Vacation, Summer Tour, and Nashville (Click this icon to Subscribe)

Hey Everyone.

After nearly four full weeks spent away from home, it's great to be back to relax a little before our next brief round of shows.

First, I spent a week with my family in FL. Every year my aunt and uncle rent a beach house in Melbourne, not too far away from Cape Canaveral. And for the past two years, my family tagged along. There were a lot of highlights from the trip, including visits to the Brevard Zoo, the Kennedy Space Center, and SeaWorld. Some of my pictures are up on my Facebook Page. (www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.470904296262547.114684.272167589469553&type=3) I might put some more up soon... maybe.

After vacation ended, I was home for two days, then began Full Armor's 3-week long summer tour. The first stop was at my home parish, where we lost power twice in one song, and managed to end our show during a massive downpour. Thanks to all those who helped us rush our gear back into our trailer, by the way. That same week, we played shows in Binghamton NY, Westfield MA, and Deep River CT.
The following week of the tour was full of highlights. Starting with the Light the Fire Youth Rally with all of our friends in the Scranton PA area. It was our third year out there, and has quickly become our favorite gig of the year. The following day, we played a retreat at St. Faustina church in Nanticoke PA with many of the LTF people. Alter this, we had a couple days off before our next show, during which we stayed in a motel that would qualify as a 1/2-star if such a rating existed (don't ask), and ate at a Quaker Steak and Lube with some of the spiciest wings in the world. See this video for that highlight in detail. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vO2QUpvxp4)
The final show of the tour was another favorite in my book. We returned to Swanton OH for a second year in a row with our friend Sarah Hart. It's always a pleasure to perform alongside a singer-songwriter I truly admire. I encourage you to please give Sarah Hart's music a listen and show her some love. (www.sarahhartmusic.com)

After Ohio, we drove down to Nashville for a couple days to record some new songs and to do a photoshoot. During this trip, we also managed to see the Wooten brothers perform, one of Nashville's finest jazz/variety groups. And I got to play some instruments I've never even heard of before, like a Mandocello, a Bass Banjo, a Banjello (banjo-cello), a Harmonium, a Baritone guitar, among others. If you're ever in Nashville, go to any music store. You will likely see these odd instruments and others hanging on the walls.

And now I'm home, working on getting the new solo EP out there by this time next month. Until then, here are some upcoming shows...

8/4-- Villa of Our Lady Retreat House, Mount Pocono, PA

8/17-- First United Methodist Church, Herkimer, NY

8/18-- TBA, Vanhornsville, NY

9/8-- CoyoteRidge Music, West Milford, NJ (SOLO) (See www.coyoteridgemusic.com for more info.)

See you all on the road!!!

Peace and Love,
--Kyle

posted by Kyle Hancharick on 07/31/2012

Taking a break, new singles, SHOW ON FRIDAY!!! (Click this icon to Subscribe)

Hello and Happy Spring!!!!

So Full Armor is taking a break for the rest of March and April. This, after a very busy February and March (Buffalo, Rochester, Binghamton, Newburgh, Hazelton PA, Somerville NJ, and a lot of writing and recording) is much needed. We're due back together in May for a show at Holy Trinity Church in Mamaroneck NY.

But it doesn't mean nothing's going on with us. This week, we announced the release of our newest single, "Come to the Altar." The song was written last summer by Douglas and myself. It's about the spirit of acceptance that is present in the church, and how ALL are welcome here!!!!

It's available exclusively on iTunes. (http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/come-to-altar-single-single/id512001185)

PLEASE BUY AND SUPPORT!!! All proceeds will go towards recording our new album.

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As for me, I have my own projects to be worked on.

Earlier this month, I released a new single called "I Wanna Rise." The song is about some of the distortions in modern society that can lead to violence and hatred. When released, it was submitted to the FAN FAVES chart, where it peaked at #9. It has since dropped down a bit, and is now at #16. Still, the response has been amazing, and it continues to amaze me when I find out more about how the song's doing. Currently, on the Top Songs chart, "I Wanna Rise" is #3 out of 100 songs in the Acoustic/Folk category this month... #16 in all genres. The song is also getting airplay on Indieheaven Radio.

So I need your continuing support. The song stays on FAN FAVES until March 31st. Please listen to it, rate it, buy it, and tell me what you think. The song is available on my profile
.
"I Wanna Rise" is going to be a part of a solo EP I'm currently working on. I expect to be finished recording the album by the end of this month, and I'm hoping for an early May release.

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With all that said, here are a few of our upcoming shows. See you on the road.

3/23 The Huntsman, West Milford NJ
5/6 Most Holy Trinity Church, Mamaroneck NY
5/18 TBD, San Diego CA
5/20, Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Fresno CA

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For more info, visit www.kylehancharick.com

Peace and Love,
--Kyle

posted by Kyle Hancharick on 03/22/2012

Christmas Cheer for All Year-Round (Click this icon to Subscribe)

Christmas Day may be over, but that doesn't mean the Christmas spirit should end on December 26th. This year, there should not be 1 day of Christmas, not 12, not 25, but 366 (2012 is a leap year).

