Cafe Forte

Since one of the main purposes of what I hope to do in Nashville focuses on encouragement, I went to check out a group of kindred spirits who came highly recommended to me. Cafe Forte is an organization with the purpose of encouraging and edifying songwriters who are Christian and believers working in the music industry. The leaders of Cafe Forte, Jeremy and Kenya Whaley, Julie Branham and Irene Kelly, are dedicated to the goal of supporting each other in artistry with an emphasis on building relationships. More than just a musician showcase, its weekly programs feature such things as industry professionals sharing their experience or songwriters sharing the craft behind the song.

Cafe Forte celebrated its first anniversary this month with a lovely dedication ceremony and some great worship music. You can certainly sense something exciting and fresh taking place, and the deep love and caring that the artists and other attendees have for one another. I was very warmly welcomed and perhaps I'll be able to offer them some of what I do in the way of encouragement in the near future.

Cafe Forte meets every Monday from 7-9 p.m. at Edgehill Studios Cafe, 1201 Villa Place, in Nashville near Music Row.