Andrew Osenga and Christopher Williams talked a lot about community during their show at Acoustic Jeremiah in Canton, Georgia. Both live in the same neighborhood and participate in the same group of friends that meet regularly and talk and pray with each other. They had only played once before this show, but they already had a familiarity and camaraderie with each other. The two artists alternated songs with each other and often played on each other’s songs. Williams alternated between percussion and guitar while Osenga played guitar on all of his songs and some of Williams’ songs, sometimes playing his Gretch electric guitar. I particularly enjoyed watching Andy figure out Williams’ songs as he played them, working out the chords on the guitar and joining in about halfway through the song.

I’m not as familiar with Christopher Williams’ work (though I may have to remedy that soon) so I don’t know what songs he played, but most of his work had a blues and folk sound. One of the most enjoyable songs started with impromptu lyrics about the drive down from Nashville to Atlanta. Osenga played songs from his solo album The Morning and also from his online EP Letters To The Editor in addition to some of his classics from his first solo album Photographs like “High School Band” and “Kara.” “Swing Wide The Shimmering Gates” sounded incredible with percussion and strong vocals by Andy. The two then closed the night out with a blues jam that showed a side of Osenga I hadn’t seen before with blues riffing and some playful fun. These kind of loose, fun shows are a treat to see with two friends interacting with each other instead of some contrived pairing put together by a record label. Neither of the artists had to make a forced speech about God because their lives radiated with His love and mercy.

The concert took place at venue called Acoustic Jeremiah, which takes place in an old church near Lake Alatoona. When we drove to Canton for the show, I thought we were driving into a neighborhood in the middle of nowhere, but soon enough we found ourselves at an old white church which was decorated inside with candles and lights. Very cool. Not only did the place look good, but it sounded great, too. The acoustics for the place were fantastic. If only a great place like this for concerts was closer to home. Hopefully they will have some more great shows there in the future.