be in touch, perhaps you have an idea and need some creative help.
If you would, like send an email – jeff@jeffraught.com. Jeff does look at his email daily and you will receive a prompt reply. Hope to hear from you soon. You may also use the form on the contact page. We look forward to hearing from you.
Solo Performances
The Honeycomb
A new show written in 2018. It will combine stories of life and faith and weave them into something we all can relate to. Stories about being a dad, a husband, a son. Moms, Dads, laughter and loss, beginnings and endings. Training wheels, marriage, divorce, dancing, memory loss, Alzheimer’s, funeral homes, beach balls, flying on Ferris Wheels and so much more. He even has the audacity to talk about things like death and grieving and the surprises that come with the passing of friends and family. An honest look at a life filled with laughter and tears, sometimes all at once. Jeff never considers himself just a piano player or musician. He is sort of a ca-boodled mystic, wrapped around a piano in pursuit of telling a story in the best way possible. Crossing paths with those moments in life that we all encounter, but sometimes don’t want to talk about. He finds a way to give us a hook to hang those stories on. Where in the midst of all of this, does our faith land? Do we lose it or perhaps gain a little more.
In The Honeycomb, he is showing us ways to not only store up memories, but not be afraid to take them out and look at them, both the good and the bittersweet.Those moments we savor that are both sticky and sweet. Just like a honeycomb.
The show will run approximately 80-90 minutes.
Water into Wine
...reminds us about transformation. That miraculous change that happens within us and around us. And how sometimes we miss it. Jeff explores the Old and New Testaments with song and story. Some things are just darn funny. Water into Wine uncovers those intersections of life and faith that sometimes trip over each other. The show brings out songs that have their own narrative. Song stories for this show might include, The Lazarus Blues, Get Mary Off The Donkey, He's not just a Regular Joe and the classic Honey and Locusts. There are also questions asked as in Will There Be Enough? Enough what? Exactly. The material is a mixture of Jeff’s solo work and also draws from his collaborations with Ted Swartz of Ted and Company.
Ted and Company
Jeff has been part of the work with Ted Swartz of Ted and Company since 2006. Here's a couple of links of shows they have created together over the years. It's been an extraordinary journey with Ted and has sparked so many songs over this time. Please be in touch if you are interested in booking these shows. It's a marvelous way of telling the gospel stories in such a brand new and unique light. You'll be glad you did and will come away from these shows understanding a perspective that you never thought you had before.
Holy Surprises - https://www.tedandcompany.com/shows/holy-surprises/
The Jesus Stories - https://www.tedandcompany.com/shows/jesus-stories/
Just Give Em' The News - https://www.tedandcompany.com/shows/just-give-em-the-news/
Jehovah's Traveling Trunk - https://www.tedandcompany.com/shows/jehovahs-trunk/
What's So Funny About Money - https://www.tedandcompany.com/shows/whats-so-funny-about-money-2/