It's about a lot more than just giving and/or receiving presents (emphasis on OR), or getting the best shopping deal. It's not even all about the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. (say WHAAAAT?)

The Christmas season tends to bring out the best in people. There's a certain something in the air that most people can't put their finger on, myself included, that just makes you feel better about everything. Maybe it's the briskness in the air as winter approaches. Maybe it's just easier to pick up good vibes from others as that all-important holiday draws near. Or maybe it's just the Christmas decorations around town. I really don't know. But something brings out all the good in even the biggest Grinch or Scrooge. Something warms your heart every time you see the smiles on your life's "Tiny Tim" or "Cindy-Lou Who." Something about Christmastime makes you want to be a better person.

Take shopping, for example. It may sound like a bad example, but look deeper...

The "stereotype" of the holiday season is that everybody's rushing around, filling up all their extra time shopping for gifts. Just look around any Wal-Mart, Target, Toys-R-Us, Best Buy, etc., and you'll see her. A clearly stressed-out mom looking for a new doll for her daughter, a remote-controlled race-car for her son, a big-screen TV for her husband, an iPad for her nephew, an iPhone for her niece, a "whatisthat" for "whatshisface," continually crossing off toys, gadgets, and names on a list that goes down to her knees. For many between Black Friday and Christmas, this is the life.

Now it's way too easy to look at this and see the commercialism and selfish materialism that the holidays have seemingly come to represent. It's easy to see it on TV as well. From the latest smartphones with all those cool features, to the cars with the giant bows on top. But I challenge you to look a bit deeper into the motives. They're doing a lot of this shopping for OTHERS, usually not for themselves.

For example, my mother does a lot of Christmas shopping every year, but if you were to be behind her on line at Kohl's and ask her which of the gifts were for herself, she might point out 2 or 3 small things. This is more common than you'd think.

But is goes even deeper than that. Look at the presents I gave my family this year. I didn't give my dad the new Paul Simon CD because he asked me for it. I got it because I know he likes Paul Simon and would listen to it. I didn't get my mom a tripod because she asked for it. I got it for her because she uses her camera for work, and I knew she would use it. We didn't get my sister her own guitar because she asked us for it. We got it because she likes to play, and knew she'd want one she could call her own.

That stressed-out mom at the store may not be rushing around and buying all those gifts for people who have asked for them. The truth is, many people buy gifts for others based on their interests or their character, and something tells them that they would want it. They don't have to do it, but they do it anyway because they love them. Maybe next year, look for those people at the mall and see THAT part of it, and perhaps you'll get a bigger picture of the shopping season.

This is just one description of the magic of Christmastime (albeit a lengthy one). The magic is everywhere. Sometimes it's easy to see, but other times you have to look deeper to see it, as in the shopping example. It stretches from that selfless gift-giving disguised as selfish materialism, to stopping to drop a dollar into the kettle as you walk down the street, and of course, to the birth of Jesus.

The Christmas spirit is a valuable treasure, but it doesn't have to be opened along with the lights, ornaments, candles, and stockings from your attic the friday after Thanksgiving, and then closed up and stowed away the day after Christmas. Sure, the decorations can go back, but there's no reason why the cheer should go with it.

It's easy to wake up tomorrow, and forget that Christmas was three days ago. But this year, resolve to keep that spirit going all year-round. Help the poor. Buy gifts for someone other than on their birthday. Use your imagination. Even simply walking around with a smile can be enough to spread that cheer. And who knows, maybe someday, that little extra something in the air will stay there after the holidays are through. Soon every day will be like Christmas, good cheer will radiate from everyone, and the world will come out being a happier and better place. I know it's a long shot, but don't be afraid to dream.

May God bless you, and I hope you had a Merry Christmas!!!

--Kyle

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posted by Kyle Hancharick on 12/29/2011

Political games gone too far. (Click this icon to Subscribe)

A brief disclaimer...
I'll just come right out and say it... I am a Liberal Democrat. I have nothing against Republicans or Conservatives, and I have no reason to put my political views in the way of the relationship of any Republican I know. This issue just got too far under my skin to ignore...

This past weekend, Hurricane Irene tore through the east coast. My home, Warwick, NY, was hit hard. No major damage was done to my house, but many weren't so lucky. Much of downtown Warwick was under at least 6 inches of water Sunday morning. Roads were washed out, bridges collapsed, and trees were knocked down. The Scenic Farms golf course in Pine Island is completely underwater, as is much of the Back Dirt region, and it will stay that way for quite some time. Though water levels have gone down, it'll take more than a while for Wawayanda Creek and the Wallkill River to return to it's normal levels.

But the damage to Warwick is tame compared to the damage in some other places. Some are still without power. Others are in temporary housing. Many cannot get the medical treatment they need. Altogether, over 30 lives were lost, including 1 here in Orange County, and the financial toll for the State of NY alone is estimated at over $1 Billion.

In summary... we need help!

However, some lawmakers in DC are trying to score political points off this crisis. Our local congresswoman, Rep. Nan Hayworth, along with many other Republican politicians, has stated that they plan to withhold relief money to affected areas unless the money comes out of budget cuts.
I know they won't hear this, and if they do they won't listen, but I'm gonna say it anyway... STOP THIS! These lawmakers have been trying to do nothing but score points for the longest time, but it has to stop NOW. This is a NATURAL DISASTER. At least 35 people were killed, and many more are without power, running water, and some don't even have a roof over their head tonight.

If we can't get the money we need from the government, where else can we get it? Charity is always good, but with a bill like this, it'll barely make a dent. Let's be honest, when is the last time a charity has EVER made anywhere near a billion dollars in a matter of weeks? We can't get the money from FEMA. They're nearly broke. They have about $800 million left, and Irene's price tag is over $7 billion. State governments can help a bit more, but NY is ALSO broke!!! They can't really do much until they get FEDERAL aid.

I loved it when Hayworth described her plan as the equivalent to a family sacrificing their vacation so they can pay their bills. Well how about the family who may have to drain their whole life savings to rebuild their home? What about the small towns who are struggling as it is to keep their roads and buildings up to standards, and suddenly finding themselves having to drain their public works budget to rebuild them? We are still trying to recover from a recession, and many places still don't have enough of what they need.

It's the government's job not just to make laws, but to provide for the people they govern. If they try to withhold their assistance in ANY way, shape, or form, then they are not doing their job correctly. But politics has become a game, all about who can score the most political points or who can get the most votes. They're after power, and in many cases, money. And Jesus did not speak too highly about the rich and powerful. (Mark 10:25)

So tonight, please pray for those who have been affected by this disaster, that they will get the assistance they need. I doubt that a family who lost their home will really care if the relief money comes out of our nation's debt.


They need help, and they need it NOW!

posted by Kyle Hancharick on 09/01/2011

Thoughts on Westboro Baptist Church (Click this icon to Subscribe)

About a month ago, I found a Facebook page that caught my eye. It was a group page in supporting a petition to "make it a crime to protest at military funerals." I'm always interested in pages that seem to have a political message. So I clicked on the link, not expecting what I actually saw.

It is a group against the many protests of the "Westboro Baptist Church." Before this, I had never heard of them, so I decided to do a little research. First of all, the Facebook page talks about a single instance where protesters from the church picketed outside of the funeral of a former soldier, saying, as one example "Thank God for Dead Soldiers." I begin to think that these are people who are a little out of their minds. But I decided to look a bit further. I did a Google search on the church, and came across their website. And I know what I'm talking about when I say... these guys are a full-fledged HATE group.

My first red flag was when I saw the domain name on their homepage... godhatesf**s.com. Followed by the upside-down American flag at the corner of the domain. Followed by the picket signs being held up in the pictures that say "God Hates F**s," "God Hates America," "God Hates Jews," and so on. Upon reading further, I have realized that they are not "Baptist," and they are most certainly not a "church."

It is very un-Christian to be this hateful towards people. There are so many biblical passages about how much God loves his children. This group has neglected these by saying they are the only ones who will go to Heaven because they are "spreading God's hate." God does not hate. And there isn't a single verse in the Bible that says he does. I'll admit there are passages that talk about God's "anger," but "anger" and "hate" are two different things, no matter what anyone tells you. Parents, you can get "angry" with your child when he does something wrong, but you still love him with all your heart. How can a mother hate her child? In the same way, how can God hate his own creations? These guys have not recognized this.

Despite all the hate that is coming from the WBC, we cannot hate them back. I don't believe God hates them, and therefore, we can't hate them. Jesus told us to love our enemies, bless those who curse us, and do good to those who hate us. This is our calling. It's not a very pleasing calling, but it is our calling. Being nice to those who are mean is not an easy thing to do.

I have found that there is one easy way to do good to these people, and that is to pray for them. So say a prayer for people like the congregation of the WBC. They need prayer more than anybody I know. Pray that their hate may cease and that they realize that God loves the people that he created in his own image, no matter what they have done. His mercies are always new, and He can take your scarlet-red soul, and make it as white as snow, by the blood of Jesus. I have faith in Jesus' name that even these people can turn from their own ways, and follow God's path. God's real path. A path of love.



"Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned." (Luke 6:37 NASB)


Read more: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=388402141&blogId=535819347#ixzz12ReR2UCx

posted by Kyle Hancharick on 10/15/2010